Page 54 - ShowSight Presents - The French Bulldog
P. 54
“Movement is important in our breed.
IF A DOG CANNOT MOVE FORWARD
IN A GRACEFUL MANNER WITH REACH AND DRIVE
it may indicate structural issues.”
tort the alignment of the jaw and spoil the appearance of the head.
The nose is short and has a soft roll over the top with a well-defined stop. The nose is black and other than black is a disquali- fication. In the case of lighter colored dogs a lighter nose is acceptable but not desirable.
Front of the Body
The forelegs are short, stout, straight, muscular and set wide apart. The feet are compact. The chest is broad and deep. The space between the front legs, chest and the ground should be almost square.
Hindquarters
Strong muscular hind quarters are necessary for sound movement. The rear legs are longer than the front legs with
hocks well let down. A too straight stifle is a defect that creates a stilted gait in the rear movement.
A correct gait is graceful with reach and drive. The hind feet track inside the front because the front is broader than the rear. It is undesirable that the rear feet toe inward or are cow hocked. Both issues hinder proper movement. Move- ment is important in our breed. If a dog cannot move forward in a graceful man- ner with reach and drive it may indicate structural issues.
Coat & Color
The coat is moderately fine, brilliant, short and smooth. Skin is soft and loose, especially at the head and shoulders, form- ing wrinkles. Acceptable colors are all brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white, and any color except those which constitute disqualification.
Colors that are unacceptable are solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white and white with black (these are dis- qualifications). Black means black without a trace of brindle. These DQ colors can be registered with AKC and have entered the show ring. If you think you have a DQ col- or before you, pay close attention to the eye and nose color. In the case of a mouse or blue color they will not have a black nose or a dark eye.
There is a weight limit of 28 pounds. If you suspect that the dog might be too heavy, please call for the scales. The French Bull Dog Club of America Judges Education Committee does not recom- mend picking up the dog. It is not pos- sible to determine whether a dog is one
or two ounces over the limit or under the limit by lifting it.
In Conclusion
The French Bulldog has a companion- able and cheerful disposition. He should be cooperative in the ring—not shy with people nor aggressive toward other dogs.
JUDGE THE WHOLE DOG—it is the sum of all its parts.
The standard has been used for descrip- tive purposes; however, it is not produced in its entirety nor have I covered every aspect of the dog. There is a full discussion on evaluating the French Bulldog authored by the FBDCA Judges Education Com- mittee available on the website as a pdf download at http://frenchbulldogclub.or/ about-frenchies/judging-frenchies. There is also a CD available that is produced by the Judges Education Committee of the FBDCA. If possible, attend the National Specialty Judges Education Seminar and participate in ringside mentoring. Watch the dogs in 3D and get instant feedback on your questions and concerns.
BIO
Sande Abernathy has been showing
and breeding dogs for 45 years, the last 28 in French Bulldogs. She is a parent club mentor for judges for the FBDCA. She has judged Sweepstakes for both the FBDCA National Specialty Show and Regional Specialty Shows. She has chaired the FBDCA Top Twenty Committee for the past five years. She has served as FBDCA Secretary and Board Member for 8 years. Her devotion to the breed and its standard is unyielding.
An example of the front: showing a broad, deep chest with heavy bone and straight legs.
