A breed standard is a guideline that describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a dog breed. These standards help ensure that dogs are fit for their original function, with soundness and health as essential considerations.

Each purebred dog breed has a recognised breed standard, which provides a framework for breeding and judging. Originally developed to maintain breed integrity, these standards have been refined over time to clarify details, correct errors, and improve understanding

Dogs Australia (the Australian National Kennel Council) has adopted the principle that breed standards should align with those established by the breed’s country of origin. In Australia, all breed standards include the following commitment to sound and healthy dogs:

"A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare, or soundness of this breed."

Currently, more than 200 purebred dog breeds are recognized in Australia for breeding, showing, and judging. These breeds are categorized into seven groups:

• Toy
• Terriers
• Gundogs
• Hounds
• Working Dogs
• Utility
• Non-Sporting

For detailed information on specific breed standards, visit Browse all breeds