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Breeds

Shorty Bull

Shorty Bull

The Shortybull is a new line of bulldogs who are being bred in the miniature size. Unlike a lot of other bully breeds bred down in size, the Shortybull does not contain Boston Terrier or Pug in it’s lines. These dogs are being bred for their working ability and physical traits and not solely on looks.

The Shortybull was founded in a rural Kansas community by Amy Krogman and co-founder Jamie Sweet. Great care was taken to ensure this breed was not a “mini” of any other breed, but was very much a breed of its own with a unique appearance and temperament, unrivaled by other small bull breeds.

The vision/goal was to develop a healthy, functional small breed of dog that had a stable temperament all wrapped up in the classic bulldog look. In keeping with the vision to create a true bulldog, Boston Terriers and Pugs were avoided in the development of the Shortybull. Each breed used in the composite of the Shortybull was chosen for a specific trait such as size, structure, temperament, health, and ability. After years of extensive research into the many breeds that carried traits which were needed and desired in order to develop the Shortybull, and which became the cornerstones of the breed, the Shortybull was finally born.

Strong consideration was also given to ensuring this breed would be capable of unassisted breeding and ease of whelping with excellent mothering ability. Knowing that most bulldogs today have numerous health issues, strong emphasis given in order to developing a dog that would leave the health problems of the bully breeds behind. Creating a dog that is healthier also moved in the direction of function and ability. Your Shortybull will have the capacity to enjoy an active lifestyle, from playing fetch in the yard to becoming a companion on a run as this breed is not only willing, but capable of much activity. They participate happily at such events as rally obedience and agility competitions.

Although small, they are defiantly not delicate and thrive in any lifestyle so be prepared to enjoy many healthy, active years with your Shortybull. Once you meet one you will be a lifelong fan. It was a long journey and many years of careful breeding and documentation to bring the blueprint of a solid, all around healthy bulldog, in a fun size package, to life but the journey was a worth the results. Only after all the groundwork was laid and the theory was well tested was the Shortybull introduced to the public, and they quickly developed a large and loyal following worldwide.

The future of the Shortybull seems limitless. Through careful breeding, continued education, and development of quality programs, the Shortybull, from inception, has stood the test of time and continues to be all that was envisioned.

Breed Standard

ORIGIN: North America

Height

A dog should be no more than 15″ at the wither. The preferred height for males is 14″, and females slightly smaller but not limited to 13″. The height of the dog should lend itself to the impression of the dog being short, as indicated in the name of the breed -Shortybull, but the dog should not be dwarfish with a full large body.

Weight

A dog can weigh up to, but not greater than, 40 pounds. The preferred weight range will be 30 – 34 pounds for males, and 28 – 32 pounds for females. There is no minimum weight for the breed. The maximum weight range should be considered a strong measuring tool of the breed.

Head

The dog should have a round head with typical bulldog features. The eyes should be set far apart but should not protrude. A relatively pronounced stop is desired and fullness to the face and head lending to a “heavy” appearance of the head is in keeping with the standard. The overall shape of the head may be rounded to squared. The focus is the overall appearance of the head and features. The head should join well to the neck and shoulders and not have the appearance of distinct differences at the joining points. The illusion of being “sculpted” is desired.

Jaw

The jaw should be curved, not straight.

Nose

The nose may be turned up slightly and may be black, liver, or any color that is in keeping of the coat color of the dog. Dudley noses are a cosmetic fault. There are no nose colors that alone will be considered a disqualifying fault.

Bite

The bite should be undershot slightly. An extreme under bite with exposed lower canines is a fault. The tongue should be capable of staying within the oral region and should not hang or protrude to a degree that it is a noticeable feature. Although undershot to reverse scissor bite is preferred, an even or correct bite should not be considered a true fault nor a disqualifying trai,t as long as the presentation of this bite does not take away from the traits of the head described in this standard.

Eyes

The eyes may be any color, with brown or amber being preferred. Dogs carrying a coat color that results in a skin and or coat lacking pigment may present with blue eyes or a single blue eye. This will not be a fault if it is in keeping with the skin and or coat color (i.e. white coat with pink skin around the eyes). Faults to the eyes will be Cherry eye, entropion, distinctly cloudy eye,s or obvious presence of panes of the eyes. No dog should be shown with either of the first two listed conditions.

Ears

Cropped or drop are the only acceptable ear presentations (rose or erect ears are a major fault and dogs should not be presented for judging toward breed standing if this is the present set of the ears). Surgical and or manual manipulation of the ear set is acceptable, but handlers should avoid showing the dog while healing from or being manipulated. Ears should be set wide to the sides of the head and should not be set high on top of head nor low and “houndy” off the sides of the dome of the skull.

Body

The body should be short from the back of the neck to the tail. The chest should be broad for height and have depth reaching to the elbow. A compact look is desired. Slightly longer torsos, especially on females of breeding age, while not the most desired look, do remain an acceptable presentation, unless it causes the dog to appear “long”. They should be well balanced in width and body length. They should have nice barrel of the torso and be well-sprung in the ribs. They should be surprisingly dense and heavy for the size of the dog. The impression should be of a solid dog with thick muscle and great strength for its size. A large dog in a small sack is the desired presentation. No matter the body type it should not affect the overall movement and flow of the dog in motion.

Movement & Gait

The dog should strike out with good reaching extension of the front legs, and powering strongly with the rear. Full range of motion in movement is preferred. The dog should not lumber or roll but display a smooth even gait, free of hopping, dragging, or shuffling/crossing of legs and feet when in motion. The dog should not appear to float as they are heavy of body and possess strength in motion, but the dog should not pound. The correct movement should lift and glide with strength and flow. Any gait that is labored, out of sync, or uneven left to right, or front to back should be considered a fault. Obvious malfunction of joints such as poor function of the hips, elbows, knees (i.e. luxation of the patella) is a strong fault and should be taken into great consideration when evaluating the dog.

Width

Front quarters and hindquarters should be proportionate. The chest may be slightly broader than the rear, but very narrow hindquarters are a fault.

Shoulders & Rumps

The dog should be well rounded and well muscled, lending to an appearance of strength. There should be a sturdiness to the stance and be well squared. There may be a slight rise over the loins but should not be roached, swayed or wheel backed. These will be considered a fault.

Legs

The legs should be heavy boned and in direct proportion to the body. Long legs in proportion to the body or fine bones are a fault. Cow hocked or pigeon toed is a fault as are down pasterns.

Feet

Tight feet and straight pasterns preferred. Splayed feet are a fault. Any color of toes/toenails is acceptable. It is preferred to leave the dewclaws but it will not be considered a fault if they are removed.

Tail

The tail must be short; either natural bob, docked, or screwed are all acceptable in the breed. The tail should be no more than one sixth the distance to the hocks. With the shorter “bobbed” appearance being the most desirable. If surgical docking is mandated, the recommended length will be three (3) vertebrae.

Color

All coat colors are acceptable except merle or black and tan. There will be no preference in judging given to solid vs Pied or spotted coat coloration as either type is acceptable.

Temperament

The dog should be good natured and even-tempered. Extreme shyness or undue aggression is unacceptable. They should be confident, gregarious, and project an impression of ownership of all that is around them. They should have the ability to easily cohabitate with other pets, and enjoy being around children in keeping with the bull breeds they are a derivative of. There should be loyalty to family and pack and have a great desire to be with their people. Their size does not lend to them being a successful guardian, but neither should they should be yappy or flighty. Willingness to stand their ground makes them a true bulldog. Being alert and watchful, with the ability to notify family of the arrival of strangers or other things out of the “norm” is without question a part of this breed. A bigger than life attitude while endearing may find them in need of rescue from larger dominate counterparts. Proper socialization is important to ensure they establish a hierarchy in keeping with their size and ability. Obedience training is recommended with this or any breed. They are quick learners but will show a stubborn streak if your training lacks consistency or resolve.

Categories
Breeds

Olde English Bulldogge

Olde English Bulldogge

The Olde English Bulldogge was an attempt to recreate the “Regency Period Bull Baiter” and was developed in the early 1970s by David Leavitt, of Coatesville, PA. Mr. Leavitt began his project in 1971 utilizing the cattle line breeding scheme of Dr. Fechimer from Ohio State University.The goal was to create a dog with the look, health, and athleticism of the original bull-baiting dogs, but with a much less aggressive temperament. The foundation crosses consisted of ½ English Bulldog, and the other half Bullmastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier, and American Bulldog. After many planned crosses, the Olde English Bulldogge emerged and began to breed true.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The Olde English Bulldogge is a muscular, medium sized dog of great strength, and possessed of fluid, agile movement. He is well balanced and proportioned, while appearing capable of performing without any breathing restrictions in either heat or in cold. Serious Faults: Excessive wrinkle, lack of pigment around eyes, nose or mouth.

