French Bulldog Standard (AKC)

The following is the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard for the French Bulldog breed:

General Appearance:

The French Bulldog is a small, muscular dog with a distinctive bat-like face and a compact, robust body. The breed is known for its calm temperament and is a popular companion dog.

Size, Proportion, Substance:

Height: Males and females should not exceed 12 inches (30.5 cm) at the withers.

Weight: Weight should be proportionate to size, generally between 16 to 28 pounds (7.3 to 12.7 kg).

Proportion: The body should be compact and muscular, with a square build.

Substance: The dog should be strong and sturdy without being coarse or coarse-looking.

Head:

The head is the most distinctive feature of the French Bulldog. It should be large and round, with a moderate stop. The eyes are dark, round, and set wide apart. The nose is broad and black, with short, wide nostrils. The flews are full and pendulous, and the upper lips overhang the lower lips. The ears are large, heavy, and dropped, covering the eyes.

Neck:

The neck is short, thick, and muscular, with a slight arch at the nape.

Body:

The body is square, with a deep chest and well-developed loins. The back is short and level. The ribs are well-rounded and extend well back into a broad loins. The belly is well-developed but not exaggerated.

Tail:

The tail is set on high and carried in a sickle curve over the back. It should be short, thick, and covered with a dense coat.

Forequarters:

The forelegs are short, straight, and muscular. The pasterns are short and strong.

Hindquarters:

The hindquarters are strong and muscular, with well-bent stifles and hocks. The hocks are low and firm.

Feet:

The feet are small, round, and compact with thick pads.

Color:

The coat should be solid in color, with a wide variety of acceptable colors including brindle, fawn, white, black, and tiger.

Gait:

The French Bulldog moves with a deliberate, stately gait. The front legs move straight ahead, and the hind legs move in a straight line from the hocks to the feet.

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.

Disqualification:

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism.

Viciousness or extreme shyness.