FRENCH BULLDOG

History It is generally accepted that the French Bulldog was developed in France, using the Miniature or Toy Bulldogs brought over from England by English lace workers. What specific breeds were crossed on the English dogs is not known, but they did introduce the "bat ear", which is not a characteris-tic of the English Bulldogs. The French Bulldog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1965. General Appearance and Characteristics The French Bulldog's appearance is that of an active, intelligent, muscular dog. It has a small to medium structure, is compactly built, has heavy bone and a smooth coat. When comparing specimens of different sexes, allowance is to be given to bitches, which do not bear the breed characteristics to the same marked degree as dogs. All points are well balanced, and never exaggerated, so that no dog ever appears deformed or poorly proportioned. Typical to the breed are its distinctive "bat ears." The French Bulldog breed has two varieties, determined by weight, the Lightweight and the Heavyweight. (Note: U.K.C. classes are not divided by color.) Head and Skull The head is large and square. The top of the skull is flat between the ears. The forehead is slightly rounded, not flat. The stop is well defined, causing a hollow, or groove, between the eyes. The muzzle is broad, deep and well laid back. Cheek muscles are well developed. The thick, broad flews hang over the lower jaw at the sides and meet the underlip in front, covering the teeth. The flews are black, except in a lighter colored dog, where lighter colored flews are acceptable. The deep, square, broad underjaw is under-shot and well turned up. TEETH - When the mouth is closed, the teeth are not seen. A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in an undershot bite. EYES - The round, dark eyes are wide apart and set low down in the skull, as far from the ears as possible. They are moderate in size. Neither the white of the eyes nor the haw shows when the dog is looking forward. Sunken or bulging eyes are not acceptable. NOSE - The extremely short nose has broad nostrils, with a well defined line between them. Nose pigment is black, except in lighter colored dogs, where a lighter colored nose is acceptable. EARS - The breed typical "bat ears" are broad at the base, with a round top. The elongated ears are set high on the head, but not too close together, and are carried erect with the orifice to the front. The ear leather is fine and soft. Neck The thick, well-arched neck has loose skin at the throat. Forequarters FORELEGS - The short, stout, straight, muscular forelegs are set wide apart. Body The short body is well rounded. The back is roached, with a slight fall close behind the shoulders. The backline is short and broad at the shoulders and narrows at the loins. The broad, full, deep chest is well ribbed up. The belly is tucked up. Hindquarters HIND LEGS - The strong, muscular hind legs are longer than the forelegs, causing the loins to be elevated above the shoulders. The hocks are well let down. Feet The compact, firmly set feet are moderate in size. The compact toes are well split up and have high knuckles. The nails are stubby. The hind feet are slightly longer than the forefeet. Tail The short tail is thick at the root and has a fine tip. It is hung low, and carried low in repose. It may be either straight or screwed, but not curly. Coat The moderately fine, brilliant coat is short and smooth. The loose, soft skin is especially so at the head and shoulders, where it forms wrinkles. Color The acceptable colors include: all brindles; fawn; white; brindle and white; and any other color that does not constitute a disqualification. Weight The French Bulldog breed has two varieties, determined by weight: Lightweight - Under, but not including, 22 pounds. Heavyweight - 22 pounds up to, and including, 28 pounds. Disqualifications Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Over 28 pounds in weight. Eyes of different colors. The following coat colors are disqualifications: black and white; black and tan; liver; mouse; solid black. True black has no trace of brindle. Albinism. Nose color other than black, except in lighter colored dogs where a lighter colored nose is acceptable. Any mutilation. Other than bat ears.