The skull is large and well-proportioned to the dog’s muscular body and prominent shoulders. There is a defined furrow between the eyes (from the stop to the occiput). Narrow skull and domed forehead are faults. The muzzle is square, wide and deep. Bite is undershot or reverse scissors. Lower jawbone is moderately curved from front to back. Nostrils are wide, with a line running vertically between nostrils from the tip of nose down to the bottom of the upper lip. Nose is large and broad in relationship to the width of the muzzle. Nose color is black. Eyes are medium in size and almond shaped, dark to light brown, with black pigmented eye rims. They are set wide and low, level with the top of the muzzle. Ears are small, rose, button or tulip. Rose is preferred. They are set high, wide and to the back outer edge of the skull. The neck is medium length, wide, and slightly arched. The body is sturdy, powerful and slightly rectangular when viewed from the side. Chest is wide and deep. Hind legs are well muscled and have the appearance of being slightly longer than the forelegs. The hind legs should be straight, parallel and set apart. Accepted color patterns include brindle, and solid colors, with or without white. Dogs should be 60 to 80 pounds, and 17 to 20 inches at the withers, while bitches should be 50 to 70 pounds, and 16 to 19 inches at the withers

TEMPERAMENT AND CHARACTER

The Olde English Bulldogge is a “thinking” breed. Their intelligence is readily demonstrated by their problem solving ability and their adaptability. They are extremely sensitive dogs who bond closely with their owners and family. The Olde English Bulldogge is generally kind and peaceful with its family and friends, often extending the family circle to include other household pets as well as people. Many of these dogs have been raised with cats and it is not unusual to see them playing together around the house or in the yard, or to see cats in the kennel. Olde English Bulldogges can be territorial and should be introduced to other dogs with care. Again, many of these dogs have been raised with other dogs and carefully supervised. There is a certain degree of same-sex aggression, but training and careful supervision may help to overcome this behavior. Neutering of non- breeding animals is highly recommended after the dogs first year. In most cases, it will reduce tensions and aggression. In general, Olde English Bulldogges are highly social animals who enjoy good company in any form.

The Olde English Bulldogge is generally very accepting of strangers. In fact, they can be very outgoing and friendly. However, their friendliness is the result of their profound intelligence and their absolute confidence. In other words, while they might appear gentle and friendly, they are not indiscriminately submissive. Olde English Bulldogges are, above all, “thinking dogs” that can and will form their own perspectives of people, their environment, and situations.

Although the Olde English Bulldogge is instinctively protective, some dogs mature slowly and may not exhibit this trait until around 1 ½ to 2 years of age. The OEB is very receptive to many types of training, provided the individual Bulldogge selected for such work is outgoing, stable, confident, and the training methods employed are positive. A Bulldogge lacking confidence or harshly trained will not be reliable under pressure or capable of good judgment in all situations.

Olde English Bulldogges are generally very willing to please their owners and learn readily as a result. They can however, be stubborn about simple things like going into their kennel for the day when they would prefer to be taken along in the car. They are, after all, “thinking dogs” and they sometimes exercise this intelligence at inconvenient times. Their intelligence, sensitivity, and desire to please, combine to make them very trainable dogs. But all training should be undertaken from a positive and motivational perspective. The Olde English Bulldogge does not respond well to harsh correction or compulsion and such measures will not bring about reliable results.

The bull breeds are generally excellent with children and the OEB is no exception. They are often at their very best with children, as their intelligence, sensitivity, desire to please, and astonishing capacity for play make them excellent companions for children. Their natural protectiveness is also an asset for a family pet. As with ANY dog, young children should be supervised when playing with an Olde English Bulldogge, while the dogs are acutely aware of their size and strength, these powerful animals can easily frighten a small child if the game gets too lively. Most often, the dogs demonstrate a natural ability to adapt their games to the child’s size and strength. Fetching games and play involving simple obedience commands given by the child are excellent ways to build a rapport between child and dog.

Breed Standard

Bulldogs were created for the English sport of bull baiting, which was widely practiced from 1100 till 1835, when it was made illegal. Once his work was outlawed the Bulldog rapidly started disappearing. In the 1860’s the breed was revived as a conformation show dog. The Bulldog has been made progressively more extreme through selective breeding until his health and life span have been severely compromised. He is a far different dog than his healthy, agile ancestor. In 1971 David Leavitt started his project of breeding back to a dog with the appearance of the Regency period Bulldog. He named the breed Olde English Bulldogge (OEB) to clearly differentiate it from the modern English Bulldog. Leavitt used a line breeding scheme developed by Dr. Fechimer of Ohio State, to rapidly achieve a pure bred dog. Today’s Olde English Bulldogge matches the looks of the bull baiting dog. They are first and foremost excellent family companions while also possessing the drive, temperament and agility to perform in numerous working venues.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The Olde English Bulldogge is a muscular, medium sized dog of great strength, stability and athleticism. He is well balanced and proportioned, with no feature exaggerated or standing out. He has the appearance of a dog capable of doing his original job, bull baiting.

*Excessive height would have been detrimental for the old working Bulldog because he had to “play low” to avoid the bull’s horns and fasten onto his nose.

*A heavy weight dog would have also been at a disadvantage because the bull’s nose would have been more likely to rip, sending the dog flying.

CHARACTERISITCS

The disposition of the Olde English Bulldogge is confident, courageous and alert. OEB’s are very friendly and loving. They are extremely strong and occasionally display same sex dog aggression, so socialization and obedience training are important. It is best to channel high energy individuals to some type of work and exercise. While a watchful nature may be expected at home, human aggression without provocation is a disqualifying fault.

Fault: Shyness in a mature dog.

HEAD

The Olde English Bulldogge head is prominent and dramatic. The circumference of the head is at least equal to the dog’s height at the withers. The cheeks are large, well developed and display powerful jaw muscles. A slightly wrinkled forehead is acceptable.

SKULL – The skull is large but well proportioned to the dog’s muscular body and prominent shoulders. There is a crease from the stop to the occiput.

Serious Faults: Narrow skull; domed forehead.

MUZZLE – The muzzle is square, wide and deep, with definite layback. Distance from the tip of the nose to the stop does not exceed one-third of the distance from the tip of the nose to the occiput. Height of the muzzle, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the muzzle, is equal to or greater than the length of the muzzle, thus producing the deep square muzzle. There is slight to moderate wrinkle on the muzzle. Flews are semi pendulous. The bite is undershot and horizontally straight. Underbite is ¾” or less. Lower jawbone is moderately curved from front to back.

Faults: A slightly longer or shorter muzzle; excessive wrinkle.

Disqualifications: Wry jaw; overbite.

EYES – Eyes are round to almond shape and medium sized. They are set wide apart, and of moderate size with the outside corner of the eye intersecting with the outside line of the skull and are set low, at the level of the muzzle, where the stop and muzzle intersect. Any Eye color is acceptable. However, odd eyes (one dark, one blue or light) should be considered unpreferred. Misshapen or bugged eyes are a serious fault. Lacking pigment around the eyes is undesirable. Crossed eyes or non-symmetrically shaped eyes are a disqualifying fault.

Fault: Any pink on the eye rims.

Disqualifications: Any eye color other than brown; wall eyes; crossed eyes .

TEETH – Canine teeth are large. Broken, chipped or extracted teeth are acceptable. There are 6 corn row teeth between canines.

Fault: Exposed canine teeth

NOSE – Broad with open nostrils with no sign of air restriction. The nose should not be pushed up between the eyes. From the stop to the end of the nose must be at least one and one half inches.
The nose should be a solid color. Lacking pigment is a serious fault. A nose lacking all pigment is a disqualifying fault.

Serious Fault: Slit nostrils


EARS – Ears are rose, button or tulip, with rose preferred. They are set high and to the rear of the skull. The ears are positioned as wide as possible on the outside of the skull. They are small to medium in size.

NECK

Neck is medium length, wide, and slightly arched. It is a little smaller than the head where the two meet. and gets wider from that point to the shoulders. It is slightly loose from jaw to chest, forming a double dewlap.

Serious Fault: A single dewlap .

FOREQUARTERS

SHOULDERS – They are broad, heavily muscled and have a separation between shoulder blades. The scapula (shoulder blade) should be at an approximate 35 degree angle to vertical and forms an angle approximately 110 degrees to the humerus (forearm). Scapula and humerus should be roughly equal in length.

ELBOWS – A vertical line drawn from the point of the scapula (top) to the ground will pass directly through the elbow. The elbows are not turned in or out.

FORELEGS – The legs are set wide apart, coming straight down from the shoulders. They are straight vertically on inside of legs and well muscled giving a bowed appearance of front quarters. The forelegs have medium bone and are in proportion to the body.

PASTERNS – The pasterns are medium in length. They are straight, strong, flexible and nearly perpendicular to the ground.

Faults: Foreleg bones too heavy or too light.

Serious Faults: Loose shoulders; upright shoulders; loose elbows; weak pasterns (either too vertical or too horizontal).

BODY

Body is sturdy and powerful. The length from tip of breastbone to rear thigh is slightly longer than the height from ground to withers.

BACK – The back is wide and muscular, showing power. Top-line has a slight roach (or wheel back). There is a fall in the back, to its low spot behind the shoulders. From this point the spine rises to the loin. The high point of the loin is a little bit higher than the shoulders then there is a gentle curve, forming an arch, down to the tail. Loin (back of rib cage to hips) is muscular, medium in length and slightly arched.

