When choosing a French Bulldog as a show dog, it is important to be selective and picky. The breed standard for the French Bulldog is very particular, so it is very important to know the breed standard for show dogs.
French bulldogs used as show dogs lead a dual life, both in the show ring and as a valued member of the family. When selecting a French Bulldog as a family pet, there are no restrictions on breed-specific standards, so this makes choosing one as a pet much easier for potential owners.
Show Frenchie breed standards:
When deciding whether or not to show your Frenchie, it is important to consider what type of shows the dog will be participating in. This will determine what breed standards must be followed. As a general rule, the dog should be able to enter any of the classifications established by various clubs, such as the AKC, for example. When buying a French Bulldog for the show ring, it’s important to find a dog that conforms to the various club standards.
The qualities of a show dog include:
Symmetry and Proportion: The body of the French Bulldog should have uniform proportions. The dog should be symmetrical on both sides of the body and have a compact, muscular frame.
Size: The French Bulldog cannot weigh more than 28 pounds, and dogs over the weight limit will be disqualified. Females should weigh between 20 and 24 pounds, while males should weigh between 24 and 28 pounds. French bulldogs are typically about 10 inches tall. However, there are no strict guidelines detailed in the AKC standards.
Head and Ears – The shape of the head and ears are especially important to the French Bulldog breed standard. The head should appear proportionate to the dog’s body, and should be large and square in shape. The eyes should be dark in color, set low and wide on the head. The top of the head between the ears should be flat. The nose must be black. The ears must be bat-like, this is one of the most important breed standards.
Legs: The French Bulldog’s legs should be short and straight, and the hind legs should be wide and longer than the dog’s front legs.
Coat: A Frenchie’s coat is short and fine in texture. The skin should be smooth and loose on the body, and the coloring of the coat is also very important. Some color combinations, or lack thereof, may result in a disqualification from the competition.
Choosing a French Bulldog for the Show:
It is generally apparent as a puppy what dog will have show quality standards. When choosing a French Bulldog to use as a show dog, it is imperative to choose the right breeder. A reputable French Bulldog breeder will give the new owner a detailed parental history and sometimes have both parents on site to see them. If the father is not on site, the mother must be there to inspect the health and quality of him. The breeder should also show you other pictures of other dogs in the bloodline and any awards the parents have received while competing in the show ring. Also, having dog breed certificates is extremely important.
If the breeder refuses or cannot show you information about the dog, a new breeder should be found. A good quality French Bulldog breeder should only breed males and females that have acceptable show dog standard traits. Finding the right French Bulldog breeder is just as important as selecting the right dog.