Official
U.K.C. Breed Standard
Revised March 1, 2000
History
In the 17th century, the monks of the hospice of St. Bernard in Switzerland
began to keep large, alpine farm dogs to serve as guardians, draft animals,
turnspits, and bed warmers. The role that made them famous, however, was as
finders and rescuers of lost travelers. The thousands of travelers who passed
through the hospice made the breed famous but it was not until the middle of the
19th century that a breeder outside the hospice, Heinrich Schumacher, developed
a standard and began to keep breeding records of the Saint Bernard. All modern
Saints trace their ancestry to Schumacher's dogs. Saints were introduced to the
United States in the late 18th century.
The Saint Bernard was recognized by United Kennel Club in 1920s.
General Appearance
The Saint Bernard is a large, massive, athletic dog with a broad head,
medium-sized drop ears and a natural tail carried level with the back or with a
slight upward curve. The Saint Bernard is nearly square and proportionally tall.
The breed comes in two coat varieties, shorthaired and longhaired. In evaluating
a Saint Bernard, exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to
how much they interfere with the dog's ability to perform its historical task of
alpine rescue.
Characteristics
The Saint Bernard is noted for its large size, great substance, and friendly,
eager-to-please temperament. The ideal Saint Bernard is a gentle giant, friendly
with strangers and affectionate with his family. This breed is typically not
aggressive with other dogs, regardless of sex.
Head
The correct Saint Bernard head is large, imposing and well chiseled. The head is
nearly as deep as it is long and is wider than long. Viewed from the side, the
ratio of the length of skull to muzzle is 2:1. A median furrow extends from the
occiput to the nose. The furrow deepens from occiput to stop where it is
strongly marked, then becomes wider and shallow as it runs down the bridge of
the muzzle.
Serious fault: Absence of median furrow.
SKULL - The skull is massive, broad and gently arched laterally and
longitudinally. The skull is broadest at the zygomatic arch, which is very
prominent. The occiput is moderately developed. The supraorbital arches are
strongly developed and form a nearly right angle with the horizontal axis of the
head. When the dog is alert, the skin above the eyes will form wrinkles, which
contribute to proper Saint Bernard expression.
Serious faults: Excessive skin on the head.
MUZZLE - The muzzle is broad, blunt and deep, with no taper in any direction.
The muzzle is relatively short, about one-half the length of the skull, and
deeper than wide with a ratio of 11:8. The width of the muzzle is approximately
equal to its length. Viewed in profile, the bridge of the muzzle is straight.
Flews of the upper jaw are strongly developed and slightly overhanging, forming
a gentle curve into the lower edge. Lips are black.
Faults: Roman nose, lumps on bridge of nose, folds of skin on top or
sides of muzzle, curved bridge of muzzle.
Serious faults: Absence of median groove on muzzle; flews hanging more
than 1½ inches below the lower edge of the underjaw; flews too sharply cut back.
TEETH - The Saint Bernard has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth
meeting in a scissors bite. A level bite is acceptable but not preferred. It is
desirable for the roof of the mouth to be black.
Faults: Overshot or undershot bite.
Serious fault: More than two missing teeth.
NOSE - The nose is broad with nostrils well open. Nose leather is black. In
profile, the top of the nose does not rise above the bridge of the muzzle.
Fault: Incomplete nose pigment.
Disqualification: Nose color other than black.
EYES - Eyes are medium in size and dark brown in color. They are set moderately
deep and more to the front of the skull than the sides. Each eyelid has a slight
fold, causing the eye to have a diamond-shaped appearance. Expression is kindly
and intelligent.
Faults: Light eyes; very visible haw; exposed lachrymal glands.
Serious faults: Functional abnormality of eyelids or eyelashes; bulging,
round eyes.
Disqualification: Blue eyes.
