Page 52 - ShowSight Presents - The French Bulldog
P. 52
Evaluating The French Bulldog:
B A REVIEW FOR JUDGES
By Sande Abernathy
reeders and exhibitors of and exhibitors are concerned that the qual- vious wins and reputations. We know the French Bulldogs are horrified ity of judging must keep up with the explo- strengths and merits of our breed and truly by the surge in French Bull- sion of Frenchies. rejoice when you award the quality before dog popularity as illustrated This article reviews key issues in our you. Judge the dog on the day as you see it by its current rank of num- breed standard, explaining what some without fear or favor.
ber 14 and the large number of the challenges are and some of the Let’s start in the ring. It really helps to of dogs entered at the Westminster Kennel subtleties are. have a mental image of how a Frenchie Club show. This means many more French We breeders and exhibitors ask that should look. Note that words in italics are
Bulldogs in the show ring and many more judges needed to evaluate them. Breeders
you judge the dogs in the ring against the standard. Please do not be swayed by pre-
direct quotes from our breed standard.
The Silhouette
Your first impression of the French Bulldog should be made by viewing the dog from the side as he is stacked on a table. The dog should be compactly built with legs and body showing strong muscular development and heavy bone. The head is supported by a thick and well arched neck. There is a slight fall close behind the shoul- ders and narrowing at the loins. The tail is either straight or screwed (but not curly) it is short and hung low. The topline has a slight rise over the loin.
“YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE FRENCH
BULLDOG
should be made by viewing the dog from the side as he is stacked on a table.”
Top: the sideview of the topline; Bottom: a proper topline.