CHEST – The chest is wide and deep with a muscular brisket. Ribs are well sprung and rounded, being at their fullest directly behind the shoulders. Shoulders to forelegs are well muscled.

Faults: Narrow rib cage. Very long or short loin.


HINDQUARTERS

Hips and thighs are strong and muscular. Hind legs are well muscled and slightly longer than the forelegs. In a natural stance they are straight, parallel and set apart when viewed from the rear. Distance between hind legs is less than distance between front legs. Angulation is moderate. Stifles have a gentle convex curve when viewed from the side. Stifle angle roughly matches the angle of the pelvis. Hocks are perpendicular to the ground when viewed from the side and back. They are parallel to each other when viewed from the back. A line drawn from the rear most part of the buttocks, perpendicular to the ground, should fall to the front of the toes. A line drawn from the upper (front) point of the pelvis, perpendicular to the ground, should pass through the knee (the two preceding tests of good angulation must be performed with the dog’s hocks set perpendicular to the ground).

Fault: Hips which are equal to shoulders in width.

Serious Faults: Straight stifle. Severely cow hocked or bow hocked.

FEET

Feet are of medium size and are well arched and rounded (cats’ foot). They are straight when viewed from the front. Rear feet are smaller than front feet.

Faults: Feet turning in nor out; long toes.

Serious Faults: Flat feet; hare feet; and splayed toes.

TAIL

Tail should be set low and tapering from base to end. It can be pump handle or straight with pump handle being preferred. Tail should reach the hocks or be slightly shorter. Tail is carried down, horizontal or high.

Faults: Tail curling 360 degrees. Same circumference from base to tip.

Disqualifications: Kinked, docked, bobbed or screw tail (a kinked tail is a tail with one or more sharp bends).

COAT

Coat is short, close and of medium density. It should be shiny, showing good health.

Faults: Fringe, feather or curl in the coat.

COLOR

Any color, except merle, is acceptable with no preference for one over another. The coat is short. A wavy coat or a long coat is a disqualifying fault. There should be no signs of feathering on the legs or neck area, also a disqualifying fault.

Disqualifications: Blue/Gray, as well as black with rust or mahogany.

HEIGHT and WEIGHT

Dogs are 26kg to 30kg. and 43cm to 50cm at the withers
Bitches are 22kg to 28kg. and 41 to 48cm inches at the withers.

Deviation from this range of height and weight will be faulted according to the extent of the deviation.

Weight should be proportioned to height and the dogs must not be squat or rangy.

GAIT

Gait is smooth, powerful, energetic and confident. Travel is straight. Feet should move forward and back in the same plane. Foot falls approach the centerline as trot speed increases. There is a slight under step as rear feet land just short of where front feet land. Front and rear reach are balanced. Feet must not cross or interfere with each other. Dog should have proper movement when viewed from the side and back.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

Eyes – Crossed eyes or non-symmetrically shaped eyes are a disqualifying fault.

Nose – Any color nose other than black.

Bite – Wry jaw or Overbite.

Tail – Kinked, docked, bobbed or screw tail.

Males lacking two fully descended normal testicles.

Categories
Breeds

French Bulldog

French Bulldog

A compactly built dog, the French Bulldog, in spite of his name, is believed to be at least partly of British origin. He is a descendant of the Toy Bulldog, which was bred during the nineteenth century and exported to France, where the breed became popular. In fact, English lacemakers from the Midlands who went to work in France took small Bulldogs with them. This stock is believed to have mixed with short-faced bull-baiting dogs from other European countries. This ‘new’ breed was brought to England and first shown around 1900, with a French Bulldog club being formed in 1903.

The bat ear is a distinctive feature of this breed and adds to the droll expression. He is medium-to-small-sized dog and bred in three colours – brindle, pied and fawn – with a short, easy-to-keep-clean coat.

Very intelligent and always ready for fun, the French Bulldog has an affectionate disposition. But although he has a jolly, engaging personality and is very vivacious, he is not a boisterous or a noisy dog. Comfort means a lot to him and he will happily live in house or flat as an integral part of the family.

Breed Standard

BREED ORIGIN : FRANCE

 

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY

Probably issued, like all the mastiffs, from the Epirus and the Roman Empire molosses, relative of the Bulldog of Great Britain, the Alans (tribe of the Middle Age), the mastiffs and small type mastiffs of France, the bulldog we know is the product of different crossings done by enthusiastic breeders in the popular quarters of Paris in the years 1880.

During that period, the Bulldog being a dog belonging to butchers and coachmen of « les Halles » (market place), he soon knew how to conquer the high society and the artistic world by his particular appearance and character. He then rapidly propagated himself.

The first breed club was founded in 1880 in Paris. The first registration dates from 1885 and the first standard was established in 1898, year in which the « Société Centrale Canine » of France recognized the breed of the French Bulldog. The first shown dog was from 1887. The standard, modified in 1931, 1932 and 1948, was reformulated in 1986 by H.F. Reant and R. Triquet (F.C.I. publication 1987), then in 1994 by the committee of the Club of the French Bulldog with the collaboration of R. Triquet.

 

GENERAL APPEARANCE

Typically a small size molossian. Powerful dog for its small size, short, compact in all its proportions, smooth-coated, with a short face, a snub nose, erect ears and a naturally short tail. Must have the appearance of an active animal, intelligent, very muscular, of a compact build with a solid bone structure.

BEHAVIOUR / CHARACTER

Sociable, lively, playful, sporty, keen. Particularly affectionate towards his masters and the children.

HEAD

The head must be very strong, broad and square, the skin of the head forming almost symmetrical folds and wrinkles. The head of the bulldog is characterized by a contraction of the maxillary-nasal part; the skull has taken up in width that which it has lost in length.

 

CRANIAL REGION :

Skull : Broad, almost flat, forehead very bulging. Superciliary arches prominent, separated by a particularly developed furrow between the eyes. The furrow must not extend onto the forehead. Occipital crest is hardly developed.

Stop : Deeply accentuated.

 

FACIAL REGION :

Nose : Broad, very short, turned up, nostrils well open and symmetrical, slanting towards the rear. The inclination of the nostrils as well as the snub nose (i.e. upturned) must, however, allow a normal nasal breathing.

Muzzle : Very short, broad, with concentric symmetrical folds coming down on the upper lips (length of muzzle about 1/6 of the total length of the head).

Lips : Thick, a little loose and black. The upper lip rejoins the lower lip at its middle, completely covering the teeth which should never be visible. The profile of the upper lip is descending and rounded. Tongue must never show.

Jaws : Broad, square, powerful. Lower jaw shows a broad curve, terminating in front of the upper jaw. The mouth being closed, the prominence of the lower jaw (prognathism-undershot) is moderated by the curve of the lower mandibular branches. This curve is necessary to avoid a too important shifting of the lower jaw.

Teeth : The lower incisors must never be behind the upper incisors in any case. The arch of the lower incisors is rounded. The jaw must not show lateral deviation, nor torsion. The disposition of the incisoral arches should not be strictly delimited, the essential condition being that the upper and the lower lips rejoin to completely cover the teeth.

Cheeks : The muscles of the cheeks are well developed, but not prominent.

Eyes : Lively expression, set low, quite far from the nose and especially from the ears, dark coloured, quite big, well round, slightly protruding, showing no trace of white (sclera) when the dog is looking straight ahead. Rims of eyelids must be black.

Ears : Medium size, wide at the base and rounded at the top. Set high on the head, but not too close together, carried erect. The orifice is open towards the front. The skin must be fine and soft to the touch.

 

NECK : Short, slightly arched, without dewlap.

 

BODY :

Topline : Rising progressively at loin level to slope rapidly towards the tail. This conformation which must be sought after, is the consequence of the short loin.

Back : Broad and muscular.

Loin : Short and broad.

Rump : Oblique.

Chest : Cylindrical and well let down; ribcage barrel shaped, very rounded.

Forechest : Wide.

Belly and flanks : Drawn up without excessive tuck up.

 

TAIL : Short, set low on the rump, close to the buttocks, thick at the base, knotted or kinked naturally and tapering at the tip. Even in action, must stay below the horizontal. A relatively long tail (not reaching beyond the point of the hocks), kinked and tapering is admissible, but not desirable.

 

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS : Forelegs vertical and parallel seen in profile and from the front, standing well separated.

Shoulder : Short, thick, with a firm and visible musculature.

Upperarm : Short.

Elbows : Close to the body.

Forearm : Short, straight and muscular.

Pastern joint – Pastern : Solid and short.

 

HINDQUARTERS : Strong and muscular, hindlegs a little longer than the forelegs, thus raising the hindquarters. The legs are vertical and parallel as seen both in profile and from behind.

Thigh : Muscled, firm without being too rounded.

Hock joint : Quite well let down, neither too angulated nor certainly too straight.

Hock : Solid and short. The French Bulldog should be born without dewclaws.

