As far as I know there is no standard protocol. I use AKC as a guide to what the bulldog should be. Each breeder has their own standard I am assuming, and some of those standards are lower than others I would imagine. I believe that my standards and expectations for the breed are higher than most. I want to see the breed someday get rid of alot of the problems that they are known for right now, and the only way to do that is with alot of research, geneology, DNA testing etc. before you breed a pair. I own 1 foundation B-witch, because there are few of the breed left out there that are worthy of breeding, I searched 2 years to find her a suitable mate that would help her compliment the breed. I feel as though I have been extemely responsible in my actions and have taken every precaution that I can to not hinder the breed further than it already is and to put some healthy strong genes back into a line that will carry for generations.