• The most important single trait that all performance animals share is attitude. It is the willingness to work hard, to succeed. It is the dog that finds performing exciting and fun. The dog with attitude has a desire to do the job and will earn titles at the higher levels.

    Look for a dog that is inquisitive, bright and alert. Your working Bulldog should be curious about everything around him. He will have a higher than average energy level.

  • Each show is held by one club and a superintendent or show secretary handles receipt of entires and setting up the show. All upcoming shows can be found on the Event and Awards page on the AKC web site.

  • Test your bright puppy by asking him to follow you with a bit of food or a toy. Back away a few feet and see if he will readily come to you. The puppy that follows and wants to be with you has higher pack drives and will attempt to please you as a pack member. A puppy that follows you for a moment then veers off to investigate their own interests or ignores you when you ask him to come is more independent and will be harder to train. Retrieval instinct is not often found in Bulldogs and it needs to be nurtured to advance in competition. Try throwing a small toy just a few feet to see if he will go out to it and pick it up. Retrieve instinct is not essential but it does make it easier to teach advanced retrieving skills.

    Puppies with attitude and drive will require effort on your part to devise ways to channel their energy and curiosity but not stifle it.

  • Spayed bitches and neutered dogs may not be shown in regular classes in conformation (thus, they cannot become Champions), however, they may be shown in performance events. Neutered dogs and spayed bitches may be shown in the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch class and they may be shown in the Veterans Class at a specialty show held independently, but not in conjunction with an all breed show. This is to prevent competition between altered and intact dogs of different breeds, hearkening back to the origin of dog shows as proving grounds for breeding stock.

  • Conformation and soundness are necessary components of a working Bulldog. The working parts of his anatomy are very important. He need not be a show prospect but must have correct length of back, adequate shoulder and rear leg angulation and be balanced. Most importantly, he must be a good breather. He should have a properly arched neck to aid his breathing. Try to avoid pinched nostrils. Heavy bones show prospects can be equally successful in the performance arena if they are sound in body and breathing ability. The Bulldog Standard requires  a very athletic, strong dog and therefore is very capable of working.