Australian Bulldog Inc. Standard for the Australian Bulldog

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General Comment:
The Australian Bulldog is a healthy animal. Distinctly 'bulldog" in type yet free of anatomical exaggeration. An Australian Bulldog should breathe freely, whelp and breed naturally and be uninhibited in its movement.

Characteristics:
Conveys impression of strength and activity, and stamina and exhibits a trustworthy and enduring disposition.

Temperament:
Loyal, fierce in appearance but extremely outgoing and affectionate in nature. Very stable and predictable. Enjoys activity, however a lot of exercise is not necessary for health and mental stability. The breed craves human attention. Some may not tolerate aggressive overtures by other dogs.

Head & Skull:
The head should be large, but not exaggerated out of proportion to the body. Broad muzzled and short faced, but the nose should be long enough for unhindered breathing. Muzzle is broad and turning up. Muzzle length from tip of nose to stop to be no less than 25mm and no more than 50mm. Loose folds of skin across the nose, but in no way excessively wrinkled. Eyes are set low and wide, never bulging or sunken - preferably without visible haw. Eyes of any colour acceptable. Head circumferance should be equal to body height or up to 15% larger for males and equal or up to 10% larger for females.

Ears:
Small to moderate size. Set wide apart. Rose or button preferred - never erect or cropped.

Mouth:
Broad jaw. Canines set wide apart. Well occluded incisors. Undershot (but not to excess) to level jaw. Flews are relatively broad and hanging over lower jaw at each side. Teeth should not be obviously protuding. Flews should not be excessive in size and mouth should not be excessively loose.

Neck:
Moderate in length; thick, deep and strong with loose skin forming small dewlap on either side.

Forequarters:
Chest broad and deep. Shoulders broad, but not excessively so, rounded ribs. Forelegs powerful and straight, not bandy or curved, well boned, set wide apart presenting a straight front.

Body:
Back short and straight giving compact carriage, but not so short as to interfere with activity. Bitches may have greater body length than males in order to assist natural whelping. Body shape in general is brick shaped with shoulders only slightly wider than hips.
Body length for males should be equal to height or up to 15% longer.
Body length for females should be between 10% and 25% longer than height.
(Body length measuring distance from shoulders to base of tail)

Hindquarters:
Strong and muscular. Hocks slightly bent. Hip width should be no more than 15% narrower than shoulders.

Feet:
Round and compact. Excessively splayed feet undesirable.

Tail:
Thickset at root. Straight (long or short), crank, pump-handle tails all acceptable. Screw tails acceptable, but tight screws undesirable.

Gait / Movement:
Balanced, vigorous and uninhibited. Should not have rolling gait.

Coat:
Smooth, short, tight to body.

Colour:
Any colour acceptable.

Size:
Height
Dogs: 17-21 inches (43-52.5cm)
Bitches: 17-20 inches (43-50cm)
Weight
Dogs: 28-38 kg
Bitches: 24-30kg