Page 234 - Showsight March 2013

Evaluating The French Bulldog:
A REVIEW FOR JUDGES
By Sande Abernathy
Breeders and exhibitors of
French Bulldogs are horrified
by the surge in French Bull-
dog popularity as illustrated
by its current rank of num-
ber 14 and the large number
of dogs entered at the Westminster Kennel
Club show. This means many more French
Bulldogs in the show ring and many more
judges needed to evaluate them. Breeders
and exhibitors are concerned that the qual-
ity of judging must keep up with the explo-
sion of Frenchies.
This article reviews key issues in our
breed standard, explaining what some
of the challenges are and some of the
subtleties are.
We breeders and exhibitors ask that
you judge the dogs in the ring against the
standard. Please do not be swayed by pre-
vious wins and reputations. We know the
strengths and merits of our breed and truly
rejoice when you award the quality before
you. Judge the dog on the day as you see it
without fear or favor.
Let’s start in the ring. It really helps to
have a mental image of how a Frenchie
should look. Note that words in italics are
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.
Top: the sideview of the topline; Bottom: a proper topline.
“YOUR FIRST
ImpRESSIOn OF
ThE FREnch
BUllDOG
should be made by
viewing the dog from
the side as he is stacked
on a table.”
234 • ShowSight Magazine, March 2013