BRAZILIAN CANINE ORGANIZATION (CBKC)

Official Standard of the Breed CAMPEIRO BULLDOG

Classification on CBKC: Group 11 - Breeds not recognized by FCI

Standard CBKC NR 8

Country of Origin: Brazil
Original Name: Campeiro Bulldog
Utilization: Shepherd and guard
Working Evaluation: Not regulated

Sergio Meira Lopes de Castro - President of CBKC
Paulo José Ramos de Azevedo - President of Canine Council
Colaborator: Ralf Schein Bender.

BRIEF HISTORY OF CAMPEIRO BULLDOG : Campeiro Bulldog has its origin on Bulldogs brought to Brazil by European Immigrants since the 16th Century. As cattle raising have for long been very active in the southern Brazil, bulldogs were frequently used to capture "wild" cattle extensively raised in the hostile field environment nearby native forests. These dogs participated in long journeys to capture lost cattle but were mainly maintained in slaughterhouses where they were especially useful for holding furious bulls whenever necessary. Working Bulldogs had an almost natural selection, as those very low-sized animals had disadvantages when traveling long distances and when immobilizing bulls by pulling and holding them. On the other hand, those excessively tall bulldogs resulting from crossing with other breeds used to loose catching instinct and precision of movements becoming especially vulnerable to horn and backward kick. How should be the desirable dog? Body should be strong with a very wide head and powerful jaw. Snout should be wide and strong but not so short as in Modern English Bulldog nor so long as in Bullmastiff in order to enable it to bite and hold bulls independently of its weight. The dog should have calm and watching temperament with an accentuated warrior spirit and loyalty. This temperament should be so obstinate to overcome limits and so controlled that always maintain obedience to commands from the shepherd. Thus, CAMPEIRO BULLDOG was born "naturally selected in the drudgery".

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Dog with a powerful and strong physical constitution indicating strength and agility.

UTILIZATION: they were used to capture "wild" cattle during long journeys and/or holding them when necessary in slaughterhouses. They are very versatile dogs having aptness to guard and combat very well balanced. They are dogs selected in the field controlling bulls and protecting the propriety of the farmer against any intruder. Furthermore, they act as shepherd dogs as well as bull controllers throwing and holding any escaping cattle. They use to live together in packs of hounds respecting the wish of their owners.

TEMPERAMENT: This extremely courageous dog is very loyal to the owner and docile with the rest of the family. Very versatile and well adapted dog, is calm (do not bark a lot), reserved with strangers and jealous with the master. It is companion, vigilant and confident with a well developed warrior spirit. They love children and accept integrally commands being submissive and loyal to its master.

HEAD: large and broad with strong jaw. Skull: very broad and high. Muzzle: broad and short with approximately 1/3 of the skull length. Not as short as in Modern English Bulldog nor as long as in Bullmastiff. Ears: small to medium, rose or button ears set high and wide.

EYES: almond-shaped to round as darker as possible.

LIPS: the chops or "flews" should be semi-pendulous with well-rounded cheeks.

JAWS AND BITE: the lower jaw turned up and protruding (it should project considerably in front of the upper jaw). Very strong bite.

NECK: very strong (muscular) and of moderated size.

FOREQUARTERS :Shoulders: very broad, muscular and slightly sloping. The forelegs should be stout, well boned and straight. Font feet may be straight or slightly out-turned.

HINDQUARTERS: broad and muscular with well developed second thigh denoting strength and power. Hocks should be slightly bent (rear legs neither pigeon-toed or cow hocked).

BODY: back moderately short with a light rise from the shoulders to the rump. Chest: wide and deep with well rounded rips.

TAIL: normally Campeiro Bulldog already born with a shorter (not reaching beyond the hocks) and crooked tail. In cases of long straight tails docked is recommended.

COAT: smooth flat and medium texture. Short coat. All colors are allowed. Dominance of fawn (all variations) and brindle (red, gray or black), as solid or with white. Completely white dogs have been occasionaly born (although not desirable for an outside working dog exposed to intense sun rays). Full black dog have not been recorded.

SIZE: ideal height at the top of the shoulders (withers) between 48 and 58 cm (18.9 and 22.8 inches) and ideal weight for males and females between 35 and 45 kg (77,2 and 99,2 lb).

FAULTS: any deviation on the terms of this standard should be considered as fault and penalized according to its gravity.

OBSERVATIONS: Campeiro Bulldog is an extremely rustic dog, free from health problems commonly present in Modern English Bulldog as they are breeds skilled for distinct functions. While Modern English Bulldog is a company dog ideal for apartments and with a marvelous appearance, Campeiro Bulldog is a dog ideal for work and guard.

NOTE: male dogs should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.