Skip to main content
ABKCRegister a Dog

ABKC Breed Standard

American Bulldog

Short haired, heavy muscled dog with compact sturdy frame that exudes strength, health and function.

Back to breeds

General Impression

The American Bulldog is a short haired, heavy muscled dog. Compact sturdy frame. Exude strength, health and function.

Overview

THE 'BULLY' AMERICAN BULLDOG STANDARD — The American Bulldog is a short haired, heavy muscled dog. Compact sturdy frame. Exude strength, health and function.

Physical Standard

Key physical attributes emphasized in the ABKC standard.

  • Broad and blocky head with muscular and well pronounced stop
  • Heavy broad muzzle with wide open nostrils, 25-35% of overall head length
  • Compact proportions with heavy muscle, square and powerful
  • Wide and deep chest, front legs on outer edge of chest

Breed Standard Sections

Temperament

Alert, outgoing, confident. Aloofness with strangers acceptable. May show dominance toward other dogs. Weak nerves or overly aggressive excused from ring.

Size

Males 20" to 24" at withers, 80 to 125 lbs. Females 18" to 22" at withers, 60 to 100 lbs.

Muzzle

Heavy broad muzzle with wide open nostrils. Tunnel-shaped, slightly tapering. Chin broad, never overlapping upper lip. 25-35% of overall head length.

Nose

Black or liver accepted. Full pigmentation preferred.

Bite

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.

Eyes

Almond to round. Lack of pigment or non-symmetrical eyes are faults. Crossed eyes are a disqualification.

Coat

Short with sheen. Skin in good condition, free of flaking and sores.

Ears

Set evenly on top skull, medium to small proportion to head.

Neck

Thick and muscular, slightly tapering from head to shoulder.

Body

Compact proportions with heavy muscle. Square and powerful.

Chest

Wide and deep. Front legs on outer edge of chest, athletic non-bowed. Shoulders tight in socket.

Top Line

Even. Sway and severe roach backs are faults. Rear not excessively higher than front.

Backs

Short to medium. Long backs are a fault.

Hindquarters

Thick, well muscled, properly angulated. Cow hocks, straight stifles, sickle hocks are faults.

Size

Height

  • Male: 20" to 24"
  • Female: 18" to 22"

Weight

  • Male: 80 to 125 lbs
  • Female: 60 to 100 lbs

Coat

Short with sheen. Skin in good condition, free of flaking and sores.

Temperament

Alert, outgoing, confident. Aloofness with strangers acceptable. May show dominance toward other dogs. Weak nerves or overly aggressive excused from ring.

Show Classes

Common class groupings seen at ABKC events (exact classes vary by show).

  • Puppy
  • Junior
  • Adult
  • Champion
  • Grand Champion

Faults

  • Lack of eye pigment
  • Non-symmetrical eyes
  • Loose shoulders, elbows, or narrow chest
  • Sway back
  • Severe roach back
  • Long backs
  • Cow hocks
  • Straight stifles
  • Sickle hocks

Disqualifications

  • Wry mouth
  • Crossed eyes
Titan mascot