EARS-Ears are drop, of medium-size, and set fairly high. The base of the ear is
well developed so that the rear edge of the ear leather stands away from the
skull while the front edge hangs close to the head. The earflap forms a rounded
triangle, slightly elongated toward the point.
Serious fault: Low-set ears.
Neck
The neck is extremely muscular and thick, slightly arched, rather high set, and
blends smoothly into the shoulders. The neck is of moderate length but appears
short due to its extreme thickness. There is an observable dewlap on the neck
and throat.
Fault: Excessive dewlap on neck or throat.
Forequarters
Shoulders are muscular and moderately angulated. Shoulder blades are
flat and approximately equal in length to the upper arms. The tips of the
shoulder blades are fairly close together. Elbows are close to the body, with
the point of elbow set under the withers. The forelegs are straight,
heavy-boned, and very muscular. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are parallel
and moderately wide. Viewed from the side, the pasterns are short, powerful and
slightly sloping.
Faults: Excessive or lack of adequate angulation.
Body
The body is massive and muscular but sufficiently agile to navigate mountainous
terrain. A properly proportioned Saint Bernard is square with the length of body
(measured from prosternum to point of buttocks) equal to height (measured from
the withers to the ground). The length of the front leg (measured from point of
elbow to the ground) is equal to half the dog's height.
The topline inclines very slightly downward from well-developed withers to a
broad and level back. The loin is short, broad and so distinctly muscular that
there is a well-defined break between the muscles of the loin and the belly
below. The croup is slightly sloping.
The ribs extend well back and are well sprung out from the spine, then curving
downward and inward. The ribs in the forward section of the rib cage are flatter
to allow for efficient movement. Viewed from the side, the brisket extends to
the elbow and the forechest extends in a gentle curve slightly beyond the point
of shoulder. Viewed from the front, the chest is well filled and is at least as
wide as a man's closed hand. The belly is firm with very little tuck-up.
Faults: Slab-sidedness, narrow or shallow chest; sloping backline; roach,
sway or long back; excessive tuck-up; flat or steep croup.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are broad and thick. The muscles in the upper thigh of an adult
male should be so massive that an average man's two hands cannot span them. The
angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the
forequarters. When the dog is standing, the short, thick rear pasterns are
perpendicular to the ground and, viewed from the rear, parallel to each other.
Faults: Cowhocks; open hocks; sickle hocks.
Serious fault: Lack of muscle mass.
Feet
The feet are large, round and compact with well-arched toes and thick, elastic
pads. Feet do not turn in or out. Rear feet are just slightly longer than front
feet. Rear dewclaws may be removed.
Serious faults: Flat or splayed feet.
Tail
The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick and
muscular at the base and tapers to the tip. When the dog is in repose, the tail
just reaches to the hock. It is acceptable for the bottom third of the tail to
curve gently upward. When the dog is moving or alert, the tail is carried level
with the back or with a slight upward curve. It is never vertical, curled, or
tucked between the legs.
Coat
The Saint Bernard has a dense, insulating double coat. The outer coat is thick,
close lying and resilient without being coarse. The outer coat is straight but
some waviness over the loin and pelvis is acceptable. The undercoat is short,
very dense, and soft. Saint Bernards come in two coat types, shorthaired and
longhaired.
Shorthaired - The coat is short over the entire dog except that the hair on the
thighs and tail is longer and thicker. The longer coat at the base of the tail
gradually shortens toward the tip.
Longhaired - The coat is of medium length except that it is longer, but not
abundant, on the ears, neck, back of legs, brisket and lower chest, back of
thighs and tail. The coat forms a ruff around the head and neck. There is
feathering on the forelegs and belly. The coat on the thighs and tail is very
bushy.
Feet may be trimmed and stray hairs neatened, but neither the natural appearance
of the coat nor the outline of the dog should be altered by trimming.
Faults: Open or standoff coat; excessive hair length; soft coat.
Color
All shades of red and white; brindle and white; or any shade of brown and white.