 

FEET :

Forefeet round of small dimension, i.e. « cat feet », well set on the ground, turning slightly outward. The toes are compact, nails short, thick and well separated. The pads are hard, thick and black. In the brindle subjects, the nails must be black. In the pieds (caille = brindled fawns with medium white patching) and fawn subjects, dark nails are preferred, without however penalising the light coloured nails.

Hindfeet well compact.

 

GAIT / MOVEMENT : Free movement, the legs moving parallel to the median plane of the body.

 

COAT

 

HAIR : Beautiful smooth coat, close, glossy and soft.

 

COLOUR :

  • Uniformly fawn, brindled or not, or with limited patching (pied).
  • Fawn brindled or not, with medium or predominant patching.

All the fawn shades are admitted, from the red to light brown (café au lait) colour. The entirely white dogs are classified in « brindled fawn with predominant white patching ». When a dog has a very dark nose, dark eyes with dark eyelids, certain depigmentations of the face may exceptionally be tolerated in very beautiful subjects.

 

SIZE AND WEIGHT : The weight must not be below 8 kg nor over 14 kg for a bulldog in good condition, size being in proportion with the weight.

 

FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

  • Nose tightly closed or pinched and chronic snorers.
  • Lips not joining in the front.
  • Depigmentation of the lips.
  • Light eyes.
  • Dewlap.
  • Tail carried high, or too long or abnormally short.
  • Loose elbows.
  • Straight hock or placed forward.
  • Incorrect movement.
  • Coat (hair) too long.
  • Speckled coat.

 

SERIOUS FAULTS :

  • Incisors visible when mouth closed.
  • Tongue visible when mouth closed.
  • Stiff beating movement of the forelegs.
  • Pink spots on the face, except in the case of brindled fawns with medium white patching (« caille ») and fawns with limited or predominant white patching. (« fauve »).
  • Excessive or insufficient weight.

 

DISQUALIFICATIONS :

  • Aggressive or overly shy.
  • Colour of nose other than black.
  • Hare lip.
  • Dog with lower incisors articulating behind upper incisors.
  • Dog with permanently visible canines, mouth being closed.
  • Eyes of two different colours (heterochromatic).
  • Ears not carried erect.
  • Mutilation of ears, tail or dewclaws.
  • Taillessness.
  • Dewclaws on hindquarters.
  • Colour of coat black and tan, mouse grey, brown.

 

Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

 

N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Categories
Breeds

Dogue de Bordeaux

Dogue De Bordeaux

A powerful and muscular French breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a molossoid (mastiff-type dog), “dogue” meaning Mastiff in French. A massive head and stocky body are trademarks of the breed. The world became aware of the Dogue de Bordeaux when he appeared as drooling, messy “Hooch” in the 1989 Tom Hanks’ film,Turner and Hooch. The breed’s short, fine coat is fawn-colored, ranging from a dark red to a light fawn.

The dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds, probably a descendant of the Alans and, in particular, the alan vautre of which Gaston Phebus (or Febus), Count of Foix, wrote in the 14th century, in his Livre de Chasse that “he holds his bite stronger than three sighthounds”. The word “dogue” appeared at the end of the 14th century.

In the middle of the 19th century these ancient dogues were hardly

renowned outside the region of Aquitaine. They were used for hunting large game such as boar, for fighting (often codified), for the guarding of houses and cattle and in the service of butchers. In 1863 the first French dog show took place in Paris in the Jardin d’Acclimatation. The Dogues de Bordeaux were entered under their present name. There have been different types : The Toulouse type, the Paris type and the Bordeaux type, which is the origin of today’s Dogue.

The breed, which had suffered greatly during the two world wars, to the point of being threat ened with extinction after the second world war, got off to a fresh start in the 1960’s.

Breed Standard

Categories
Breeds

Cane Corso

Cane Corso

Its direct ancestor is the old Roman Molossian. Formerly scattered all over Italy, in the recent past, the breed was only prevalent in the province of Apulia and in the adjacent regions of Southern Italy. His name derives from the Latin “cohors”, which means “protector, guardian of the farmyard”.

Bred as guard dogs for centuries, their imposing appearance is their first line of defense against intruders. As one writer put it, “An understated air of cool competence, the kind of demeanor you’d expect from a professional bodyguard, is the breed’s trademark” and completes the picture of a dog not to be trifled with.

Breed Standard

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Breeds

Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier

No one could mistake a Bull Terrier for anything else. Built on lines reminiscent of the bull from which his name is partly derived, he stands on firm, powerful legs, staring straight at you. But for all his somewhat forbidding presence, he is, in fact, a kindly chap, loving the human race, even if he is none too sure about his attitude to the dog next door. Handled properly, he will live in peace with his neighbour, but he does need a firm hand if he is to fit effectively into modern life.

It was a certain James Hinks who first standardised the breed type in the 1850s, selecting the egg-shaped head. The breed was first shown in its present form at Birmingham (UK) in 1862 and the Bull Terrier Club was formed in 1887.

Most people think of him as being basically white all over, with an occasional piratical patch over one eye, but he also comes in other hues, including brindle, red, fawn and tricolour. One noteworthy feature of his standard is that ‘There are neither weight nor height limits, but there should be the impression of maximum substance for size of dog consistent with quality and sex’.

MINATURE BULL TERRIER

Smaller examples of the Bull Terrier have been known since the early nineteenth century but they fell out of favour prior to the First World War and were removed from the British Kennel Club Breed Register in 1918. In 1938, a revival was spearheaded by Colonel Richard Glyn and a group of fellow enthusiasts, who formed the Miniature Bull Terrier Club. The standard is the same as that of the Bull Terrier with the exception of their size, which should not exceed 35.5 centimetres (14 inches).

Breed Standard

ORIGIN: Great Britain.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: It was a certain James Hinks who first standardised the breed type in the 1850s, selecting the egg-shaped head. The breed was first shown in its present form at Birmingham in 1862. The Bull Terrier Club was formed in 1887. The truly interesting thing about the breed is that the standard says quite deliberately, “There are neither weight nor height limits, but there should be the impression of maximum substance for size of dog consistent with quality and sex. Dog should at all times be balanced.“

A smaller example of the Bull Terrier has been known since the early 19th century but fell out of favour prior to the First World War and was removed from the Kennel Club Breed Register in 1918. In 1938, a revival was spearheaded by Colonel Richard Glyn and a group of fellow enthusiasts who formed the Miniature Bull Terrier Club. The standard is the same as that of the Bull Terrier with the exception of a height limit.

 

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Strongly built, muscular, well balanced and active with a keen, determined and intelligent expression. A unique feature is a downfaced, egg-shaped head. Irrespective of size dogs should look masculine and bitches feminine.

 

BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT: Courageous, full of spirit, with a fun loving attitude. Of even temperament and amenable to discipline. Although obstinate is particularly good with people.

 

HEAD: Long, strong and deep right to end of muzzle, but not coarse. Viewed from front egg–shaped and completely filled, its surface free from hollows or indentations. Profile curves gently downwards from top of skull to tip of nose.

 

CRANIAL REGION:

Skull: Top of skull almost flat from ear to ear.

 

FACIAL REGION:

Nose: Should be black. Bent downwards at tip. Nostrils well developed.

Lips: Clean and tight.

Jaws/Teeth: Under-jaw deep and strong. Teeth sound, clean, strong, of good size, regular with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i. e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Eyes: Appearing narrow and triangular, obliquely placed, black or as dark brown as possible so as to appear almost black and with a piercing glint. Distance from tip of nose to eyes perceptibly greater than that from eyes to top of skull. Blue or partly blue undesirable.

Ears: Small, thin and placed close together. Dog should be able to hold them stiffly erect, when they point straight upwards.

 

NECK: Very muscular, long, arched, tapering from shoulders to head and free from loose skin

 

BODY: Well rounded with marked spring of rib and great depth from withers to brisket, so that latter nearer ground than belly.

Back: Short, strong, with backline behind withers level, arching or roaching slightly over loins.

Loin: Broad, well muscled.

Chest: Broad when viewed from front.

Underline and belly: From brisket to belly forms a graceful upward curve.

 

TAIL: Short, set on low and carried horizontally. Thick at root, it tapers to a fine point.

 

LIMBS

 

FOREQUARTERS:

General appearance: Dog should stand solidly upon legs and they should be perfectly parallel. In mature dogs length of forelegs should be approximately equal to depth of chest.

Shoulder: Strong and muscular without loading. Shoulder blades wide, flat and held closely to chest wall and have a very pronounced backward slope of front edge from bottom to top, forming almost a right angle with upper arm.

Elbow: Held straight and strong.

Forearm: Forelegs have strongest type of round, quality bone.

Metacarpus (Pastern): Upright.

Forefeet: Round and compact with well arched toes.

 

HINDQUARTERS:

General appearance: Hind legs parallel when viewed from behind.

Thigh: Muscular.

Stifle (Knee): Joint well bent.

Lower thigh: Well developed.

Hock joint: Well angulated.

Metatarsus (Rear pastern): Bone to foot short and strong.

Hind feet: Round and compact with well arched toes.

 

GAIT / MOVEMENT: When moving appears well knit, smoothly covering ground with free, easy strides and with a typical jaunty air. When trotting, movement parallel, front and back, only converging towards centre line at faster speeds, forelegs reaching out well and hind legs moving smoothly at hip, flexing well at stifle and hock, with great thrust.

