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ABKC Breed Standard

Olde English Bulldogge

Loyal, courageous dog of medium size with large powerful head and stout muscular body, devoid of breathing issues.

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General Impression

Loyal, courageous dog of medium size with a large powerful head and stout muscular body. Devoid of all breathing issues and capable of outdoor activity without concern of overheating. Stable, trustworthy temperament. Capable protector and ultimate family member.

Overview

Loyal, courageous dog of medium size with a large powerful head and stout muscular body. Devoid of all breathing issues and capable of outdoor activity without concern of overheating. Stable, trustworthy temperament. Capable protector and ultimate family member.

Physical Standard

Key physical attributes emphasized in the ABKC standard.

  • Head large and high, moderately sunken between eyes; circumference equal to or greater than height at shoulder
  • Muzzle broad, deep, short with moderate wrinkling; undershot; no shorter than 1.5"
  • Males square and balanced; shoulders muscular with significant bone
  • Balanced gait driving off rear, complimented by reach

Breed Standard Sections

Ears

Rose ears preferred. Dropped acceptable if small. Full pricked ears are a serious fault.

Muzzle

Broad, deep, short with moderate wrinkling. Undershot, lower canines not protruding. Muzzle too long (over 3 inches), scissor/even bite are disqualifications. No shorter than 1.5 inches. Wry jaw is a disqualification.

Eyes

Wide apart, moderate size. Any color. Odd eyes unpreferred. Misshapen/bugged eyes are a serious fault. Crossed eyes are a disqualification.

Nose

Broad with open nostrils, no air restriction. Not pushed up between eyes. Stop to nose at least 1.5 inches. Lacking pigment is a serious fault. No pigment is a disqualification.

Neck

Short to medium, very muscular, flowing into shoulders.

Chest

Ribs well sprung, chest wide and deep, at least to elbows. Hollow/narrow chest (slab sided) is a serious fault.

Back

Males square and balanced. Slight rise from shoulders to slight drop at croup preferred. Level back acceptable.

Legs

Forelegs straight, wide apart, significant bone. Elbows close to body. Fiddle fronts are a disqualification. East/West forelegs are a serious fault. Rear legs significant bend of stifle. Cow hocks are a disqualification.

Movement

Balanced gait driving off rear, complimented by reach. Dogs should single track. Pacing or crabbing is a serious fault.

Feet

Round, tight front and rear. Strong pasterns. Weak pasterns and splayed feet are a disqualification.

Tail

Pump handle tail reaching hock preferred. Screwed short or docked acceptable. Carried low, not over back.

Size

Height

  • Male: 18" to 20"
  • Female: 17" to 19"

Weight

  • Male: 65 to 85 lbs
  • Female: 50 to 70 lbs

Coat

Short. Wavy or long coat is a disqualification. No feathering on legs or neck.

Color

All colors acceptable.

Temperament

Outgoing and happy. Watchful at home. Human aggression without provocation is a disqualification.

Show Classes

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

  • Puppy
  • Junior
  • Adult
  • Champion
  • Grand Champion

Faults

  • Narrow head
  • Full pricked ears (serious)
  • Misshapen or bugged eyes (serious)
  • Lacking nose pigment (serious)
  • Hollow/narrow chest — slab sided (serious)
  • East/West forelegs (serious)
  • Pacing or crabbing (serious)

Disqualifications

  • Muzzle over 3 inches
  • Scissor or even bite
  • Wry jaw
  • Crossed eyes
  • No nose pigment
  • Fiddle fronts
  • Cow hocks
  • Weak pasterns and splayed feet
  • Wavy or long coat
  • Feathering on legs or neck
  • Human aggression without provocation
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