The following white markings are required: white chest, white feet and tip of
tail, white nose band, and white collar or white spot on the nape of the neck.
The following white markings are highly desirable: white collar, white muzzle,
white blaze between the eyes, white belly and legs, and white on the lower half
of the tail. A dark mask around the eyes and dark color on the ears are highly
desirable but their absence is not a fault. Black on any other part of the dog
is a minor fault.
Fault: Black color anywhere but on the ears and mask around the eyes.
Disqualifications: Solid-colored dog; absence of white; black and white
dog; albinism.
Height
The ideal height for an adult Saint Bernard male is 30 inches at the withers and
for a female, 28 inches. A one-inch deviation from the ideal is acceptable. A
Saint Bernard must be massive, powerful and well boned with hard, firm muscles
and moderately dry skin.
Faults: Deviation from the ideal height by more than one inch but less
than 2½ inches.
Disqualification: Deviation from the ideal height by 2½ inches or more.
Gait
When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful and well coordinated,
showing moderate reach in front and similar moderation behind. When moving, the
dog's head moves slightly forward and downward. The backline remains level with
only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs
turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As
speed increases, feet tend to converge toward the centerline of balance. It is
recommended that dogs be shown on a loose lead and moved at a moderate speed to
reflect true gait.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Nose color
other than black. Blue eyes. Solid-colored dog. Absence of white. Black and
white dog. Albinism. Deviation from the ideal height by 2½ inches or more.
DOGUE
DE BORDEAUX
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Revised June 1, 1998
History
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the oldest French breeds. Its actual origins are
obscure but it is probably descended from one of the strains of Mastiff-type
dogs that accompanied Macedonian and Roman armies through Asia, Europe, and
Britain. A 14th century writer describing the Alaunt Veutreres, a probable
ancestor of the Dogue de Bordeaux, wrote that this dog "holds his bite stronger
than three sight hounds." By the middle of the 19th century, the Dogue de
Bordeaux was little known outside of Aquitaine where it was used to hunt large
animals, such as boar; to fight; to guard homes and cattle; and in the service
of butchers. The Dogue de Bordeaux was entered under its present name in the
first dog show held in France in 1863. The breed narrowly missed extinction
during the two world wars but enjoyed a resurgence in the 1960's. Sometime in
the early 1980's, the first Dogue de Bordeaux was imported to the United States.
The breed is used today almost exclusively as a family companion and house
guardian.
The United Kennel Club recognized the Dogue de Bordeaux on January 1, 1995.
General Appearance
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a well-balanced, massive, powerfully-built dog with a
very muscular body and a short coat. The Dogue is somewhat low in stature with a
huge head, furrowed by wrinkles, topped with small, pendant ears. The tail is
thick at the base and tapering to the tip and is set and carried low. The breed
is presented in a completely natural condition and should be evaluated equally
for correct conformation, temperament, gait, and structural soundness.
Disqualifications: Any identifiable, disabling defect.
Characteristics
Careful breeding has modified the formerly aggressive temperament of this breed.
Today, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a natural guardian, vigilant and courageous
without being aggressive. The Dogue de Bordeaux is very affectionate, devoted to
its master, and excellent with children.
Faults: Overly aggressive; timid.
Disqualifications: Viciousness, marked shyness or cowardliness.
Head
The massive head of the Dogue de Bordeaux is an essential breed characteristic.
In males, the circumference of the skull taken at the widest point is roughly
equal to the dog's height at the withers. In females, the circumference may be
slightly less. Viewed from the front and from above, the head forms a trapezoid.
The longer topline of the skull and the shorter line of the underjaw form the
parallel sides of the trapezoid.
Faults: Short, round head; "Bulldog" head, i.e., flat skull & muzzle
shorter than one-quarter of the head length.
Disqualification: Long, narrow head with insufficiently pronounced stop.
