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The ABNA Breed Standard is the guideline which
describes the ideal temperament, appearance and characteristics of
the American Bulldog and ensures that the breed is, and will remain,
fit for function. Absolute soundness, both temperamentally and
structurally is essential.
ABNA Judges should, at all times, be careful to avoid placing dogs
with obvious conditions or exaggerations that would be detrimental
in any way to the health, soundness or welfare of the American
Bulldog.
The American Bulldog is a temperamentally sound, athletic, medium to
large size dog that possesses great strength and agility. The
expression should reflect a confidence, intelligence and alertness.
The sturdy, powerful, yet compact frame is characteristically
stockier and heavier boned in the males and more refined in the
females.
Some assertiveness with other dogs is accepted.
In officially recognizing the two types of American Bulldog, the
Standard type and the Bully type, the ABNA requires that they be
judged separately.
NOTES:
1. The American Bulldog National Alliance judges are specifically
charged with the responsibility of evaluating the temperamental
stability as well as structural conformation on all dogs.
2. Dogs displaying nervous, shy, timid behaviour should not be
considered for placement.
3. Any dog demonstrating human aggression / nervous aggression or
that is out of control, presenting a danger to the Judge, other
persons or other dogs, will be dismissed from the ring at the
Judge’s discretion.
4. Any dog showing serious lameness will be dismissed from the ring
for the welfare of the dog at the Judge’s discretion.
5. Dogs with disqualifying faults will not be dismissed from the
ring, but will not be considered for placement.
6. Males without two testicles, dogs that are deaf, and dogs that
have been spayed or neutered are not allowed to compete in the
conformation ring. Females in heat are not to be shown in the
conformation classes, and are not allowed in the proximity thereof.
TYPE
Standard:
The standard type American Bulldog is a leaner, more athletic dog in
appearance, while being well muscled with good bone and easily
recognisable as an American Bulldog. Any lack of American Bulldog
type is a serious fault.
It has a straight, level top-line, a box to wedge shaped head with a
slightly longer muzzle with less of an under-bite and a slightly
shallower, but still well defined stop.
Bully:
The Bully type American Bulldog is a thicker, more powerful dog in
appearance, well muscled with good bone, while still being athletic
and easily recognisable as an American Bulldog. Any lack of American
Bulldog type is a serious fault
It has a level to slightly higher in the rear top-line, a box to
round shaped head, with a slightly shorter muzzle with more of an
under-bite and a more definitive stop.
Note:
Although the American Bulldog comes in two types, the differences
between them are not massive, both types are easily identifiable as
American Bulldogs. Both types move smoothly, displaying power and
agility and breath cleanly. Extremes and exaggerations in both types
are penalised based on the severity.
SIZE
Males range from 22-26 inches (56 – 66 cm) at the withers.
Females range from 21-25 inches (53.5 – 63.5 cm) at the withers.
Weight is in proportion to height in both types.
Both types must be in good condition, and not overweight or
underweight.
COLOR:
Solid white, white with varying shades and degrees of brindle, red,
and tan.
Varying shades of brindle, red and tan showing varying degrees of
white markings.
Notes:
* Dogs with brindle, red or tan colouring must still have obvious
white markings to areas such as, but not inclusive of, the muzzle,
head and neck, chest, feet, abdomen and tail tip. Dogs should not
have a full black mask.
** If a dog has more than one patch, and one appears black while one
or more show some brindle, then the dog is classed as having brindle
colouration and not black. This is evident by the brindle showing
elsewhere on the dog.
*** If a single patch is so small that it is impossible to tell,
especially around the head area, as black is such a rare occurrence
in the breed, this patch is classed as brindle.
COAT
Short, up to a maximum of one inch (2.5 cm) in length, varying in
texture from soft to stiff.
HEAD
The head is relatively large and broad in proportion to the size of
the dog, flat on top giving a squared appearance.
There is a defined furrow between the eyes with a distinct, deep
stop.
The head is well muscled throughout with prominent cheeks.
The head-circumference of a dog must not be more than the height at
the withers of the dog.
Standard:
The head is box to wedge shaped in appearance, with a slightly
shallower, but still distinct stop.
