Registry of Merit

This Registry has been designed to recognize those dogs and bitches who, by their genetic makeup, and their use in a breeding program are improving the health of the French Bulldog, and are attempting to bring about greater conformance to the breed standard.

Registry of Merit

There is a multi-tiered set of awards for admission to the Registry of Merit.  To be admitted to the Registry, the dog or bitch must be shown to be sound, healthy, and of breeding quality in addition to achieving an AKC title or titles, whether Conformation, Obedience, Agility, Therapy (THD) or other Performance Event. Please refer to VOM Worksheet/Application (PDF) for approved titles for Obedience, Agility and Performance Event. Please note that a CGC is a prerequisite to all level of ROM, but is not considered a “Title” for purposes of ROM.

Higher levels of ROM awards recognize not only the dog or bitch’s quality, but also their ability to pass these characteristics on to their progeny.  There are four different levels of achievement, which are designated as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

1. Requirements for Admission to any level of the Registry of Merit

A.  The Dog or Bitch must be owned or co-owned by an FBDCA member in good standing.
B.  The Dog or Bitch must be AKC Registered.
C.  The Dog or Bitch must be positively identified in accordance with AKC policy.
D.  The Dog or Bitch must be free of disqualifying faults.
E.  A Dog or Bitch admitted to the Registry of Merit must have on record:

• A CHIC number which includes a hip certification of fair or better if by OFA, or a PennHip score of average or better of overall hip laxity within the French Bulldog breed PennHip statistics. In addition, the Dog or Bitch must be at least 2 years old when testing hips.
• A “normal” OFA cardiac certification.
• A “normal” OFA patellar certification.
• An eye examination resulting in issuance of an OFA or CERF number showing the dog is free of heritable eye disease.
• Proof of genetic testing for juvenile cataracts with either a “clear” or “carrier” result.  “Affected” dogs will be excluded.  Alternatively, in lieu of a DNA test result, any ROM applicant may also be found “cleared by parentage” if “clear” results are submitted for the dog’s sire and dam.

F.  The Dog or Bitch must have an AKC CGC title on record.
G.  The Dog or Bitch must have demonstrated excellence in type and or performance.

2.  Bronze Level, ROM

A.  To obtain a Bronze Level ROM, a dog or bitch must meet all requirements of section I above, and earn an AKC title whether in conformation, obedience, agility, Therapy (THD) or other performance event.

B.  With the initial application/award for a Bronze Level ROM, stars can be added for attainment of additional titles in the performance or conformation area for which the dog/bitch qualified.  ie  – if the award is for a CD, a star would be awarded for a CDX.

3.  Silver Level, ROM

To qualify for a Silver Level ROM, a dog or bitch must meet all requirements of Section I above, and earn an AKC title in two or more areas such as a CH. and CD

4.  Gold Level, ROM

To qualify for a Gold Level ROM, a dog or bitch must qualify for all Bronze or Silver Level ROM requirements, and whose progeny include at least four offspring who have also earned AKC titles.*

5.  Platinum Level, ROM

To qualify for a Platinum Level ROM, a dog or bitch must qualify for all Bronze or Silver Level ROM requirements, and whose progeny include at least four offspring who have also earned a Bronze (or higher) Level ROM.

*  If a dog or bitch has produced less than three litters, and is incapable of producing further offspring, then 50% or better of the progeny must meet the ROM level requirements.  Proof of spay or neuter is required along with a list of all progeny.

How to Apply

The deadline to apply for the Registry of Merit (ROM) for this year is July 31. If your dog or bitch meets the requirements listed above, please submit your application (attachments in .pdf format) to the FBDCA Honors and Awards Committee Chair, Paul Raleigh, at pvraleigh@gmail.com.

Include:
1.  Your name, address, e-mail address, and phone.
2.  Level applying for.
3.  Registered name of Dog.  AKC Registration number.
4.  Microchip number and/or Tattoo location and wording.
5.  Legible copies of OFA Heart, Patella, and Hip Certification
6.  Legible copy of CERF examination.
7.  Date AKC title was awarded.  Title earned.
8.  Registered names and AKC numbers of progeny if applying for Gold or Platinum  level.
9.  Health information as in #5 for each of progeny qualifying for eligibility for Gold level if applying for Platinum level.

If you have questions about eligibility, or questions in general, please e-mail Honors and Awards Committee Chair, Paul Raleigh, at pvraleigh@gmail.com.

Please Note: One plaque per dog per year is provided. If additional duplicate plaques are wanted for co-owners and/or breeders who are also FBDCA members, they can be ordered for $75 each at the time of application. Please let Paul Raleigh know about wanting a duplicate plaque when you apply.

Also, if your dog qualifies for multiple levels of ROM you have the option of applying for the highest level and receiving a single plaque, or you may apply for a lower level and then apply for additional levels in future years. Only a single plaque per dog is provided.

Revised: July 2024

View Members of the Registry of Merit