Royal Bloodlines Registry – Official Breed Standard for the French Bulldog

General Impression:
The French Bulldog presents itself as a compact, intelligent, and athletic companion with a sturdy frame, smooth coat, and moderate-to-small size. The breed’s signature traits include a square-shaped head, distinct upright "bat ears," and a roached topline. Their expression should reflect attentiveness, curiosity, and charm.

Balance and Structure:
Every physical trait should be in harmonious proportion, with no one characteristic overpowering another due to exaggeration or lack of definition. Ideal French Bulldogs are balanced in outline and free from any signs of poor construction.

Sexual Characteristics:
Allowances are made for females, who may not display the same degree of breed type intensity as males.

Size, Build, and Frame:

·         Weight: Mature French Bulldogs must not exceed 28 pounds. Dogs over this limit are automatically disqualified.

·         Proportions: The height from the top of the shoulders to the ground should be in suitable proportion to the body length from shoulders to tail base, giving an impression of a solid, compact build.

·         Structure: The body should carry substantial bone, be muscular, and convey strength in a compact form.

Head:

·         Skull: Large and square in shape.

·         Eyes: Dark in color (ranging from deep brown to nearly black), round, and placed low and wide apart on the skull. Lighter brown is acceptable but not ideal. Blue or green eyes, or any indication thereof, are disqualifying traits. No visible white or haw should show when the dog looks forward.

·         Ears: The hallmark “bat ear”—broad at the base, tapering to a rounded tip, carried upright, and positioned high on the head yet not too close together. Ears should face forward. Only bat ears are acceptable; all other ear shapes result in disqualification.

·         Muzzle: Broad, deep, and well recessed back toward the face. Cheeks should be robust and well developed. A pronounced stop is required, creating a groove between the eyes, with soft, loose wrinkles rolling over a very short muzzle.

·         Nose: Must be black. Any nose color other than black is disqualified, with the exception of cream or fawn dogs lacking a black mask, where a lighter nose is permissible but not encouraged.

·         Lips and Jaw: Thick, black lips that hang slightly over the sides and join evenly in front. The lower jaw is wide, undershot, and turned upward. Teeth and tongue must be hidden when the mouth is shut. Bites that are not undershot or that are wry are major faults.

Neck, Back, and Body:

·         Neck: Muscular and arched, with a loose dewlap at the throat.

·         Topline: Distinct roach back—dipping slightly behind the shoulders, then rising to the loin, which should be higher than the shoulders. The croup rounds into a short, broad rear.

·         Body: Compact and rounded. Chest is wide, full, and deep with well-sprung ribs. Abdomen should be tucked up.

·         Tail: Set low, naturally short, and either straight or screw-shaped (not curly). Tail should remain low at rest and taper from a thick base to a finer point.

Forequarters:

·         Legs: Short, muscular, and set apart. Straight in bone.

·         Feet: Medium-sized, compact, with well-arched toes and short nails. Dewclaws may be removed.

Hindquarters:

·         Legs: Powerful and longer than the front legs, creating the raised loin area.

·         Feet: Slightly longer than the front feet but equally tight and well-formed. Toes should be well arched with stubby nails.

Coat and Skin:

·         Coat: Glossy, fine, short, and smooth.

·         Skin: Loose, especially around the shoulders and head, forming characteristic wrinkles.

·         Disqualification: Coats that are not short and smooth.

Color:

Accepted colors include white, cream, fawn (from pale fawn to red fawn), and combinations thereof. Acceptable markings include brindle, piebald, black mask, light black shading, and white patches. Ticking is tolerated but not preferred.

Disqualified colors and patterns include—but are not limited to—solid black, black and tan, black and white, blue, liver, blue fawn, merle, or white with any of the aforementioned. Black must not contain brindling.

Movement:

The gait should reflect efficient, sound movement. A "four-tracking" pattern is preferred, where the front feet step wider than the rear. The stride should show reach and drive while remaining energetic and free-flowing.

Disposition:

French Bulldogs should possess an affectionate, even-tempered, and social personality. They are known for their playful and alert nature without being hyperactive or unruly. They are intelligent and adapt well to various environments.

Disqualifications:

·         Weight over 28 pounds

·         Blue or green eyes, or traces thereof

·         Ears other than bat ears

·         Nose not black (with fawn/cream exceptions noted)

·         Coat not short and smooth

·         Colors not specified in the standard (e.g., solid black, blue, merle, black and white)