 

SKIN: Fitting dog tightly.

 

 

COAT:

Hair: Short, flat, even and harsh to touch with a fine gloss. A soft textured undercoat may be present in winter.

 

Colour: For White, pure white coat. Skin pigmentation and markings on head not to be penalised. For Coloured, colour predominates; all other things being equal, brindle preferred. Black brindle, red, fawn and tricolour acceptable. Tick markings in white coat undesirable. Blue and liver highly undesirable.

 

SIZE AND WEIGHT:

There are neither weight nor height limits, but there should be the impression of maximum substance for size of dog consistent with quality and sex.

 

FAULTS:

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

 

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS

  • Aggressive or overly shy dogs.
  • Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified

 

N.B: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum (this expression is obligatory in

It was a certain James Hinks who first standardised the breed type in the 1850s, selecting the egg-shaped head. The breed was first shown in its present form at Birmingham (UK) in 1862 and the Bull Terrier Club was formed in 1887.

Most people think of him as being basically white all over, with an occasional piratical patch over one eye, but he also comes in other hues, including brindle, red, fawn and tricolour. One noteworthy feature of his standard is that ‘There are neither weight nor height limits, but there should be the impression of maximum substance for size of dog consistent with quality and sex’.

MINATURE BULL TERRIER

Smaller examples of the Bull Terrier have been known since the early nineteenth century but they fell out of favour prior to the First World War and were removed from the British Kennel Club Breed Register in 1918. In 1938, a revival was spearheaded by Colonel Richard Glyn and a group of fellow enthusiasts, who formed the Miniature Bull Terrier Club. The standard is the same as that of the Bull Terrier with the exception of their size, which should not exceed 35.5 centimetres (14 inches).

Categories
Breeds

English Bulldog

English Bulldog

One of Britain’s oldest indigenous breeds, the Bulldog is known as the National dog of Great Britain and is associated throughout the world with British determination and the legendary John Bull. The Bulldog was first classified as such in the 1630s, though there is earlier mention of similar types referred to as bandogs, a term reserved today for a type of fighting dog. Used originally for bull-baiting, the Bulldog also fought its way through the dog pits, but after 1835 it began to evolve into the shorter-faced, more squat version we know today. It entered the show ring in 1860 and the ensuing years saw a big personality change.

The pugilistic expression of this delightfully ugly dog belies his loving, affectionate nature to family and friends. He has a reputation for tenacity and is very courageous, strong and powerful. Although he is a little bit stubborn by nature, he is good-tempered with children, of whom he is also very protective. The impression he gives of being slow and sluggish is completely contradicted by the great bursts of speed that he can and does produce when the occasion demands. His mood can be dignified, humorous or comical, and he has many endearing ways.

Breed Standard

ORIGIN: Great Britain

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: The Bulldog was first classified as such in the 1630s though there is earlier mention of similar types referred to as bandogs, a term reserved today for a type of fighting dog. Used originally for bull-baiting, the Bulldog also fought its way through the dog pits but after 1835 began to evolve into the shorter faced, more squat version we now know. It entered the show ring in 1860 and the ensuing years saw a big personality change. A delightfully ugly dog with a pugilistic expression, which belies a loving, affectionate nature to family and friends. One of the oldest indigenous breeds, known as the national dog of Great Britain, and associated throughout the world with British determination and the legendary John Bull.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Smooth-coated, fairly thick set, rather low in stature, broad, powerful and compact. Head fairly large in proportion to size, but no point so much in excess of others as to destroy the general symmetry, or make the dog appear deformed, or interfere with its powers of motion. Face relatively short, muzzle broad, blunt and inclined slightly upwards, although not excessively so.

Dogs showing respiratory distress highly undesirable. Body fairly short, well knit, limbs stout, well muscled and in hard condition with no tendency towards obesity. Hindquarters high and strong. Bitches not so grand or well-developed as dogs.

BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERAMENT: Conveys impression of determination, strength and activity. Alert, bold, loyal, dependable, courageous, fierce in appearance, but possessed of affectionate nature.

HEAD : Viewed from side, head appears very high and moderately short from back to point of nose. Forehead flat with skin on and about head, slightly loose and finely wrinkled without excess, neither prominent nor overhanging face. Face from front of cheek bone to nose, relatively short, skin may be slightly wrinkled.

Distance from inner corner of eye (or from centre of stop between eyes) to extreme tip of nose should not be less than the distance from tip of the nose to edge of the underlip.

 

CRANIAL REGION:

Skull: Skull relatively large in circumference. Viewed from front appears high from corner of lower jaw to apex of skull; also broad and square. From stop, a furrow, extending to middle of skull being traceable to apex.

Stop: Defined.

FACIAL REGION:

Viewed from front, the various properties of the face must be equally balanced on either side of an imaginary line down centre.

Nose: Nose and nostrils large, broad and black, under no circumstances liver colour, red or brown. Nostrils large wide and open, with well-defined vertical straight line between.

Muzzle: Muzzle short, broad, turned upwards and deep from corner of eye to corner of mouth. Over nose wrinkle, if present, whole or broken, must never adversely affect or obscure eyes or nose.

 

Pinched nostrils and heavy over nose wrinkle are unacceptable and should be heavily penalised.

Lips: Flews (chops) thick, broad and deep, covering lower jaws at sides, but joining underlip in front. Teeth not visible.

Jaws / Teeth: Jaws broad, strong and square, lower jaw slightly projecting in front of upper, with moderate turn up. Jaws broad and square with six small front teeth between canines in an even row. Canines wide apart. Teeth large and strong not seen when mouth closed. When viewed from front under jaw directly under upper jaw and parallel.

Cheeks: Cheeks well rounded and extended sideways beyond eyes.

Eyes: Seen from front, situated low down in skull, well away from ears. Eyes and stop in same straight line, at right angles to furrow. Wide apart, but outer corners within the outline of cheeks. Round, of moderate size, neither sunken nor prominent, in colour very dark- almost black- showing no white when looking directly forward. Free from obvious eye problems.

Ears: Set high – i.e. front edge of each ear (as viewed from front) joins outline of skull at top corner of such outline, so as to place them as wide apart, as high and as far from eyes as possible. Small and thin. “Rose ear” correct, i.e. folding inwards back, upper or front inner edge curving outwards and backwards, showing part of inside of burr.

 

NECK: Moderate in length, thick, deep and strong. Well-arched at back, with some loose,

thick and wrinkled skin about throat, forming slight dewlap on each side.

BODY:

Topline: Slight fall to back close behind shoulders (lowest part) whence spine should rise to loins (top higher than top of shoulder), curving again more suddenly to tail, forming slight arch – a distinctive characteristic of breed.

Back: Short, strong, broad at shoulders.

Chest: Wide, prominent and deep. Body well-ribbed up behind. Brisket, round and deep. Well let down between forelegs. Ribs not flat-sided, but well-rounded.

Undeline and belly: Belly tucked up and not pendulous.

 

TAIL: Set on low, jutting out rather straight and then turning downwards. Round, smooth and devoid of fringe or coarse hair. Moderate in length – rather short than long – thick at root, tapering quickly to a fine point. Downward carriage (not having a decided upward curve at end) and never carried above back. Lack of tail, inverted or extremely tight tails are undesirable.

 

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS:

General appearance: Forelegs short in proportion to hindlegs, but not so short as to make back appear long, or detract from dog’s activity.

Shoulder: Broad, sloping and deep, very powerful and muscular giving appearance of being “tacked on” body.

Elbow: Elbows low and standing well away from ribs.

Forearm: Forelegs very stout and strong, well-developed, set wide apart, thick, muscular and straight, bones of legs large and straight, not bandy nor curved.

Metacarpus (Pastern): Short, straight and strong.

Forefeet: Straight and turning very slightly outward; of medium size and moderately round. Toes compact and thick, well split up, making knuckles prominent and high.

HINDQUARTERS:

General appearance: Legs large and muscular, slightly longer in proportion than forelegs. Legs long and muscular from loins to hock.

Stifle (Knee): Stifles turned very slightly outwards away from body.

Metatarsus (Rear pastern): Hocks slightly bent, well let down.

Hind feet: Round and compact. Toes compact and thick, well split up, making knuckles prominent and high.

 

GAIT / MOVEMENT: Appearing to walk with short, quick steps on tips of toes, hind feet not lifted high, appearing to skim ground, running with one or other shoulder rather advanced. Soundness of movement of the utmost importance.

 

COAT:

Hair: Fine texture, short, close and smooth (hard only from shortness and closeness, not wiry).

Colour: Whole or smut, (i.e. whole colour with black mask or muzzle). Only whole colours (which should be brilliant and pure of their sort). viz., brindles, reds with their various shades, fawns, fallows etc., white and pied (i.e. combination of white with any of the foregoing colours). Dudley, black and black with tan highly undesirable.

WEIGHT:

Males: 25 kgs.

Females: 23 kgs.

