General Appearance: Being that of a great, powerful dog showing strength, endurance, and alertness. Powerfully built, but active.
Size & Weight: Males should be 23 to 28 inches at withers and weigh 90 to 150 pounds. Females are to be 20 to 26 inches an withers and weigh 70 to 130 pounds. (slightly larger or smaller is not a fault.)

Head: Expression--intelligent with keen alertness. The head should be square or have a round basketball look, and well muscled. The "stop" should be deep and abrupt.

Muzzle: Should be broad, not long and narrow. Length of "muzzle" not less than 1 inch to not more than 3 inches (preferred length 2 to 2 1/2 inches).

Bite: At least 1/4 to 1 inch (undershot) depending on size of dog and shape of head.

Eyes: Almond shaped to round, medium sized. Normal color: brown. Acceptable colors: gray, green, or light blue.

Ears: Small to medium, carried close to the head, or rose ears.

Neck: Slightly arched; of moderate length. Very muscular-almost equal to the head in size.

Body: Fairly compact with wide deep chest. The loin is wide, muscular and slightly arched.

Tail: Strong at the root and tapering to the hocks (normal relaxed position), however, many will carry their tails over their backs, especially when excited or walking.

Coat: Short and soft.

Color: Solid white, all shades of brindle (white, red, yellow, blue, brown, black, or gray); red and white; fawn and white; brown and white, mahogany and white; cream and white.

Forequarters: The combined front assembly from its uppermost components, the shoulder blades, down to the feet should be muscular and slightly sloping. The "forelegs" are to be straight. Bone structure should be medium to heavy, to be able to carry a large dog.

Hindquarters: Broad with muscles tapering well down the leg to show speed and strength, but not quite as large as shoulder.

Disqualifications: Full black mask; cow-hocked; splayfooted; even and scissors bite; glass eye(s); docked tail can be registered, but will be prohibited from the "show ring".

ARF has been registering the American Bulldog since 1972. It is the parent registry for the Johnson American Bulldog. It is home of the John D. Johnson American Bulldog bloodline.