CONTINENTAL BULLDOG BREED STANDARD
GENERAL APPERANCE
The Continental Bulldog is a medium-sized, powerful and athletic bulldog, substantial in build while remaining active, agile and capable of free movement.
The body should be muscular and well balanced, with strong bone, a broad chest and a characteristic bulldog head without excessive exaggeration.
The Continental Bulldog should give the impression of strength, fitness and functionality, with free breathing and the ability to exercise normally.
Overall, the dog should be unmistakably bulldog in type while remaining sound, mobile and capable of an active life.
HISTORY AND ORGINAL PURPOSE
The Continental Bulldog was developed in Switzerland by Imelda Angehrn, with the aim of producing a healthier, more athletic and functional bulldog while retaining recognisable bulldog type.
Development began from English Bulldog stock, with Olde English Bulldogge influence introduced to help create a more mobile and functional dog with improved proportions.
The breed was developed to combine the characteristic appearance and temperament of the bulldog with greater athletic ability, easier breathing and improved overall functionality.
The Continental Bulldog was officially recognised as a Swiss breed in 2005
HEAD & MUZZLE
The head should be powerful and distinctly bulldog in type, but not excessively large or heavy in proportion to the body.
The skull should be broad with a clearly defined stop. Wrinkles may be present, particularly when the dog is alert, but should never be excessive.
The muzzle should be broad and strong with sufficient length to allow free, unrestricted breathing. The nose should be broad with large, open nostrils.
The overall head should retain clear bulldog character without exaggeration that compromises health or function.
EYES & EARS
The eyes should be medium-sized, set well apart and neither protruding nor excessively deep set. The expression should be alert, confident and friendly.
The eyelids should fit closely, with excessive visible haw, entropion or ectropion considered undesirable.
The ears should be small to medium in size, set high and may be rose or folded/button ears, complementing the overall shape of the head.
Natural, healthy ears with good mobility and expression are preferred.
MOUTH & BITE
The jaws should be broad, strong and powerful, with well-developed, healthy teeth.
The lower jaw should be slightly undershot, reflecting typical bulldog type, but the bite should never be so exaggerated that the teeth or tongue are permanently exposed when the mouth is closed.
Jaw construction should remain functional, allowing the dog to eat, drink and breathe normally without difficulty.
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SIZE & PROPORTIONS
The Continental Bulldog is a medium-sized, strongly built and athletic bulldog, with males generally larger and more substantial than females.
Males: approximately 42–46 cm
Females: approximately 40–44 cm
The body should be slightly longer than the height at the withers, creating a balanced, powerful outline without appearing excessively short or compact.
Weight should remain proportionate to the individual dog. Fitness, balance and functionality should take priority over excessive size or mass.
BODY & CONSTRUCTION
The body should be strong, muscular and well balanced, with a broad, deep chest and well-sprung ribs providing good heart and lung capacity.
The back should be strong and relatively short, with a firm topline and powerful loin. The front legs should be well boned and correctly positioned beneath the body, without excessive bowing.
The hindquarters should be strong and muscular with good angulation, providing the power and drive required for athletic, unrestricted movement.
The Continental Bulldog should look substantial and powerful while remaining fit, agile and physically capable.
TAIL
The tail should be set low, strong at the base and taper towards the end. A straight or slightly curved tail is preferred and should be carried naturally.
The tail should remain mobile and functional, with sufficient length to contribute to the dog’s balance and natural expression.
Tightly screwed, fixed, ingrown or severely deformed tails are undesirable, particularly where they cause discomfort, skin problems or interfere with normal function.
COAT & COLOUR
The coat should be short, smooth, close fitting and easy to maintain, with healthy skin beneath.
A wide range of colours and patterns may occur, including brindle, fawn, red and combinations with white. A dark mask may also be present.
Colour should always remain secondary to health, temperament, sound construction and correct Continental Bulldog type.
Movement should be free, powerful and athletic, with good reach in front and strong drive from the hindquarters.
The Continental Bulldog should move with balance and coordination, demonstrating the ability to walk, trot, run and exercise comfortably without restriction.
Short, stiff or laboured movement, excessive rolling, weakness or any construction that limits normal activity is undesirable.
MOVEMENT
TEMPERAMENT
The Continental Bulldog should be confident, friendly, attentive and good-natured, forming a strong bond with its family.
The breed should display self-assurance without unnecessary aggression and should be capable of remaining calm and manageable in everyday situations.
Nervousness, extreme shyness, unpredictable behaviour or uncontrolled aggression are undesirable. A stable, dependable temperament is essential.
Faults should be considered according to their effect on the dog’s health, soundness, movement and ability to function normally.
Poor breathing, pinched nostrils, excessive wrinkles, unsound construction, restricted movement, excessive weight, extreme exaggeration or lack of correct Continental Bulldog type are undesirable.
Any feature that negatively affects breathing, vision, movement, reproduction or quality of life should be heavily penalised.
The Continental Bulldog should remain first and foremost a healthy, athletic and functional bulldog.