The distance at the widest point between the ears in relaxed
position, is the same as the distance from the occipital bone to the
stop.
Bully:
The head is box to round shaped in appearance, with a more
definitive stop.
The distance at the widest point between the ears in relaxed
position, is the same or a little more than the distance from the
occipital bone to the stop.
MUZZLE
The muzzle is relatively
broad and square.
The jaws are well muscled, displaying great strength.
Lips are full, but not pendulous.
Pigment on the lips is full and black in colour.
Standard:
The muzzle length makes up 30% to 40% of the overall length of the
head.
The muzzle width makes up 65% to 75% of the overall width of the
head.
Bully:
The muzzle length makes up 25% to 35% of the overall length of the
head.
The muzzle width makes up 70% to 80% of the overall width of the
head.
BITE
Standard:
A reverse scissor bite is preferred, with a scissor bite up to an
undershot bite of 1/4 inch (6.5mm) being accepted with no fault.
Bully:
An undershot bite of 1/4 inch (6.5mm) is preferred, with a reverse
scissor bite up to an undershot bite of ½ inch (13mm) being accepted
with no fault.
TEETH
Correct dentition containing all 42 teeth, which are in healthy
condition, strong and large in size.
EYES
The eyes are round or almond in shape, of medium size, and are wide
set.
The skin around the eyes is tight showing no visible haw.
Eyes are dark brown in colour.
Eye rim pigmentation is full and black in colour.
NOSE
The nose is broad and black with full pigmentation.
The nostrils are large and wide.
EARS
The ears are medium in size and may be either forward flap or rose,
with no preference.
NECK
The neck is medium in length, slightly arched and tapers from the
shoulders to the head. It is thick, strong and muscular giving the
appearance of great strength.
SHOULDERS
The shoulders are well angulated, powerful and muscular with good
definition giving the appearance of great strength.
CHEST
The chest is well muscled, deep and moderately wide and in
proportion with the rest of the dog, giving the appearance of both
power and athletic ability.
The distance from the withers to the bottom of chest is equal to the
distance from the bottom of chest to the floor. The bottom of the
chest ends at the elbow.
In side profile the fore-chest is visible.
BODY
The body is well balanced and compact, powerful and athletic in
appearance.
The ribs are well sprung and the loin is moderately tucked.
The dog should be slightly longer than tall.
BACK
The back should be broad, giving the appearance of great strength. A
straight level top-line with a slight roach over the loins.
FRONT LEGS
The front legs should be straight and powerful, with moderate to
heavy bone.
The pasterns should be strong and almost upright.
REAR LEGS
The rear legs should be parallel, well muscled and powerful, with
moderate angulation. Pasterns should be strong and upright.
HINDQUARTERS
The hindquarters should be thick, muscular and athletic, and should
be in balance with the rest of the dog.
TAIL
The tail is medium set, thick and strong at the base tapering to a
point.
The tail should reach the hocks in a relaxed position.
FEET
The feet should be of moderate size.
The toes should be tight and well arched.
GAIT
The American Bulldog should move with effortless power and a
confident attitude, maintaining a level top-line.
When trotting the American Bulldog should move with a powerful,
smooth, and well coordinated gait, showing good reach in the front
and a powerful drive from the rear.
The legs should remain level and horizontal, and only as speed
increases do the feet converge toward the centre line for balance.
The American Bulldog should not paddle, pace, or display a short
stilted stride, there should be no rolling or clumsiness in the
gait. The feet should not turn in or out, cross, or interfere with
each other when moving.
Any dog showing serious lameness will be dismissed from the ring for
the welfare of the dog at the Judges discretion.
FAULTS
Any faults or deviations from the breed standard should be faulted
based upon the severity.
DISQUALIFICATIONS FROM
PLACEMENT
Full brindle, brown, red, or tan with no visible white.
Black and tan, tri colour, or any degree or patches of black, blue,
blue brindle or merle.
Long and / or feathered coats.
Wry jaw.
More than four missing teeth.
An overshot bite.
Visible entropia and ectropia.
Cross eyes
Lameness / Limping.
Inability to be examined by the judge
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