ABKC Breed Standard
Loyal, courageous dog of medium size with large powerful head and stout muscular body, devoid of breathing issues.
Loyal, courageous dog of medium size with a large powerful head and stout muscular body. Devoid of all breathing issues and capable of outdoor activity without concern of overheating. Stable, trustworthy temperament. Capable protector and ultimate family member.
Loyal, courageous dog of medium size with a large powerful head and stout muscular body. Devoid of all breathing issues and capable of outdoor activity without concern of overheating. Stable, trustworthy temperament. Capable protector and ultimate family member.
Key physical attributes emphasized in the ABKC standard.
Large and high, moderately sunken between eyes. Circumference equal to or greater than height at shoulder. Narrow head is a fault.
Rose ears preferred. Dropped acceptable if small. Full pricked ears are a serious fault.
Broad, deep, short with moderate wrinkling. Undershot, lower canines not protruding. Muzzle too long (over 3 inches), scissor/even bite are disqualifications. No shorter than 1.5 inches. Wry jaw is a disqualification.
Wide apart, moderate size. Any color. Odd eyes unpreferred. Misshapen/bugged eyes are a serious fault. Crossed eyes are a disqualification.
Broad with open nostrils, no air restriction. Not pushed up between eyes. Stop to nose at least 1.5 inches. Lacking pigment is a serious fault. No pigment is a disqualification.
Short to medium, very muscular, flowing into shoulders.
Ribs well sprung, chest wide and deep, at least to elbows. Hollow/narrow chest (slab sided) is a serious fault.
Males square and balanced. Slight rise from shoulders to slight drop at croup preferred. Level back acceptable.
Height
Weight
Short. Wavy or long coat is a disqualification. No feathering on legs or neck.
All colors acceptable.
Outgoing and happy. Watchful at home. Human aggression without provocation is a disqualification.
Common class groupings seen at ABKC events (exact classes vary by show).
Forelegs straight, wide apart, significant bone. Elbows close to body. Fiddle fronts are a disqualification. East/West forelegs are a serious fault. Rear legs significant bend of stifle. Cow hocks are a disqualification.
Balanced gait driving off rear, complimented by reach. Dogs should single track. Pacing or crabbing is a serious fault.
Round, tight front and rear. Strong pasterns. Weak pasterns and splayed feet are a disqualification.
Pump handle tail reaching hock preferred. Screwed short or docked acceptable. Carried low, not over back.
