Sussex Bulldog Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Sussex Bulldog is a large, powerful and substantial dog, with a strongly muscled, heavy-boned build.
It should have a large head, broad chest and powerful shoulders, giving an imposing appearance while remaining athletic, agile and functional.
The overall impression should be one of strength, confidence and power, without exaggeration that restricts movement or ability.
Size & Proportions
Approximately 22–24 inches at the withers, with an ideal weight of around 105–120 lbs (48–54 kg).
The Sussex Bulldog should be large, broad and substantial, with heavy bone and a powerful, muscular frame.
The body should be well balanced and proportionate, with overall strength, substance and functionality being more important than exact height or weight.
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Head & Muzzle
The head should be large, broad and powerful, in proportion with the overall size and substance of the dog.
The muzzle should be broad, deep and strong, measuring approximately one third to one fifth of the overall head length.
The jaws should be powerful and well developed, without the muzzle appearing narrow, weak or excessively shortened.
The overall head should give a strong, imposing Bulldog expression while remaining functional.
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Nostrils & Breathing
Nostrils should be wide and open, allowing free and unrestricted airflow.
Breathing should be silent, easy and effortless at rest.
Pinched or narrowed nostrils, or noisy, laboured or restricted breathing at rest, are faults.
The nose should be black.
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Skin & Wrinkles
The skin should be close-fitting over the body, allowing the muscular structure of the dog to be clearly seen.
Some wrinkling around the head and muzzle is acceptable, with a small amount of loose skin around the neck also permitted.
Excessive loose, hanging or heavily wrinkled skin is undesirable.
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Eyes
Eyes should be medium-sized, clear and naturally set within the face, neither sunken nor prominent.
The expression should be confident, alert and steady.
Bulging, excessively prominent or deeply sunken eyes are faults.
Ears
Ears should be small to medium in size and in proportion to the head.
Rose or button ears are accepted, set naturally and complementing the broad, powerful appearance of the head.
Ears should not be excessively large or heavy.
Body & Condition
The Sussex Bulldog should be broad, powerful, heavily boned and strongly muscled, with a deep, well-developed chest and substantial body.
It should be presented in fit, muscular condition, with its natural size and weight coming from bone, muscle and substance rather than excess body fat.
The body should be well ribbed with a visible waist and abdominal tuck.
Being overweight is a fault.
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Front Construction
Viewed from the front, the Sussex Bulldog should appear broad, powerful and well balanced, with good width through the chest and shoulders.
The front legs should be straight, strong and heavily boned, positioned correctly beneath the body.
The overall front should give an impression of strength and stability, without being excessively wide or restricting natural movement.
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Feet
Feet should be strong, compact and well formed, with toes held neatly together.
Straight-facing feet are preferred. A slight outward turn is acceptable, provided it is not excessive or detrimental to movement.
Feet turning inward are a fault.
Rear Construction
The hindquarters should be strong, muscular and powerful, with well-developed rear legs providing good forward drive.
The rear should have balanced angulation, allowing free, efficient and powerful movement.
The hind legs should be correctly positioned beneath the rear of the dog, neither excessively straight nor over-angulated.
Weak, narrow or poorly muscled hindquarters are a fault.
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Movement & Athletic Ability
Movement should be powerful, balanced and effortless, with strong drive from the rear and good reach through the front.
Despite its large, heavy-boned and powerful appearance, the Sussex Bulldog should be athletic, agile and physically capable.
It should be able to run, jump, swim, exercise and enjoy long walks with ease, displaying strength, stamina and confident movement.
The Sussex Bulldog should be a functional and capable dog, not restricted by its size or substantial build.
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Tail
The tail should be naturally short to medium in length, set correctly and carried naturally.
It may be straight, slightly curved or lightly screwed, provided it remains functional and movable.
The tail should not be tightly fixed or cause discomfort, deep tail pockets or hygiene issues.
The overall tail should be in proportion to the size and substance of the dog. x
Coat
The coat should be short, smooth and close-fitting to the body.
It should be dense and healthy in appearance, allowing the muscular outline of the dog to remain clearly visible. x
Colour
Accepted colours include black, brown, red, fawn, brindle and white, including combinations and markings of these colours.
Colour should be secondary to correct type, structure, health, temperament and functionality. x
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Temperament
The Sussex Bulldog should be confident, loyal and devoted to its family, with a calm and steady nature.
It should possess a natural protective and guarding instinct, showing courage and awareness without unnecessary aggression.
Early socialisation, clear boundaries and consistent training are important due to the breed’s size, strength and confidence.
Nervousness, unpredictable behaviour or unprovoked aggression are faults. x