Breed Standard


GENERAL APPEARANCE: The ideal Bonsai Bulldogge should have the same general appearance of its larger counter part, the Olde English Style Bulldogge, but in a much smaller package. As with the some Olde English Style Bulldogge standards, the Bonsai Bulldogge has no colour restrictions. It should be a small, but robust dog with heavy bone for its size.

It should have the bulldog’s tenacity and is generally not aware of its small size when interacting with other dogs. They are just as loyal and courageous as the larger version, but physically take up less space, making him very suitable for apartment dwelling. With a very stable temperament and its unwavering loyalty, this breed makes a great watchdog. They are great with kids, cats and other pets when socialized properly. The Bonsai Bulldogge has a jaunty personality and is much heartier than other breeds of his size, making him an ideal family pet. This breed enjoys a good brisk walk or a romp in the park to stay in shape. Grooming needs are minimal.

HEAD: Broad and square, moderately sunken between the eyes (medial furrow). The circumference of the head should be equal to or greater than the dog's height at the shoulder. A narrow head or one that appears too small for the body is a fault.

EARS: Rose ears set well on the sides of the head are preferred. Button ears are acceptable, as long they are small, not "hound like". Tulip ears are also acceptable, but not preferred. Full pricked ears that stand up on top of the head or cropped ears are considered a fault.
EYES: Wide apart and of moderate size. Any color is acceptable. Misshapen or bugged eyes are a serious fault. Pigment around the eyes is preferred. Crossed eyes or non-symmetrically shaped eyes are disqualifying faults.

NOSE: Broad and black, the tip of the nose should lie slightly higher than the root of the muzzle.
MUZZLE: Broad, deep and short with mild to moderate wrinkling. The bite is undershot with the bottom jaw turning up noticeably. Lower canines should not protrude. Muzzle too long (more than 2 inches), a scissor bite, even bite or wry jaws are disqualifying faults. Muzzle should be no shorter than 1 inch.

NECK: Medium in length and very muscular flowing into the shoulders and should not be set on the dog so it appears to stop at the shoulders.
CHEST: Ribs should be well sprung (rounded) and the chest wide and deep. Depth of chest should be at least to the elbows. A hollow or narrow chest (slab sided) should be considered a serious fault.
BACK: Males should appear square and balanced. Females should appear similar with consideration given for body length. A short to medium length back with gentle slope down from the shoulders rising again at the rump is preferred. A level back is acceptable as long as the tail does not come straight off the top of the back.
SHOULDERS: Shoulders should be well laid back with significant angulation to allow for good movement. Straight shoulders are a fault.
LEGS: Forelegs should be straight and wide apart, neither bowing out nor turning in. There should be significant bone substance. Elbows should be relatively close to the body. Lacking bone and substance is very undesirable. Elbows that are loose or "fiddle fronts" are a disqualifying fault. "East / West" forelegs are a serious fault. Rear legs should exhibit significant bend of stifle so to allow for good movement. They should be well muscled. Straight or "posty" rear legs are a serious fault. Cow hocks are a disqualifying fault.

FEET: Round, tight both front and rear, and the pasterns should be strong. Weak pasterns and/or splayed feet are disqualifying faults.
HEIGHT: 12 inches and under.
WEIGHT: Average 20 - 25 lbs.
COLOUR: Any colour is acceptable with no preference for one over another. The coat is short. A wavy coat or a long coat is a disqualifying fault. There should be no signs of feathering on the legs or neck area, also a disqualifying fault.
TAIL: Screwed short or a docked tails are most common but a pump handle tail that naturally reaches the hock is desirable. The pump handle tail should be carried low and not over the back of the dog.
TEMPERAMENT: Disposition should be outgoing and happy. While a watchful nature may be expected at home, human aggression without provocation is a disqualifying fault.