Purpose

The Bulldog Club of America Approved Mentor Program is designed to support the education of prospective and continuing judges through meaningful, accurate, and experience-based mentorship in the Bulldog.

This program exists to promote consistency, clarity, and a deeper understanding of the breed standard through hands-on learning and thoughtful discussion.

Program Overview

The Approved Mentor List is a voluntary, opt-in program open to individuals who wish to actively participate in mentoring judges and aspiring judges.

Inclusion on this list is not automatic and is not based solely on judging or breeding status. Rather, it reflects a personal commitment to providing quality mentorship in accordance with the principles outlined below.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for inclusion on the Approved Mentor List, individuals should meet the following minimum criteria:

For AKC Approved Judges:

  • Meet the American Kennel Club’s 12-5-4 guideline, defined as:
    • A minimum of 12 years’ experience in the breed
    • Breeding at least 5 litters
    • Producing at least 4 champions

For Non-Judges:

  • Individuals with significant experience in the breed may also be considered, including those who:
    • Meet or exceed the above 12-5-4 guideline, or
    • Demonstrate comparable depth of experience and involvement in Bulldogs through breeding, exhibiting, and long-term dedication to the breed

Final inclusion is based on both experience and a willingness to actively participate as a mentor within the framework of this program.


Expectations of an Approved Mentor

Approved Mentors agree to:

  • Provide Meaningful Mentorship

Engage with mentees in a substantive way, whether ringside or through structured discussion. Mentorship should go beyond form-signing and focus
on genuine learning.

  • Teach in Alignment with the Breed Standard

Base all instruction on the official Bulldog standard. Clearly distinguish between standard requirements, personal preferences, and current trends in
the ring.

  • Emphasize Understanding

Help mentees understand the why behind evaluation—structure, function, and breed purpose—rather than focusing only on surface traits.

  • Maintain Professional Conduct

Demonstrate respect for exhibitors, judges, and differing viewpoints. Avoid personal criticism, politics, or undermining others during mentorship.

  • Support Consistency in Education

Strive to present the breed in a way that promotes clarity and consistency, while acknowledging where interpretation may exist within the standard.

  • Uphold Integrity in Mentorship Approval

Only sign off on mentorship when meaningful interaction has taken place and the mentee has had adequate opportunity to learn and ask questions.


Mentor Support Materials

To support consistency and effectiveness in mentorship, the Club will provide an optional Mentor Resource Packet, which may include:

  • Suggested approaches and sample scripts for common mentoring situations
  • A “Frequently Asked Questions” guide based on common judge inquiries
  • Key points of emphasis within the Bulldog standard
  • Guidance on addressing common misconceptions or areas of confusion

These materials are intended as support tools, not rigid requirements, allowing mentors to maintain their individual style while promoting clarity and consistency in education.

What This Program Is Not

  • Not a recognition of status or seniority
  • Not automatic based on experience alone
  • Not a requirement for participation in judging education

This program is a voluntary commitment to mentorship and education.

Participation

Individuals who wish to be included on the Approved Mentor List will be asked to confirm their willingness to participate and uphold these expectations.

To apply for the program as described here please use the application found here. We will contact you in order to approve your mentorship.

Mentors will be asked to submit follow-up reports from any and all mentor interactions.

Mentors may be periodically asked to reaffirm their participation to ensure the list remains current and meaningful.

Closing

The Bulldog Club of America values the role of mentorship in preserving and advancing the understanding of the breed. This program is intended to support that effort through a shared commitment to education, integrity, and respect for the standard.