Valley Bulldog - History and Breed Standard
Breed History
The Valley Bulldog is thought to have originated in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada thus giving it the name “Valley Bulldog”. For the most part the development of the Valley Bulldog can be traced back to the mid 1900’s although it is entirely possible to have existed much longer.
The genetic origin and foundation of the Valley Bulldog was established on and incorporated the Bulldog and the Boxer. These two breeds were used because of the Boxer’s athletic ability and exceptional temperament and the Bulldog’s courageous and unwavering spirit.
The IOEBA has documented research that several of today’s breeders have produced 10 to 15 generations of Valley Bulldogs in their breeding programs. As a result of decades of structured breeding programs the phenotype of the Valley Bulldog has been set in several lines of Valley Bulldogs and they are now considered purebred and generational having fixed both form and type.
The Valley Bulldog was developed as a durable, athletic, working utility dog that was used primarily for farm and ranch work. Valley Bulldogs were used to work cattle and other unruly livestock as well as protect and guard the farm or ranch and its occupants from natural predators. All of these previously stated needs and others have lent to the development of this courageous and durable breed.
Breed Standard
The IOEBA’s official Valley Bulldog breed standard is a detailed written description of the perfect “type” or “flawless” Valley Bulldog.
A well written detailed breed standard is a very effective tool that can be used to assist Valley Bulldog breeders in the selection process and evaluation of Valley Bulldogs that are being considered for a structured breeding program or as a possible conformation show participant.
It is important that Valley Bulldog breeders understand and use the IOEBA’s official Valley Bulldog breed standard, as the offspring they produce will have an impact on the Valley Bulldog breed in the future for many generations.
The goal of all reputable Valley Bulldog breeders is to achieve perfection as far as correct breed type, health and temperament.
All IOEBA conformation judges use the IOEBA’s official Valley Bulldog breed standard as a guide to give themselves a mental picture of breed perfection by which they select future IOEBA conformation champions.
General Description: The perfect Valley Bulldog should be of medium height and size with a large broad head, sturdy muscular body with a thick neck of short to medium length. The Valley Bulldog possess a broad chest and shoulder area and a thick powerful rear end.
Valley Bulldogs should have an excellent temperament and can be quite intelligent. The temperament is to be very stable and trustworthy. Their disposition should be outgoing, playful yet protective when needed.
Head : Large and broad, deeply 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. Fault: Head too small.
Ears : Short either button or rose.
Muzzle : Broad, deep and of medium to short in length. The bite is undershot. Faults: Muzzle too long (more than 3 inches), scissor or even bite.
Eyes : Wide apart and of moderate size. Any color is acceptable. Faults: Completely white / pink rims.
Nose : From the stop to the end of the nose must be at least an inch. Faults: Completely pink nose (a small amount is acceptable).
Neck : Short to Medium in length . Should be thick and muscular.
Chest : Ribs should be well sprung (rounded) and the chest wide and deep. Faults: Too narrow in the chest.
Back : Medium length with a slight rise from the shoulders to the rump (level back is just as acceptable).
Legs : Forelegs should be stout and wide apart, neither bowing out or turning in. Faults: Bowing or turned out resulting in poor movement.
Feet : Round and the pasterns should be strong. Faults: Down in the pasterns or splayed feet.
Height : Males – 15 to 18 inches at the shoulder. Females – 14 to 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight : Between 45 to 70 lbs. Fault: Dogs above the standard weight.
Color : Various brindles with or without white, white (solid white not preferred), tan, fawn or red.
Coat : The coat should be short and smooth.
Tail : Down to hock naturally or screwed. May be docked, of no major importance.
Temperament : Temperament is to be very stable and trustworthy. Their disposition should be outgoing, playful yet protective when needed.