ABKC Breed Standard
Short haired, heavy muscled dog with compact sturdy frame that exudes strength, health and function.
The American Bulldog is a short haired, heavy muscled dog. Compact sturdy frame. Exude strength, health and function.
THE 'BULLY' AMERICAN BULLDOG STANDARD — The American Bulldog is a short haired, heavy muscled dog. Compact sturdy frame. Exude strength, health and function.
Key physical attributes emphasized in the ABKC standard.
Alert, outgoing, confident. Aloofness with strangers acceptable. May show dominance toward other dogs. Weak nerves or overly aggressive excused from ring.
Males 20" to 24" at withers, 80 to 125 lbs. Females 18" to 22" at withers, 60 to 100 lbs.
Broad and blocky with muscular and well pronounced stop.
Heavy broad muzzle with wide open nostrils. Tunnel-shaped, slightly tapering. Chin broad, never overlapping upper lip. 25-35% of overall head length.
Black or liver accepted. Full pigmentation preferred.
Teeth medium to large, not visible when mouth closed. Full lip pigment. Undershot but not severely (1/4 to 1/2 inch). Wry mouth is a disqualification.
Almond to round. Lack of pigment or non-symmetrical eyes are faults. Crossed eyes are a disqualification.
Short with sheen. Skin in good condition, free of flaking and sores.
Height
Weight
Short with sheen. Skin in good condition, free of flaking and sores.
Alert, outgoing, confident. Aloofness with strangers acceptable. May show dominance toward other dogs. Weak nerves or overly aggressive excused from ring.
Common class groupings seen at ABKC events (exact classes vary by show).
Set evenly on top skull, medium to small proportion to head.
Thick and muscular, slightly tapering from head to shoulder.
Compact proportions with heavy muscle. Square and powerful.
Wide and deep. Front legs on outer edge of chest, athletic non-bowed. Shoulders tight in socket.
Even. Sway and severe roach backs are faults. Rear not excessively higher than front.
Short to medium. Long backs are a fault.
Thick, well muscled, properly angulated. Cow hocks, straight stifles, sickle hocks are faults.
