Breed standard

[citation needed] It may also describe faults or deficiencies that would disqualify an animal from registration or from reproduction.

In essence a breed standard is a blueprint for an animal fit for the function it was bred - i.e. herding, tracking etc.

[2] Breed standards cover the externally observable qualities of the animal such as appearance, movement, and temperament.

The standard is used as a comparative parameter for judging animals in conformation shows competitions.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale regulates breed standards for dogs internationally, but the largest dog registry, the American Kennel Club, does not belong to the international body and uses its own breed standard format.

First Neapolitan Mastiff dog breed standard, 1946
Body and head proportions, Boxer dog breed standard illustration