SKULL -- The skull is large, slightly domed, and broad between the ears. The
volume and shape of the skull result from the very important development of the
temporal bones, the supraorbital ridges, the zygomatic arches, and the spacing
of the mandibles. There is a deep median furrow that diminishes in depth from
the stop to the occiput. The stop is very deep and abrupt, almost at a right
angle with the muzzle. Despite the depth of the stop, the forehead is wider than
it is high.
MUZZLE -- The muzzle is broad, thick, and short with moderately obvious folds.
There is almost no taper to the muzzle. It is square when viewed from above and
the circumference of the muzzle is equal to two-thirds the circumference of the
skull. The top line of the muzzle rises slightly from the stop to the nose,
forming a very obtuse angle with the line of the forehead. The maximum length of
the muzzle is equal to one-third the total length of the head; the minimum
length of the muzzle is one-quarter of the length of the head. The ideal is
between these two extremes. When the head is held horizontally, the end of the
muzzle extends beyond a vertical line drawn from the tip of the nose. The jaws
are very broad and powerful. Lips are thick and moderately pendulous. When the
mouth is closed, the upper lip hangs over side of the lower jaw. The chin is
well defined and must neither overlap the upper lip nor be covered by it.
Disqualifications: Muzzle longer than one-third head length; muzzle
parallel to top line of the skull or downfaced.
TEETH -- The Dogue de Bordeaux has a complete set of large, evenly spaced, white
teeth. The incisors are well-aligned, particularly the lower incisors which form
an apparently straight line. An undershot bite is characteristic of the breed
with the inside of the lower incisors extending in front of the upper incisors
at least .2 inch and no more than three-quarters inch. Teeth are not visible
when the mouth is closed.
Faults: Incisors always visible when mouth is closed.
Disqualifications: Wry mouth; mouth not undershot. Canines always visible
when mouth is closed. Tongue always protruding when mouth is closed.
NOSE -- Nose color is black on black-masked dogs; brown on brown-masked dogs; or
reddish pink on unmasked dogs. The nose is broad and well-pigmented with
well-opened nostrils. An upturned nose is permissible but the tip of the nose
must not be set back deeply between the eyes like an English Bulldog.
EYES -- The eyes are large but not protruding, oval, and set well apart-at least
twice the length of the eye opening. Color ranges from hazel to dark brown.
Lighter eye colors are acceptable but not preferred in dogs without a mask or
dogs with red masks. Haw is not visible. Pigment of eyerims matches nose
pigment.
Faults: Protruding eyes.
EARS -- The ears are pendant and relatively small. They are set high, level with
the upper line of the skull, accentuating the skull's width. At the base, the
ear is just slightly raised in front and then hangs along the cheek. The tip is
slightly rounded. When pulled toward the eye, the ear should not extend past the
inside corner of the eye. The coat on the ears is slightly darker than the body
coat.
Neck
The neck is thick, muscular, and almost cylindrical with very little taper from
the shoulder to the head. The neck is slightly arched at the crest and blends
smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. There is a slight transverse furrow
separating the neck from the head. The average circumference of the neck is
almost equal to the circumference of the skull. The well-defined dewlap starts
at the level of the throat and forms folds down to the chest.
Faults: Excessive dewlap.
Forequarters
The shoulders are powerful and heavily muscled. The shoulder blade is well laid
back and forms, with the upper arm, an angle just slightly greater than 90
degrees. The forelegs are heavily boned and very muscular. The elbows are set on
a plane parallel to the body, neither close to the body nor turned out. Viewed
from the front, the forelegs are perpendicular to the ground or may, especially
in a dog with a very broad chest, incline slightly inward. The pasterns are
short, powerful, and slightly sloping when viewed in profile. Viewed from the
front, the pasterns are either straight or may turn slightly outward in
compensation where the foreleg inclines inward around a wide chest.
Faults: Toeing inward; extreme toeing outward; fiddle front.