 

FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS

  • Aggressive or overly shy.
  • Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

 

N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

The pugilistic expression of this delightfully ugly dog belies his loving, affectionate nature to family and friends. He has a reputation for tenacity and is very courageous, strong and powerful. Although he is a little bit stubborn by nature, he is good-tempered with children, of whom he is also very protective. The impression he gives of being slow and sluggish is completely contradicted by the great bursts of speed that he can and does produce when the occasion demands. His mood can be dignified, humorous or comical, and he has many endearing ways.

Categories
Breeds

Boerbol

Boerbol

The Boerboel is a large dog that is strong, confident and muscular with a distinctive, blocky head. Despite its size, it is the most agile of the mastiff-type breeds. The word Boerboel means “Farm Dog” and it serves as a capable working dog as well as a loyal companion in its home country of South Africa. The skin of a Boerboel should be dark on his stomach and under his fur, as well as the roof of his mouth, which protects against heat and sun. The coat is short, dense coat can be brindle, brown, cream, reddish brown or tawny.

In the 1950s, John D. Johnson initiated the breed’s modern era by collecting Bulldogs from Georgia, promoting them as the American “Pit” Bulldog. By 1985, the “Pit” was dropped to avoid confusion with the American Pit Bull Terrier. Johnson penned the breed standard decades ago, witnessing minimal changes over the years. However, we believe that the current standard doesn’t fully represent the diverse American Bulldog gene pool.

Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Historically the Boerboel developed as a general farm dog for the pioneers who settled in South Africa since the seventeenth century. These dogs were often the first line of defense against predators and were valuable in tracking and holding down wounded game. Old farmers told many a tale of the strength, agility and courage of the Boerboel. The dangers and harsh conditions of southern Africa allowed only the fittest to survive. The protective character of the Boerboel is today still evident and is much sought after, as is the calm, stable and confident composure of the breed. The origin and purpose of the Boerboel should be understood in order to preserve the unique identity and qualities of the breed as a South African developed mastiff. Type, conformation, functional efficiency and mentality are equally important in the evaluation of the Boerboel as a whole. The Boerboel is a large dog that is strong, confident and muscular in appearance with powerful, free-flowing movement. When observing a Boerboel at play or work, standing or moving, it should show strength, suppleness, nimbleness and agility.

SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE
The preferred height for Dogs – 24 to 27 inches. Bitches – 22 to 25 inches. Balance, proportion and sound movement are of utmost importance-more so than size. The body should have a greater total length than total height and the relation between the length and height should ideally be 10:9. Length of body is measured pro-sternum to farthest point of rump. Height is measured from the top of the shoulder blade to the ground. Depth of the chest reaches down to the point of the elbow, which is approximately half the total height at the withers. Front and rear angulation should be equal for proper balance. Dogs are characteristically of larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches are feminine, but without weakness of substance or structure.

Serious Fault – Severely out of proportion and balance. Reversal of sex characteristics.

HEAD
The head is an impressive and a distinctive feature of the Boerboel. It should be blocky, broad, deep, square and muscular, with well filled cheeks and in proportion to the body. Moderate wrinkling is observed over the forehead when the dog shows interest. The skull is square, flat and muscular. The zygomatic arch (cheek bone) is well muscled, but not too prominent. The stop is visible, gradually sloping. It should not be steep. The muzzle is broad, deep and narrows slightly towards the nose, straight and almost on a parallel plane with the skull. The muzzle measures slightly more than a third of the total length of the head. The nostrils are completely black, large and widely spaced, with the septum (vertical line) of the nose perpendicular to the lower jaw. The jaws are strong, deep and wide, and taper slightly to the front. The teeth are white, strong, correctly spaced with complete dentition preferred. Ideally the dog should have a scissors bite. An under bite of up to ¼ inch is acceptable. The upper lip is loose and fleshy. Under the nose, the end of the upper lip must touch the top of the bottom lip. Viewed in profile, the flews must not extend below the lowest level of the jaw bone. The lower lip is moderately tight without excessive jowls. The eyes are medium sized, neither protruding or receding, forward facing and widely spaced, with an intelligent expression. The eyelids must be tight fitting with complete pigmentation, showing no structural weakness. The color of the eye is preferably dark brown but all shades of brown (preferably darker than the coat) are acceptable. The ears are medium sized, V shaped, hanging forward, medium leather, tapering to a rounded point that reaches almost down to a line extending from the mouth. They are set wide and are carried close to the head. When the dog is attentive the top of the ears and the skull give the appearance of widening. The facial expression should be intelligent and attentive. Serious Fault – Page 2 of 3 Yellow (bird of prey) eyes, two or more missing teeth.

Disqualifications – Blue eye(s), entropion or ectropion, over bite, under bite of more than ¼ inch, wry mouth, prick ears.

NECK, TOPLINE, BODY
The neck is powerful, of medium length, and forms a muscular arch. It flows smoothly into the sloping shoulders, gradually increasing in width from the head to the shoulders. (In the female the muscles are less accentuated but should remain in balance with the head and body). The dewlap is noticeable but disappears towards the sternum. The topline is firm and level, extending in a straight line from behind the withers to the croup. The back remains horizontal to the ground while the dog is moving or standing. The under line of a mature dog has a slight tuck-up. The body is blocky, muscular and solid, with good depth and width. The back is broad and straight, with pronounced muscles. The ribcage is well sprung and well filled behind the shoulder blades. The transitions between the chest, loin and rump are well filled and flowing. The loin is strong and muscular, and only slightly narrower than the ribcage and rump. The croup is broad, flat and strong, with well defined musculature. Its height should not exceed the height at the shoulders. The tail is thick and set fairly high. It should be well covered with hair and without kink. Tails are traditionally docked at the third or fourth caudal vertebrae. Natural tails are acceptable. The natural tail should reach to the hocks when the dog is standing and be carried with a slight curve upwards when excited or moving. Tail set is more important than the length.

FOREQUARTERS
The forelegs are strong boned, with well-defined muscles. Viewed from the side the forearm should be vertical from the elbow to the pastern. When viewed from the front they should be parallel to each other, not bowed or with toes turning inward. Elbows should be held close to the body. Length of the foreleg to the elbow is approximately 50 percent of the dog’s height at the shoulder. The chest is broad, deep and wide with well-sprung ribs and strong developed pectoral muscles. The shoulders are moderately sloping, powerful and muscular, with no tendency to looseness. The shoulder blade is long with moderate angulation. The upper arm is equal in both length and angulation to the shoulder blade. The pastern is short, thick and strong and with a slight slope when viewed from the side. The front feet point straight forward, are large, round, strongly boned and compact. The toes are well arched, with short, preferably black toenails and protected by hair in between. Front dewclaws may be removed. The pads are thick, tough and black.

HINDQUARTERS
The hindquarter is sturdy and muscular. The hind legs are strong boned. The stifle should be sound, strong and moderately angulated and in balance with the forequarters, to support the powerful propulsion from the hindquarters during movement. The upper thighs are broad, deep and muscular as seen from the side and the rear. The lower thighs have well-defined muscles and show substance down to the hocks. The metatarsus is broad, relatively short and perfectly upright. The hind feet point straight forward and are slightly larger than the front feet. Rear dewclaws, if any, are generally removed.

COAT AND COLOR
The coat is short, dense, smooth and shiny. The skin is thick and loose but fits smoothly. Skin is well pigmented. The recognized colors / patterns are with or without a mask; however, the black mask is desirable. All shades of brown, red or fawn with limited clear white patches on the legs and the fore chest are permissible. Brindle in any color is acceptable. Piebald, a white dog, with colored markings, total area of white may not exceed 33 percent or is disqualified, ticking or spots within the white to be disqualified. The Boerboel is well pigmented, especially on the lips, palate, the skin and hair around the eyes, nose leather, Page 3 of 3 paw pads, toenails, the anus and the skin and hair around the genitals. Serious Faults – Pink paw pads. Disqualifications – Black (black means black without a trace of brindle), black with white markings, blue colored (Powder Coat) dogs, long coat and nose leather in any color other than black.

MOVEMENT
Movement is the ultimate test for correct conformation. The Boerboel is the most agile of the molosser breeds and it should be reflected in its movement. The Boerboels movement is powerful and with purpose. The front reach should compliment a strong rear drive. The legs and body should move in line front to rear. As speed increases the legs will converge under body towards a center line. The back remains firm and strong and without excess body roll.

TEMPERAMENT
The Boerboel is a dominant and intelligent dog with strong protective instincts and a willingness to please. When approached is calm, stable and confident, at times displaying a self-assured aloofness. He should recognize a threat or lack thereof. He is loving with children and family. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted. Boerboels that are shown in competition should be trained to allow examination.

FAULTS
The foregoing description is that of the ideal Boerboel. Any deviation that detracts from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Severely out of proportion and balance. Reversal of sex characteristics. Pink paw pads. Yellow (bird of prey) eyes. Two or more missing teeth.

DISQUALIFICATIONS
Blue Eye(s). Entropion or ectropion. Under shot greater than ¼ inch or overshot bite. Wry mouth. Prick ears. Black (black means black without a trace of brindle), black with white markings, blue colored (Powdered Coat) dogs, white exceeding more than 33 percent of the color on a dog, ticking or spots within the areas of white. Long coat. Nose leather in any color other than black.

