How to Document American Bullies and Unusual French Bulldog Colors for Registration

Understanding the Registration Challenge for Designer Breeds

Owners of American Bullies and French Bulldogs with rare coat colors often face a frustrating problem: traditional kennel clubs and breed registries require purebred lineage papers that these dogs simply cannot produce. The American Bully, for example, was developed from the American Pit Bull Terrier but is now a distinct breed with its own standard. French Bulldogs in unusual shades such as blue, chocolate, or lilac are not accepted by many mainstream registries because those colors fall outside the recognized breed standard. This leaves owners without official documentation for their dogs, which can be an obstacle for competitions, breeding programs, or simply proving ownership in a legal dispute.

Fortunately, online registration platforms like Designer Kennel Club now offer a practical alternative. They accept designer, hybrid, and mixed-breed dogs that cannot obtain traditional purebred papers. The process, however, requires careful preparation. You need to gather the right evidence, take clear photographs, and understand what the registry expects. This article walks you through each step so you can secure a legitimate registration for your American Bully or unusual-colored French Bulldog.

Step One: Confirm Your Dog's Breed and Color Category

Before you start filling out forms, identify exactly where your dog fits. For American Bullies, the breed is recognized in several varieties: standard, classic, and XL (extra large), as well as the rarer Exotic Bully and Micro Bully. Each has a distinct build and temperament. Look at your dog’s conformation, head shape, chest depth, leg structure, and compare it with breed standards published by reputable American Bully clubs. If you own an Exotic Bully, note that its shorter muzzle and more extreme muscle mass set it apart from the standard type. A Micro Bully is simply a smaller version, but still needs to match the overall bully silhouette.

For French Bulldogs with unusual colors, the situation is different. The breed standard recognizes only brindle, fawn, black, and pied. Colors like blue (a dilute black), chocolate (liver), lilac (a combination of blue and chocolate), or merle are considered serious faults by traditional clubs. However, for registration with a designer kennel club, these colors are perfectly acceptable as long as you can document them accurately. You should determine the exact shade and pattern. For example, a blue French Bulldog often has a grayish-blue coat with lighter points, while a chocolate dog is a warm brown. A merle pattern shows irregular patches of darker color on a lighter base. Write down the color as you see it in natural light, and note any unusual markings such as a white chest or mask.

Step Two: Gather Clear Photographs That Show All Key Features

Photographs are the backbone of your registration. Poor photos are the most common reason for rejection. You need a set of images that leave no doubt about your dog’s appearance and structure. Here is what to capture:

Standing side view: The dog should stand on a flat surface with all four feet visible. This shot shows the topline, tail set, and leg angles. For an American Bully, the camera should be at the dog’s mid-body height to avoid distortion. For a French Bulldog, you want to see the compact build, the bat ears, and the short tail.
Front view: A straight-on shot of the face and chest. For American Bullies, this highlights the broad head and muscular forequarters. For French Bulldogs, it shows the wrinkle pattern on the forehead, the nose shape, and the eyes. Make sure the dog’s mouth is closed so the bite is visible.
Top view: A shot looking down at the dog from above. This reveals the width of the shoulders and the overall body proportions. For a Micro Bully, this is especially important to confirm the smaller size.
Color and pattern close-ups: For unusual French Bulldog colors, include close-up photos of the coat in bright, indirect sunlight. Show the color on the back, the sides, and the belly. If there are markings, such as a white blaze or a brindle overlay, photograph those separately.
Profile of the head: For American Bullies, a side profile of the head shows the stop (the angle where the muzzle meets the forehead) and the length of the muzzle. For French Bulldogs, this angle highlights the bat ear shape and the heavy wrinkles.

Use a plain background that contrasts with your dog’s coat. A light-colored dog should be photographed against a dark wall or blanket, and a dark dog against a light surface. Avoid using filters or editing software that alters the color or proportions. The registry needs to see your dog as it truly is.

Step Three: Write a Detailed Description of Your Dog

Alongside photos, you will need to provide a written description. This is where you can explain why your dog is a particular breed, especially if it is an American Bully variety that is not well known. For example, an Exotic Bully might be mistaken for a standard American Bully by someone unfamiliar with the breed. In your description, include the following elements:

Breed and variety: Clearly state “American Bully, Exotic” or “French Bulldog, Blue”. Do not use vague terms like “mix” unless the dog truly is a cross.
Age and sex: Provide the dog’s birth date or estimated age, and whether it is male or female.
Coat color and pattern: Describe the color using standard terms. For a French Bulldog, you might say “chocolate with tan points” or “blue merle with white chest”. For an American Bully, typical colors are brindle, fawn, black, or blue. If your dog has a rare pattern like merle or sable, explain what that means.
Distinguishing features: Note any unique traits that help identify the dog, such as a kinked tail, a missing tooth, or a distinctive scar. These are useful for ownership records.

