The French Bulldog is a small-sized dog with a large head, signature bat ears, and a short, well-rounded body. They are active, alert, and playful, but not overly rambunctious.
Life Expectancy: 10 – 14 years
Height: 8-12″ at the shoulder for females and 9-13″ at the shoulder for males.
Weight: Not to exceed 28 lbs.
Coat & Color: The coat is short and smooth. Any color is accepted.
Head: Large and square. It should be flat on top between the ears. The forehead is not flat, but slightly rounded, and there is a well-defined stop.
Ears: Only bat ears are accepted. Anything other than bat ears is a disqualification. Ears are broad at the base, elongated, with round top, and set high on the head, and not too close together.
Muzzle: Broad and deep with well-developed cheek muscles.
Eyes: Wide set and round shaped of moderate size. Dark brown or black is the preferred color. Bugged eyes, crossed, non-symmetrical, blue, green, or pink/red eyes are a disqualifying fault.
Nose: The nose should be fully black and nostrils wide with well-defined line between them.
Neck: Short, broad, and well arched with loose skin at the throat.
Chest: Broad, deep, and well-filled in.
Shoulders: Strong and broad, tapering to the rear.
Legs: Forelegs should be short, straight, wide set, and well-muscled. Hind legs are slightly longer than forelegs so as to elevate the loins above the shoulders.
Gait: Movement is free and powerful with a “four tracking” foot pattern. Gait should have reach and drive.
Feet: Moderate sized, compact, and firmly set. Toes are compact, well split up, with high knuckles and very short, stubby nails. The hind feet are slightly longer than the forefeet.
Tail: Short, hung low, and either straight or “screwed”, but never curved or curly.
Temperament: Disposition should be well-behaved and exhibit affection to companions.