Categories
Breeds

American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier’s history is rooted in antiquity, often associated with the Molossian family of dogs traced back to ancient Greece. Originating as canus molossi, renowned for fierceness in warfare, they evolved into Mastiffs and were later used in baiting events in England. Baiting, a cruel spectacle, involved dogs confronting bulls or other animals, a practice later outlawed in 1835.

Dog fighting replaced baiting, leading to the creation of the bull-and-terrier, the precursor to the pit bull terrier. As immigrants brought pit bulls to America, they assumed diverse roles, including herding and guarding. Despite their utility, pit bulls faced challenges gaining recognition, leading to the formation of the UKC in 1898. The AKC eventually recognized them in 1936, designating them as Staffordshire Terriers. Pit bulls have been cherished in various roles, but negative perceptions, fueled by illegal dog fighting, have resulted in breed bans and public scrutiny. Training and socialization are crucial for harmonious pit bull ownership, showcasing their loyalty and value as family members.

Breed Standard By Class

Standard

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
Sometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England, Ireland and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The result was a dog that embodied all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, indomitable courage, and gentleness with loved ones. Immigrants brought these bull-and-terrier crosses to the United States. The American Pit Bull Terrier’s many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing successfully in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Lure Coursing, Dock Jumping and Weight Pulls, as well as Conformation.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. This breed is both powerful and athletic. The body is just slightly longer than tall, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog’s height at the withers.

The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and a wide, deep muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be natural or cropped.

The relatively short tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point.

The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in all colors and color patterns except merle. This breed combines strength and athleticism with grace and agility and should never appear bulky or muscle-bound or fine-boned and rangy.

Above all else, the APBT must have the functional capability to be a catch dog that can hold, wrestle (push and pull), and breathe easily while doing its job. Balance and harmony of all parts are critical components of breed type.

Eliminating Faults: Any disproportionate overdone characteristic (such as short legs, excessive bone or massive head or body) that would interfere with physical activity or working ability.

Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Dwarfism.

CHARACTERISTICS

The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed’s natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work.

Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness.

HEAD

The APBT head is unique and a key element of breed type. It is large and broad, giving the impression of great power, but it is not disproportionate to the size of the body. Viewed from the front, the head is shaped like a broad, blunt wedge. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are parallel to one another and joined by a well defined, moderately deep stop. Supraorbital arches over the eyes are well defined but not pronounced. The head is well chiseled, blending strength, elegance, and character.

Very Serious Fault: Overly large, heavy heads.

SKULL – The skull is large, flat or slightly rounded, deep, and broad between the ears. Viewed from the top, the skull tapers just slightly toward the stop. There is a deep median furrow that diminishes in depth from the stop to the occiput. Cheek muscles are prominent but free of wrinkles. When the dog is concentrating, wrinkles form on the forehead, which give the APBT his unique expression.

MUZZLE – The muzzle is broad and deep with a very slight taper from the stop to the nose, and a slight falling away under the eyes. The length of muzzle is shorter than the length of skull, with a ratio of approximately 2:3. The topline of the muzzle is straight. The lower jaw is well developed, wide and deep. Lips are clean and tight.

Faults: Snipey muzzle; flews; weak lower jaw.

Eliminating Faults: Muzzle so short and blunt as to interfere with normal breathing.

TEETH – The American Pit Bull Terrier has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

Fault: Level bite.

Serious Faults: Undershot, or overshot bite; wry mouth; missing teeth (this does not apply to teeth that have been lost or removed by a veterinarian).

NOSE – The nose is large with wide, open nostrils. The nose may be any color.

EYES – Eyes are medium size, round and set well apart and low on the skull. All colors are equally acceptable except blue, which is a serious fault. Haw should not be visible.

Serious Faults: Bulging eyes; both eyes not matched in color; blue eyes.

EARS – Ears are high set and may be natural or cropped without preference. Prick, or flat, wide ears are not desired.

Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral deafness.

NECK

The neck is of moderate length and muscular. There is a slight arch at the crest. The neck widens gradually from where it joins the skull to where it blends in to well laid-back shoulders. The skin on the neck is tight and without dewlap.

Faults: Neck too thin or weak; ewe neck; dewlap.

Very Serious Fault: A short, thick neck that would interfere with functional ability.

FOREQUARTERS

The shoulder blades are long, wide, muscular, and well laid back. The upper arm is roughly equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle.

The forelegs are strong and muscular. The elbows are set close to the body. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are set moderately wide apart and perpendicular to the ground. The pasterns are short, powerful, straight, and flexible. When viewed in profile, the pasterns are nearly erect.

Faults: Upright or loaded shoulders; elbows turned outward or tied-in; down at the pasterns; front legs bowed; wrists knuckled over; toeing in or out.

Eliminating Faults: Front legs (measured from elbow to ground) shorter than half the total height at the withers. Front legs so bowed as to interfere with normal movement.

BODY

The chest is deep, well filled in, and moderately wide with ample room for heart and lungs, but the chest should never be wider than it is deep. The forechest does not extend much beyond the point of shoulder. The ribs extend well back and are well sprung from the spine, then flattening to form a deep body extending to the elbows. The back is strong and firm. The topline inclines very slightly downward from the withers to a broad, muscular, level back. The loin is short, muscular and slightly arched to the top of the croup, but narrower than the rib cage and with a moderate tuck-up. The croup is slightly sloping downward.

Very Serious Fault: Overly massive body style that impedes working ability.

Eliminating Fault: Chest so wide as to interfere with normal movement.

HINDQUARTERS

The hindquarters are strong, muscular, and moderately broad. The rump is well filled in on each side of the tail and deep from the pelvis to the crotch. The bone, angulation, and musculature of the hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters. The thighs are well developed with thick, easily discerned muscles. Viewed from the side, the hock joint is well bent and the rear pasterns are well let down and perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are straight and parallel to one another.

Faults: Narrow hindquarters; hindquarters shallow from pelvis to crotch; lack of muscle; straight or over angulated stifle joint; cow hocks; sickle hocks; bowed legs.

FEET

The feet are round, proportionate to the size of the dog, well arched, and tight. Pads are hard, tough, and well cushioned. Dewclaws may be removed.

Fault: Splayed feet.

TAIL

The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. When the dog is relaxed, the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail is carried level with the backline. When the dog is excited, the tail may be carried in a raised, upright position (challenge tail), but never curled over the back (gay tail).

Fault: Long tail (tail tip passes beyond point of hock).

Serious Faults: Gay tail (not to be confused with challenge tail); kinked tail.

Eliminating Fault: Bobbed tail.

Disqualification: Screw tail.

COAT

The coat is glossy and smooth, close, and moderately stiff to the touch.

Faults: Curly, wavy, or sparse coat.

Disqualification: Long coat.

COLOR

Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable, except for merle.

Disqualifications: Albinism. Merle

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

The American Pit Bull Terrier must be both powerful and agile; overall balance and the correct proportion of weight to height, therefore, is far more important than the dog’s actual weight and/or height.

Desirable weight for a mature male in good condition is between 35 and 60 pounds. Desirable weight for a mature female in good condition is between 30 and 50 pounds.

As a general and approximate guideline only, the desirable height range for mature males is from 18 to 21 inches at the withers; for mature females it is from 17 to 20 inches at the withers.

It is important to note that dogs over or under these weight and height ranges are not to be penalized unless they are disproportionately massive or rangy.

Very Serious Fault: Excessively large or overly massive dogs and dogs with a height and/or weight so far from what is desired as to compromise health, structure, movement and physical ability.

GAIT

The American Pit Bull Terrier moves with a jaunty, confident attitude, conveying the impression that he expects any minute to see something new and exciting. When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful, and well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. When moving, the backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge toward center line of balance.

Faults: Legs not moving on the same plane; legs over reaching; legs crossing over in front or rear; rear legs moving too close or touching; rolling; pacing; paddling; sidewinding; hackney action; pounding.

ELIMINATING FAULTS

(An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event.)

Any disproportionate overdone characteristic (such as short legs, excessive bone or massive head or body) that would interfere with physical activity or working ability.

Muzzle so short and blunt as to interfere with normal breathing.

Front legs so bowed as to interfere with normal movement.

Front legs (measured from elbow to ground) shorter than half the total height at the withers.

Chest so wide as to interfere with normal movement.

Bobbed tail.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to the EBKC.)