Be honest. If you are not sure about the exact variety, state that you believe it is an Exotic Bully but provide photos that let the registry make the final call. Overstating your dog’s rarity can lead to rejection later.

Step Four: Provide Ownership Proof and Veterinary Records

Registration is not just about the dog’s appearance. The registry also needs to confirm that you are the legal owner. Gather documents that establish your ownership chain. A bill of sale from the breeder, a transfer of ownership form, or a microchip registration all work well. If you adopted the dog from a rescue, get a letter from the organization stating the date of adoption and the dog’s identity.

Veterinary records are also valuable. A vet’s report that includes the dog’s age, breed (as stated by the vet), and color can serve as secondary proof. If your vet has noted the dog’s unusual color or breed variety, that note adds credibility. Some owners also include a DNA test report from a canine genetics company. While not required, a DNA test can confirm the breed makeup for a mixed-breed dog and is especially helpful for American Bullies that might have a trace of another breed in their lineage.

Step Five: Submit the Registration Application Carefully

Once you have all the materials, it is time to submit. Most online registries, including Designer Kennel Club, have a straightforward process. You will fill out a form that asks for your contact details, the dog’s name, breed, color, and a few lines about its background. Then you upload the photos and any supporting documents. Before hitting submit, double-check everything. Make sure the photos are clear, the description matches the photos, and the ownership proof is legible. A small error, like a misspelled breed name or a blurry photo, can cause delays.

After submission, the registry will review your application. This review period varies. Some clubs respond within a few days, while others take several weeks. Be patient. If the registry requests additional photos or clarification, respond quickly with the exact information they ask for. Do not argue with their assessment. If they say your French Bulldog looks more like a brindle than a blue, you can provide better lighting photos to prove the color, but if it genuinely is a dark brindle, accept their judgment.

What to Watch For at Each Step

Throughout this process, watch out for common pitfalls. First, do not assume that a rare color automatically makes your dog valuable. Some owners try to register a French Bulldog as a “rare blue” when it is actually a grayish-black that looks blue only in certain light. The registry will see through this. Second, for American Bullies, be careful with the terms “Exotic” and “Micro”. These are specific varieties with defined standards. If your dog does not have the exaggerated muscle mass of an Exotic Bully, do not call it one. Third, keep copies of everything you submit. Online systems can lose files, and having backups saves you from reshooting photos.

Another key watchpoint is the consistency of your dog’s records. If you have ever registered the dog with a microchip company, a pet insurance provider, or a local kennel club, make sure the breed and color listed there match what you are submitting. Discrepancies can raise red flags. For example, if your vet has your French Bulldog listed as “fawn” but you are registering it as “blue fawn”, explain the difference in your description. A note that says “The dog’s coat has a blue tint that is not captured in standard vet records” can prevent confusion.

Maintaining Your Records Over Time

Registration is not a one-time event. Your dog’s appearance can change as it ages. An American Bully puppy may develop more muscle definition as an adult, and a French Bulldog’s coat can lighten or darken with age. Update your records periodically, especially if you plan to use the registration for competitions or breeding. Some registries allow you to submit new photos every year or two. Take advantage of this to keep your dog’s file current. This is also a good time to add any new ownership documents, such as a change of address or a new microchip number.

For owners who maintain multiple dogs, keeping organized records for distinctive bully breeds becomes essential. A breeder with several Exotic Bullies, for instance, needs to track each dog’s registration separately. Similarly, a collector of unusual French Bulldog colors will want to document each dog’s specific shade and pattern. Good records for distinctive bully breeds help you track lineage, health history, and ownership across generations, which is valuable if you ever sell or rehome a dog. By staying organized, you also make future registrations faster because you already know what the registry expects.

Final Thoughts on the Registration Process

Registering an American Bully or an unusual French Bulldog color does not have to be complicated. The key is preparation. Take high-quality photos, write a clear description, and provide solid ownership proof. Understand that designer kennel clubs exist specifically to serve dogs that fall outside the traditional purebred system. They are not judging your dog’s worth; they are simply verifying its identity. If you follow the steps above, you will have a legitimate registration that protects your ownership and gives your dog a recognized place in the canine world.