Body
The chest is deep and broad. The ribs are well sprung from the spine and then
flatten to form a deep body extending below the elbows. The topline inclines
very slightly downward from well-developed withers to a broad, muscular back.
The short, broad loin blends into a moderately sloping croup. The flank is
somewhat tucked up and firm.
Faults: Barrel chest; roached back.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are powerful but slightly less broad than the forequarters. The
angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the
forequarters. The thighs are well-developed with thick, easily discerned
muscles. Stifles may turn slightly outward and hocks may turn slightly inward.
The lower thighs are muscular and short. Rear pasterns are sinewy and well let
down with the angle of the hock moderately open. Viewed from behind, the rear
pasterns are parallel.
Faults: Flat thighs; straight stifles; straight hock, sickle hock, cow
hock or barrel hock.
Feet
Feet are large, oval, strong, and tight, with hind feet slightly longer than
front feet. Pads are well developed, with strong nails, preferably pigmented.
Despite its weight, the Dogue de Bordeaux is well up on its toes. Dewclaws are
not removed.
Faults: Splay feet.
Tail
The tail is uncut, very thick at the base, and tapering to the tip. The tail is
set low at the base of the croup. When the dog is relaxed, the tail is carried
low, just reaching to the hock. When the dog is moving or excited, the tail is
carried level with the back or only slightly above level, but never over the
back or curled.
Disqualifications: Kink or screw tail. Atrophied tail.
Coat
The coat is short, fine and soft to the touch.
Color
Solid color in any shade of fawn, ranging from mahogany to isabella. Color on
the ears is somewhat darker than the body coat. Limited white patches are
permissible on the chest and feet. Good pigmentation is preferred. Dogs may or
may not be masked as follows:
Black mask. There may be slight black shading on the ears, neck, top of the
body, and on the skull, except that the mask may not extend past the
supraorbital ridges to the topskull. Black-masked dogs have black nose pigment.
Brown mask (formerly called "red mask" or "bistre"). Brown shading in the same
places as for a black masked dog. Brown-masked dogs have brown nose pigment.
No mask (also formerly called "red mask" or "bistre"). The coat is fawn and the
skin appears red. An dog without a mask has a nose that is reddish or pink.
Faults: White on tip of tail or on the front part of the legs above the
pasterns.
Disqualifications: White on the head or body. Albinism.
Height and Weight
Desirable height at maturity, measured at the withers, ranges from 23½ to 26½
inches for males and 22½ to 25½ inches for females. Dogs in good condition
should weight at least 110 pounds and bitches at least 99. All other things
being equal, the larger dog should be given preference over the smaller. *
Gait
The gait of the Dogue de Bordeaux is free, smooth, and powerful. When viewed
from the side, reach and drive indicate maximum use of the dog's moderate
angulation. As the gait quickens, the head tends to drop and the feet tend to
converge toward the center line of balance but do not cross over. The Dogue de
Bordeaux is capable of great speed over short distances.
Faults: Stilted movement; serious rolling in the rear.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness, marked shyness or
cowardliness. Long, narrow head with insufficiently pronounced stop. Muzzle
longer than one-third head length. Muzzle parallel to top line of the skull or
downfaced. Wry mouth. Mouth not undershot. Canines always visible when mouth is
closed. Tongue always protruding when mouth is closed. Kink or screw tail.
Atrophied tail. White on the head or body. Any coat color other than fawn.
Albinism. Any identifiable disabling defect.
BERNESE
MOUNTAIN DOG
BREED HISTORY:
When Roman soldiers invaded Switzerland, they brought large guard dogs with
them for protection and assistance. In the new land, many of these dogs mated
with local sheepdogs and eventually produced four distinct Swiss mountain types.
The Bernese Mountain Dog from the Bern Canton sported a long coat and became the
most popular of the canines. They worked as farm and draft dogs, pulling carts
for cheese makers and weavers. The breed faced extinction in the 19th century,
but revived under the careful watch of Professor Albert Heim. Today, they wear
jet black coats with patches of brown and white, and live happily as pets.
IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS:
Size: Males 25 to 27 1/2 inches, Females 23 to 26 inches (at the withers).
Appearance: Sturdy, balanced body with deliberate, driving motion. Coat and
Color: Shiny, thick, wavy or straight coat. Dark black color with rust markings
on the legs, sides of the chest and mouth, over the eyes, under the tail; white
marks on the chest, muzzle, head, feet, tail tip. Head: Broad, flat skull with a
long, straight muzzle; dark brown, oval eyes; high-set, triangular ears.
Tail: Long, low and
feathered.
CHIHUAHUA
BREED HISTORY:
Can you name the smallest breed? Many people know that the Chihuahua fits
this description, but remain unaware of the fascinating history behind the dog.
Although some mystery shrouds the lineage, the small rust-colored "Techichi" and
a hairless Asian dog that crossed the Bering Strait remain convincing ancestors.
The Aztec people believed that Chihuahuas could guide human souls and ward off
evil spirits. The modern five pound dog exists in both short and longhaired
varieties. Their small size and playful personalities serve them well as pets in
many kinds of homes.
IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS:
Size: Males and Females 6 pounds maximum. Appearance: Compact, balanced body
with swift, energetic motion. Coat and Color: Smooth Coat variety has soft,
shiny, short hair; Long Coat variety has long, thick, soft, flat or slightly
wavy hair. Any color, with or without markings, is permitted. head: Rounded
skull with a short, pointed muzzle; large, wide-set, dark or ruby eyes; large,
erect ears open partly to the sides.
Tail: Curved, long and carried
high.
THE
NEWFOUNDLAND
BREED HISTORY:
Despite its great bulk and working background, the Newfoundland exhibits a
docile disposition today. The dog's ancestors, perhaps Great Pyrenees, Husky or
Boarhound, were brought to Newfoundland Canada by European fishermen. As coastal
natives, these large dogs worked on both land and water. They pulled carts,
carried heavy packs, assisted fishermen and saved drowning people. "Newfies" don
thick coats as protection from icy water and dislike the heat. Intelligent,
watchful andobedient, they successfully adapt to family circles. They
particularly adore and protect small children.
IDEAL BREED
CHARACTERISTICS:
Size: Males27 to 29 inches, Females 25 to 27 inches (at the withers).
Appearance: Muscular, balanced body with strong, driving motion. Coat and Color:
Flat, long, thick, water-resistant, straight or wavy coat. Solid black, brown or
gray color with or without white marks on the chest, toes and tail tip, or white
with a black head, saddle and rear. Head: Broad, gently rounded skull with a
long, straight muzzle; small, dark brown, wide-set eyes; small, triangular,
rounded ears. Tail:
Long,wide, slightly curved
TIBETAN MASTIFF
FCI-Standard N° 230 / 02. 04. 2004 / GB
ORIGIN : Tibet.
PATRONAGE : FCI.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 24.03.2004.
UTILIZATION : A companion, watch and guard dog.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I.
: Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer- Molossoid breeds- Swiss Mountain and Cattle
Dogs and other breeds.
Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds, Mountain type.Without working trial
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The Tibetan Mastiff (Do Khyi) is an ancient working breed of the nomad herders of the Himalaya and a traditional guardian of the Tibetan monasteries. It has been surrounded by great myth since its first discovery in antiquity. From the mentioning by Aristoteles (384-322 b.C.) to the famous writings of Marco Polo, who went to Asia in 1271, all historical reports praise the natural strength and impressiveness of the Tibetan Mastiff- both physically and mentally. Even its bark has been described as a unique and highly treasured feature of the breed. Leading European cynologists of the past, like Martin and Youatt, Megnin, Beckmann, Siber as well as Strebel and Bylandt have intensively covered the Tibetan Mastiff, as they had been fascinated by its origin and function in the Tibetan culture. Some even considered the breed to be the very forefather of all large mountain and mastiff breeds. One of the first known Tibetan Mastiffs to reach Western shores was a male sent to Queen Victoria by Lord Hardinge (then Viceroy of India) in 1847. Later in the 1880s, Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) took two dogs back to England. An early recorded litter of Tibetan Mastiffs was born in 1898 in the Berlin Zoo.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Powerful, heavy, well built, with good bone. Impressive; of solemn and earnest appearance. Combines majestic strength, robustness and endurance; fit to work in all climate conditions. Slow to mature, only reaching its best at 2-3 years in females and at least 4 years in males.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS
:
" Skull measured from occiput to stop equal to muzzle from stop to end of nose
but muzzle may be a little shorter.