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Merle.
Unilateral or bilateral deafness.
Long coat.
Dwarfism
Screw tail

Classic

I. Introduction
A. To truly understand any breed standard, one must know the history behind a breeds existence.
B. The purpose of a judge is the unbiased selection of quality breeding stock with true breed type.
C. The responsibility of judging is to put up the dogs that conform most to the conformation standard leaving personal bias aside.
II. Overall Appearance 20 points
A. Conforming to breed type
1. Should look like an American Pit Bull Terrier from across the ring
2. Sturdy, three dimensional. Giving the impression of strength, not slight or frail.
3. Appears square, with heavy boned, solid front end with a light and springy back end.
4. Should look athletic, not bulky. Musculature should be smooth but defined.
5. Presentation of an adult dog should be of a lean, exercised animal showing a hint of rib and backbone (without hipbones
showing) with muscles firm and defined. Clean, glossy coat with short trimmed nails. Presentation of dogs in the puppy
classes should be of a well nourished puppy, showing no ribs, backbone or hips. Coat should be glossy with short, trimmed
nails.
B. Balance
1. Equal angulation of front and rear assembly – judged best at the trot.
2. Height to weight ratio – the tallest dog at a given weight
3. Head size in proportion to the body, with a neck long enough to have the head appear above the top of the back when head
is in a normal upright position.
C. Presentation
1. Dog is socialized , showing interest in things around him.
2. Although some degree of dog aggressiveness is characteristic of the breed, unruly behavior will detract from the judges
ability to accurately judge an individual dogs conformation.
D. Health
1. The vitality of the dogs spirit, the gloss of the dogs coat and the sharpness of the dogs eye, will exude the healthfulness of
the individual animal.
2. Colors or color patterns known to be genetically linked to health problems will be considered a serious fault . Major faults:
merle color pattern, albinism(white dog with blue or pink eyes, pink nose, lips, no pigment present on pads, rims of eyes etc.)
III. Attitude 10 points
A. Confident and alert
B. Interested in things around them, in control of their space, not threatened by anything in their surroundings.
C. Gentle with loved ones Faults: shy or timid
IV. Back end 30 points
A. Loin
1. Broad and long enough to square the dog. Too short can interfere with a dogs flexibility. Too long a loin causes the dog to
carry excessive weight and affect a dogs agility and quickness..
B. Hip
1. Long and sloping with adequate width. This can be judged by the set of the tail, which should be low.
2. Ideal slope of hip should be 30 degrees to the ground.
C. Proportions of the back leg.
1. The femur should be of a length so that the stifle joint is proportioned in the upper 1/3 of the rear assembly.
2. The tibia-fibula is the longer bone of the rear assembly
3. The length of the metatarsal is moderate, with muscles that attach equally on each side of the bone so that the hocks move
parallel to each other, deviating neither in or out. The metatarsals bones, hock and lower part of the tibia will be light, fine
and springy.
4. Rear angulation – ratio between the lengths of the bones and the muscles which attach on these bones, causes a bent stifle
which leads to a well bent hock. This contributes to the natural springiness that is desired in the rear assembly.
5. The muscle attachment is long and deep, well past the joint , which causes the muscles to appear smooth, but defined. (Not
bunchy).
Faults: short or flat hip, straight stifle, double jointed or slipped hock, cow hocked, bunchy muscles.
V. Front end 20 points
A. Ribcage
1. Deep and elliptical with a prominent breastbone or prosternum. From the side, the bottom of the ribcage should at least be
even with the elbow joint.
2. Well sprung at the top, tapering to the bottom, extending well back into the loin.
B. Shoulders
1. Wider than the ribcage at the 8th rib. Scapula well laid back, 45 degree or less angle to the ground, and broad and flat
allowing for adequate muscular attachment for a heavy and sturdy front end.
2. The humerus is angled at an opposite 45 degree angle and is long enough that the elbow comes to the bottom of the
ribcage, elbows lying flat against the body.
3. Forearms are slightly longer than the humerus and solid, twice the thickness of the metatarsal at the hock.
C. Feet
1. Small and tight, set high on pasterns.
2. Pads thick, and well built up
3. Dew claws are natural on front feet, and do not naturally occur on back legs.
Faults: barrel chest, narrow chest, fine bones, out at elbows, down in pasterns, splay feet, thin pads, back dew claws.
VI. Head and Neck 15 points
A. Neck
1. Heavily muscled to the base of the skull
2. Long in length
B. Head
1. Head size balanced in relationship to the rest of the body
2. 2/3 the width of the shoulders
3. Wedge shaped when viewed from the top or side, round when viewed from the front.
4. Cheeks 25% wider than the neck at the base of the skull
5. The length from the nose to the stop should equal the length from the stop to the back of the head.
6. The bridge of the muzzle is well developed. The fill in under the eyes should be wider than the head at the base of the ears.
7. The head should be deep from the top of the head to the bottom of the jaw.
8. Straight box like muzzle
9. Lips tight
10.Teeth, incisors should meet in the front in a scissor bite. Canines should be wide at the base and taper to the end, top
canines fitting tightly together behind the bottom canines. They should be sound and healthy with none missing.
11. Eyes, small and deep set. Elliptical when viewed from the front, triangular when viewed from the side.
12. Ears- no preference should be given to cropped or uncropped ears, except to enhance the overall attractiveness of the
individual dog.
Faults: short neck, cheeky, underdeveloped muzzle, lippy, missing canines, overshot or undershot to the extent that
the canines do not fit tightly together.
VII. Tail and Coat 5 points
A. Coat
1. Skin thick and loose around neck and chest, tight fitting elsewhere, showing vertical folds around the neck and chest even in
a well exercised animal.
2. Short and bristled, the gloss showing overall health of the animal.
3. Color or any combination of colors, except for colors or color patterns known to be genetically linked to health problems.
B. Tail
1. Thick at the base, tapering to the point. Its length should have the tail extending to the point of the hock.
2. Hang down like a pump handle when relaxed.
Major faults: Merle color pattern or albinism. (White dog, blue or pink eyes, lacks pigment)
Faults: Longer coat, fringed hair on tail or elsewhere, bobbed tail or any tail other than straight.
Disqualifications: Man aggression, one sided or both sided cryptorchid, spayed or neutered dogs
Above all, the American Pit Bull Terrier should appear to be an all around athlete. His body is called upon for speed, power,
agility and stamina. He must be balanced in all directions. Too much of one thing, robs him of another. In his ideal form, he is
a thing of beauty.

Categories
Breeds

American Bulldog

American Bulldog

The roots of the American Bulldog can be traced back to ancient times, with a significant presence in the Southeastern United States, particularly Georgia and surrounding states. Arriving with early English settlers in the 18th century, the breed became integral to farm life. The modern American Bulldog, recognized for its grit and athleticism, served as a versatile farm utility dog, adept at handling wild boars, livestock, and guarding against trespassers. Valued for its temperament, it seamlessly integrated into family life as an “estate dog” or “farm utility dog,” embodying essential traits.

In the 1950s, John D. Johnson initiated the breed’s modern era by collecting Bulldogs from Georgia, promoting them as the American “Pit” Bulldog. By 1985, the “Pit” was dropped to avoid confusion with the American Pit Bull Terrier. Johnson penned the breed standard decades ago, witnessing minimal changes over the years. However, we believe that the current standard doesn’t fully represent the diverse American Bulldog gene pool.

Breed Standard

General:
The American Bulldog is a robust, muscular dog with a slightly longer than tall body. Notable for a large head and broad muzzle, it may have various ear types and a docked or natural tail. Solid colors, white with patches, and brindle are accepted. Males are typically larger. Honorable scars from field work are not penalized, and the breed should be assessed as a working dog.

Characteristics:
Essential traits include power, agility, confidence, and a large head with strong jaws. A gentle family companion, it must also be fearless in facing challenges. Standoffishness with strangers in young Bulldogs is common but should not be penalized.

Head:
Large and broad, the skull is flat, deep, and broad between ears. Muzzle is broad and thick, tapering slightly. Powerful jaws and well-defined stop are essential. Acceptable bites vary between standard and bully types.

Neck:
Muscular, with a slight arch, the neck must be long enough for leverage but short enough for power. A slight dewlap is acceptable.

Forequarters:
Strong shoulders and heavily boned forelegs. Forelegs may incline slightly inward. Pasterns are short and powerful.

Body:
Deep, moderately wide chest with well-sprung ribs. Topline slopes slightly downward. Short, broad loin and moderately tucked-up flank.

Hindquarters:
Well-muscled and broad hindquarters with balanced angulation to forequarters. Thighs are well-developed, and rear pasterns are well let down.

Feet:
Round, medium-sized, well-arched, and tight feet. Splayed feet are a fault.

Tail:
May be natural or docked, with a preferred thick, low-set natural tail reaching the hock joint. Any tail carriage is acceptable.

Coat:
Short, close, and varies from soft to stiff. Length should not exceed one inch. Longer coats or feathering are faults.

Color:
Any color or pattern is acceptable, excluding solid black, solid blue, merle, tricolor, and full black masks. Less than 10% white markings is a serious fault.

Height and Weight:
Varies widely but should be powerful and agile. Leaner for standards, thicker for bullys. Desirable height: 22-27 inches for males, 20-25 inches for females.

Gait:
Effortless, smooth, and powerful trot with good reach and drive. Backline remains level, and legs move straight without interference.

Disqualifications:
Cryptorchidism, viciousness, extreme shyness, cowardice, unilateral or bilateral deafness, difficulty breathing, wry jaw, overshot bite, crossed eyes, eyes of different colors, coat longer than one inch, albinism, solid black or blue with no white markings, tricolor, merle, full black mask.