AMERICAN BULLDOG BREED STANDARD
RECOGNISED TYPES
STANDARD TYPE
Add description of the Scott / Standard type here. This type is generally more athletic and lean in appearance.
BULLY TYPE
Add description of the Johnson / Bully type here. This type is known for a more substantial, broader, and bulkier build.
HYBRID TYPE
Add description of the Hybrid type here. This type is a cross between the Standard and Bully types, aiming for a balance of traits.
General Appearance
The American Bulldog is a large, powerful and substantial breed, retaining the appearance and functional characteristics of the old working Bulldogs from which it descends.
It should be strong-boned, muscular, athletic and well balanced, combining power and substance with agility, stamina and functional ability.
Three distinct types are recognised: Scott/Standard, Johnson/Bully and Hybrid. Differences in head shape, proportions and overall mass are expected between the types; however, all three should retain substantial bone, strength and unmistakable American Bulldog type.
The dog should appear confident, capable and physically fit, reflecting its history as a working, farm, stock and catch dog. No exaggeration should interfere with breathing, movement or normal athletic ability.
Size & Proportions
The American Bulldog is a large, powerful and substantial breed, with size and proportions varying between the recognised types.
Dogs should display strong, substantial bone and well-developed musculature, regardless of whether they are Scott/Standard, Johnson/Bully or Hybrid type.
The Scott/Standard type is generally more athletic and streamlined, while the Johnson/Bully type is generally heavier and more substantial. The Hybrid type may fall anywhere between the two.
Overall balance, soundness and functional ability are more important than extreme size or weight.
Head & Muzzle
The head should be large, powerful and proportionate to the body, with strong jaws and a broad, well-developed muzzle. Correct head shape will vary according to type.
The Scott/Standard type should have a more athletic, wedge-shaped head with a longer, well-developed muzzle and moderate stop, while still retaining substantial American Bulldog type.
The Johnson/Bully type should have a larger, broader and more blocky head, with a shorter, broad, deep muzzle and more pronounced stop.
The Hybrid type may display the head and muzzle characteristics of either type or a balanced combination of both.
Regardless of type, the muzzle should never be weak, narrow or excessively shortened, and head exaggeration must not compromise breathing, vision or normal function.
Nose & Breathing
The nose should be broad and well developed, with large, open nostrils allowing free and unrestricted airflow.
Regardless of type, breathing should be silent, easy and effortless at rest.
Muzzle length or head type must never compromise breathing or normal function.
Pinched or narrow nostrils, noisy or laboured breathing, or any visible restriction to airflow are faults.
Eyes
The eyes should be medium-sized, clear and well set, with an alert, confident expression.
They should sit naturally within the head and must not be excessively prominent, bulging or deeply sunken.
Eye shape and setting may vary slightly according to head type, but regardless of type, the eyes should remain healthy, functional and in balance with the head.
Ears
The ears should be medium-sized and proportionate to the head, set high and carried naturally.
Rose, half-pricked or drop ears are accepted, provided they sit correctly and complement the overall head.
Regardless of type, the ears should not be excessively large, heavy or interfere with the dog’s expression or function.
Body & Condition
The body should be powerful, muscular and well developed, with a broad, deep chest, well-sprung ribs and a strong back.
Regardless of type, the dog should have substantial bone and muscle, with strength coming from correct structure and physical condition rather than excess body weight.
The Scott/Standard type may appear more athletic and streamlined, while the Johnson/Bully type may carry greater overall mass and substance. The Hybrid may fall between either type.
A visible waist and abdominal tuck should be present. The dog should be fit and capable of sustained physical activity; obesity or excessive bulk that compromises function is a fault.
Front Construction
The front should be broad, powerful and well balanced, with strong shoulders and straight, substantial, well-boned forelegs positioned correctly beneath the body.
The chest should show good width and depth without becoming so excessively wide that it restricts natural movement.
Regardless of type, the front should provide strength, stability and athletic function. Weak bone, bowed legs or excessive width that compromises movement are faults.
Feet
The feet should be strong, compact and well formed, with well-arched toes and strong pads.
They should point straight forward and provide a stable base for the dog’s substantial weight and powerful movement.
Regardless of type, noticeably flat, weak, splayed, inward or excessively outward-turning feet are undesirable.
Rear Construction
The rear should be strong, muscular and powerful, with well-developed thighs and balanced angulation.
The hind legs should be correctly positioned beneath the body, with strong hocks and substantial bone, and should appear parallel when viewed from behind.
Regardless of type, the rear should provide powerful drive while allowing free, balanced and athletic movement.
Weak, narrow, excessively straight or over-angulated hindquarters are faults.
Movement & Athletic Ability
Movement should be powerful, balanced and purposeful, with good reach from the front and strong drive from the rear.
The American Bulldog is a true working breed and should possess the strength, stamina, speed and agility required for demanding physical work.
Historically used as a farm, stock and catch dog, including catching and controlling feral hogs, the breed should be capable of running, jumping, changing direction quickly and sustaining physical activity when required.
Regardless of type, size, mass or head type must never prevent the dog from performing as a fit, functional and capable working athlete.
Tail
The tail should be natural, long and strong, set low and tapering towards the tip.
When hanging naturally, the tip should reach approximately to the hock.
The tail should be carried naturally down and remain freely movable and functional.
A tail that is excessively short, tightly curled over the back, deformed or restricted is undesirable.
Coat
The coat should be short, smooth and close-fitting, with a firm texture and natural healthy sheen.
It should lie close to the body, allowing the dog’s muscular build and physical condition to be clearly visible.
The coat should not be long, feathered or excessively soft.
Colour
All traditional American Bulldog colours and markings are accepted, including white, brindle, red, fawn, brown and combinations of these colours with white.
Dogs may be predominantly white, patched or predominantly coloured.
Colour should always remain secondary to correct type, structure, health, temperament and working ability.
Temperament
The American Bulldog is a confident, courageous and determined working breed, traditionally valued for its strength, loyalty and natural protective instincts.
It should form a strong bond with its handler and family, while remaining alert and naturally protective of its home and territory.
This is a powerful, strong-willed working dog, requiring early socialisation, clear boundaries, consistent training and responsible handling. Dog intolerance may occur within the breed and should be managed appropriately.
Excessive nervousness, instability or unprovoked aggression towards people are faults.