" Body slightly longer than height at withers.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Independent. Protective. Commands respect. Most loyal to his family and territory.
HEAD : Broad, heavy and strong. In adults a wrinkle may extend from above the eyes down to the corner of mouth.
CRANIAL REGION
:
Skull : Large, very slightly rounded, with strongly pronounced occiput.
Stop : Well defined.
FACIAL REGION
:
Nose : Broad, as dark as possible depending on coat colour, well opened nostrils.
Muzzle : Fairly broad, well filled and deep. End of muzzle square. Lips : Well
developed and covering the underjaw.
Jaws/Teeth : Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e.
upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors and set square to the jaws.
Level bite acceptable. Dentition fits tightly.
Eyes : Medium size, any shade of brown and in accordance with coat colour, the
darker the better. Set well apart, oval and slightly slanting. Eyelids tightly
fitting the eyeball. Expression of dignity.
Ears : Medium size, triangular, pendant, set between the level of the skull and
the eye, dropping forward and hanging close to head; carried forward when alert.
Ear leathers covered with soft, short hair.
NECK : Strong, well muscled, arched. Not too much dewlap. Covered by thick upstanding mane, not so pronounced in bitches.
BODY
: Strong.
Back : Straight, muscular.
Croup : Broad and rather flat.
Chest : Rather deep, of moderate breadth, with good spring of rib, to give
heart-shaped ribcage. Brisket reaching to below elbows.
TAIL : Medium length. Set high on line with top of back, carried high,
loosely curled over back, when dog alert or in motion; well feathered.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS
: Straight, well angulated, well covered all over with strong hair.
Shoulders : Well laid, muscular.
Elbows : Neither turned in nor out.
Forearms : Straight. Strong bone.
Metacarpus (Pasterns) : Strong, slightly sloping.
HINDQUARTERS
: Powerful, muscular, with good
angulation. Seen from behind, hindlegs parallel.
Upper thigh : Rather long; strong, with good hard muscles, but not bulging.
Stifle : Well bent
Hock : Strong, low set.
Dewclaws : Optional.
FEET
: Fairly large, strong, round and compact, with good feathering between
well-arched toes.
GAIT / MOVEMENT : Powerful, but always light and elastic: with good reach
and drive. When speed increases tends to single track. When walking appears very
deliberate. Capable of functioning over a varied terrain with stamina and
suppleness.
COAT
HAIR : Quality of greater importance than quantity. Coat harsh, thick, top coat not too long, with dense and rather wolly undercoat in cold weather which becomes rather sparse in warmer months. Males carry noticeably more coat than females. Hair fine but harsh, straight and off-standing. Never silky, curly or wavy. Neck and shoulders heavily coated, giving mane-like appearance. Tail bushy and well feathered; hindlegs well feathered on upper rear parts.
COLOUR : Rich black, with or without tan marking; blue, with or without tan markings; gold, from rich fawn to deep red. All colours to be as pure as possible. Tan ranges from a rich chestnut to a lighter colour. White star on breast permissible. Minimal white markings on feet acceptable. Tan markings appear above eyes, on lower part of legs and underside of tail. Tan markings on muzzle; spectacle markings tolerated around eyes.
