Even without referring to its breed standard, one need only look at the front of a Bulldog to see “the short, stout, straight and muscular legs” referred to in the standard. Well developed calves present a bowed outline.

Wait, what? Calves?

The muscling on the upper forearms of a Bulldog is referred to as “calves,” and on an adult, they are quite pronounced. From the front, the outer line of the shoulder and calf almost seem to merge in a circular line. This is referred to as the “turn of shoulder,” though the phrase does not appear in the standard, nor is it seen in puppies, it’s far more pronounced on the “big boys” (adult males).

The Bulldog’s AKC standard is among those with a point scale. A correct turn of shoulder with proper front legs will show straight perpendicular inner forelegs, and in the scale of points under “body,” shoulders and back are each allotted five points. The most points that can be given are six, and they are awarded to a correct nose.

As an aside, if you decide to research “Bulldog calves” on the Internet, be prepared for something quite different than what we’ve just discussed.

Image: Two year old Bulldog/DepositPhotos