The French Bulldog Used As A Show Dog

When choosing a French Bulldog as a show dog, it is important to be selective and choosy. The breed standard for the French Bulldog is very particular, so obtaining knowledge of the breed standard for show dogs is very important.

French Bulldogs that are used as show dogs lead a dual life, both in the ring and as highly valued as a family member. When selecting a French Bulldog as a family pet, there are no restrictions on the specific breed standards, so this makes choosing one for a pet much easier on potential owners.

Show Breed Standards Of The French Bulldog:

When deciding on whether or not to show your French Bulldog, it is important to take into consideration what kind of shows the dog will be entered in. This will determine what breed standards should be followed. As a general rule, the dog must be able to fall into any number of the classifications that are set up by various clubs, such as the AKC for example. When purchasing a French Bulldog for the show ring, it is important to find a dog that conforms to many different club standards.

The qualities of a show dog include:

Symmetry and Proportion: the body of the French Bulldog should be evenly proportioned. The dog should be symmetrical on both sides of the body and have a compact and muscular frame.

Size: the French Bulldog cannot weigh more than 28 pounds, and dogs that go over the weight limit will be disqualified. Females should weigh between 20-24 pounds, while males should weigh between 24-28 pounds. French Bulldogs are usually about 10 inches in height. There are no strict guidelines however, detailed in the AKC standards.

Head and Ears: the shape of the head and ears are especially important to the breed standard of the French Bulldog. The head should appear proportionate to the body of the dog, and should be square in shape and large. The eyes should be dark in color, set low and wide upon the head. The top of the head that is between the ears, should be flat. The nose should be black in color. The ears are to be bat-like, this one of the most important standards of the breed.

Legs: the legs of the French Bulldog should be short and straight, and the hind legs must be set wide and longer then the front legs of the dog.

Coat: the coat of a French Bulldog is short in length and fine in texture. The skin should be soft and loose on the body, and coloring of the coat is also highly important. Some color combinations or lack there of, can result in a disqualification in competition.

Choosing A French Bulldog For Show:

It it generally apparent as a puppy, which dog will have show-quality standards. When choosing a French Bulldog to use as a show dog, picking the right breeder is imperative. A reputable breeder of French Bulldogs, will give the new owner a detailed history of the parents and sometimes has both parents on site to be viewed. If the father is not on site, the mother should be, in order to inspect her health and quality. The breeder should also show you other pictures of other dogs in the blood line, and any awards the parents have received competing in the show ring. Also, having certificates of the dogs breed is extremely important.

If the breeder refuses or cannot show you information about the dog, then a new breeder should be sought. A good-quality breeder of French Bulldogs should breed only males and females that have acceptable traits of the show dog standard. Finding the right breeder of French Bulldogs is as important as selecting the right dog.