SIZE
:
Height at the withers : Dogs : 66 cm (26 ins) minimum,.
Bitches : 61 cm (24 ins) minimum..
FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
SEVERE FAULTS
:
" Lacking physical condition and fitness.
" Head light or heavily wrinkled.
" Pendulous flews.
" Pronounced dewlap.
" Large and/or low set ears.
" Light eyes or staring expression.
" Weak pigmentation, particularly of nose.
" Barrelled ribs.
" Tightly curled tail over hips.
" Over angulated or straight hindquarters.
" Heavy constrained movement.
" Under minimum height, tolerance 2 cm.
ELIMINATING FAULTS
:
" Aggressive or overly shy.
" Undershot or overshot mouth.
" All other colours than above mentioned e.g. white, cream, grey, brown (liver),
lilac, sable, brindle, particolours.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
This amended breed standard will become effective from September 2004.
General
Appearance
Small white Toydog with square, compact outline and distinctive coat.
Characteristics
Intelligent, companionable.
Temperament
Reserved.
Head and Skull
Wide flat skull. Nose to stop slightly shorter than from stop to occiput.
Accentuated stop. Nose large, black.
Eyes
Large, round, dark with well pigmented rims.
Ears
Set on high, long, pendulous, carried away from head giving a broad appearance
to head.
Mouth
Jaws level, with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely
overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Neck
Clean, medium length.
Forequarters
Shoulders well laid, legs straight with slightly sloping pasterns. Elbows close
to body.
Body
Well sprung ribs, brisket reaching to elbows making half overall height at
withers. Level back, loins slightly arched. Point of shoulder to point of
buttock equals height at withers.
Hindquarters
Well muscled, moderate turn of stifle, hocks well let down.
Feet
Oval, black nails and pads. Dewclaws customarily removed.
Tail
Set on at level of croup carried curved over back. Well feathered.
Gait/Movement
Normal and smart. Legs moving parallel. Ambling highly undesirable.
Coat
Long, flocked without curl covering entire head and body. Shown in natural state.
Colour
Pure white without markings, not even simple shadings. Lips, eyelids, nose and
nails black.
Size
Dogs 27-30.5 cms (101/2-12 ins). Bitches 25.5-28 cms (10-11 ins).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the
seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact
proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into
the scrotum.
First recorded in cat literature in 1861 with a mention of a black and white cat named 'Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines,' Maine Coons were popular competitors at early cat shows in Boston and New York. A brown tabby female named 'Cosie' won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show.
Unfortunately, their popularity as show cats declined with the arrival in 1900 of the more flamboyant Persians. Although the Maine Coon remained a favorite cat in New England, the breed did not begin to regain its former widespread popularity until the 1950's when more and more cat fanciers began to take notice of them, show them, and record their pedigrees. In 1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) to preserve and protect the breed. Today, MCBFA membership numbers over 1000 fanciers and 200 breeders. By 1980, all registries had recognized the Maine Coon, and it was well on its way to regaining its former glory.
Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters. Nature is not soft-hearted. It selects the biggest, the brightest, the best fighters, and the best hunters to breed successive generations. Planned breedings of Maine Coons are relatively recent. Since planned breeding began, Maine Coon breeders have sought to preserve the Maine Coon's "natural," rugged qualities. The ideal Maine Coon is a strong, healthy cat.
Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the same climate, and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the Vikings.
Although the Yankee myth of 30-pound cats is just that, a myth (unless the cat is grossly overweight!), these are indeed tall, muscular, big-boned cats; males commonly reach 13 to 18 pounds, with females normally weighing about 9 to 12 pounds. Add to that two or three inches of winter coat, and people will swear that they're looking at one big cat.
Maine Coons develop slowly, and don't achieve their full size until they are three to five years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs. Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from courting to cajoling their people into playing with them. (Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items.) They rarely meow, and when they do, that soft, tiny voice doesn't fit their size!