Qualifications of English Bulldog Show Dogs

The English Bulldog represents strength to many as evidenced by its use as a mascot for the United States Marine Corps, 39 U.S. universities, the New York City Fire Department and hundreds of sports teams throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Yet this fan loyalty does not equate to the standards set for bulldogs headed for the show ring. Rather, breeding clubs in America and England have stringent requirements that at times are hotly debated when up for review.

  1. Head

    • The head of an English Bulldog is highly scrutinized in the show arena.

      Perhaps one of the English bulldog's most important physical features, the head is evaluated in nine aspects in dog shows. It is worth 39 of 100 points when being judged. The circumference of the skull is to equal how tall the dog is at its shoulders. Eyes are best located as far from the ears as possible. The ears should be small and thin and resemble a rose in that the ear fold is at its back lower edge with the upper front edge covering over. The nose should be large, broad and black. An English Bulldog with a brown nose is not qualified to be exhibited in professional dog shows.

    Body

    • The body of an English Bulldog should be compact.

      The body of a quality English bulldog is broad and stocky, especially across the dog's shoulders. Well-rounded ribs and a deep, full chest are most desirable. The dog's body should be stocky enough to make the animal appear to have short legs. A short yet straight back that is broader at the shoulders and tapering to a more narrow point at the hind legs is preferred. A straight tail that is short with a narrow tip at the end scores well with judges.

    Coat Color

    • Brindle coloring is favored for English bulldogs.

      A smooth coat is required for an English bulldog to be shown. According to the qualifications listed on the American Kennel Club website, "the color of coat should be uniform, pure of its kind and brilliant." Currently the red brindle is the first choice of color, followed by all other brindles. A brindle coloring is where in which one dominant color is the base color and other colors are mixed in to that solid color either in a stripe or swirled pattern. Solid white is the next most desirable coloring for English bulldogs being shown. Other solid colors such as red, fawn or fallow are next in line. The piebald coloring, which is a nonsymmetrical random white with various patches of other colors, is the least desirable. Yet, if its colors are well-defined, a dog of this coloring has an advantage over a dog with muddy brindle coloring.

    Temperament

    • Loyalty is a desirable trait among English bulldogs.

      Several centuries ago English bulldogs were bred to defend territory; the were also used for dog fighting and bull baiting. At that time, they displayed a less-than-loving demeanor. Today's English bulldogs are no longer aggressive or vicious but are expected to be alert and loyal, to appear courageous, and to remain dignified and calm. English bulldogs being shown are expected to be obedient; thus it is necessary for owners to begin obedience, gait and agility training when a puppy reaches six months of age.