thumb|First [[Neapolitan Mastiff dog breed standard, 1946]]

In animal husbandry or animal fancy, a breed standard is a description of the characteristics of a hypothetical or ideal example of a breed. The description may include physical or morphological detail, genetic criteria, or criteria of athletic or productive performance. It may also describe faults or deficiencies that would disqualify an animal from registration or from reproduction. The hypothetical ideal example may be called a "breed type".

Breed standards are devised by breed associations or breed clubs, not by individuals, and are written to reflect the use or purpose of the species and breed of the animal. Breed standards help define the ideal animal of a breed and provide goals for breeders in improving stock. In essence a breed standard is a blueprint for an animal fit for the function it was bred - i.e. herding, tracking etc. Breed standards are not scientific documents, and may vary from association to association, and from country to country, even for the same species and breed. There is no one format for breed standards across all species, and breed standards do change and are updated over time. In cattle, breed standards allow for comparisons and the selection of the best breeds to raise.

The National Pigeon Association in the U.S. divides breeds into several categories, including form, owl and frills, croppers and pouters, doves, and more.

There is breed standard for dogs, cats, horses, chicken breeds, pigeons and others. The standard is used as a comparative parameter for judging animals in conformation shows competitions.

Regulation

Some species have international governing bodies that attempt to regulate the terminology and format of breed standards internationally, but, even where such international agreement exists, not all associations for that species necessarily belong to the international governing body. 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.

See also

  • Breed type
  • Equine conformation
  • American Standard of Perfection
  • Animal husbandry
  • Animal fancy
  • Cattle judging
  • Selective breeding
  • Fault (dog)

References

  • Breed Standard for Highland Cattle
  • Cattle breed associations