Official written description of the ideal dog of each AKC-recognized breed, as specified by the breed's parent club. Includes characteristics that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was originally bred and outlines the structure, form, movement, coat and temperament of the breed. Dog show judging is a comparison of dogs to this established standard.

The official guide by which dogs are judged at dog shows. Each breed of dog recognized by the AKC has its own standard (written by the parent club). The standard may specify everything from the curvature of a dog's tail to the color of its eyes. You can obtain a copy of your dog's breed standard and order breed-specific educational videos from the AKC. Many parent clubs offer more detailed information on the standard, such as amplifications and illustrated standards.

a 'blueprint' describing what the ideal specimen of a breed should look like

a blueprint, The Breeder is the builder and The Judge is the inspector

a conceptualization of the ideal specimen of its breed, and as such, is to be written and researched very carefully

a description of the appearance and characteristics of a breed

a description of the traits that are considered ideal in the specific breed

a description of what the ideal or perfect dog would look like

an official, carefully worded description of the ideal conformation (structure) for a dog of that breed

a word description of what the ideal dog of a certain breed looks like

a written description of the ideal representative of a given breed

a written description of the ideal specimen of that breed

a written set of requirements that describe how a dog of that breed should look and behave

guidelines set out for each breed by a cat association which lists the qualities that the breed will be judged on in the show ring

The ideal characteristics for the breed, as agreed upon by a group of breeders.

The set of breed descriptions originally laid down by the various parent breed clubs and accepted officially by international bodies.

A breed standard (also called bench standard) in animal fancy and animal husbandry is a set of guidelines which are used to ensure that the animals produced by a breeding facility conform to the specifics of the breed. It is also used in competition to judge a given animal against the hypothetical ideal specimen of that breed. This article refers to breed standards in dogs.