FCI-Standard N° 232 / 22. 03. 2002 (Dutch / Ned. standaard)

GERMAN ROUGHHAIRED POINTING DOG (Deutsch Stichelhaar)     Foto

OTHER NAMES : Deutscher Stichelhaariger Vorstehhund, German Brokencoated Pointer.

ORIGIN : Germany.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 29.11.2001.

UTILIZATION: According to his purpose of a versatile working gundog the German Roughhaired Pointer must possess all the dispositions asked for the breed. He must be usable for all the work in the field, in the woods and in water before and after the shot.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I.: Group 7       Pointing Dogs.

                                             Section 1.1   Continental Pointing Dogs.

                                             With working trial.

FCI-Standard N° 233 / 02. 04. 2004 (Dutch / Ned. standaard)

LOWCHEN (LITTLE LION DOG) (Petit Chien Lion)     Foto

TRANSLATION : Jennifer Mulholland with the collaboration of R. Triquet.

ORIGIN : France.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 24.03.2004.

UTILIZATION : Companion dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 9        Companion and toy dogs.

                                              Section 1.3   Bichons and related breeds.            

                                              Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : In the Amiens Cathedral, the construction of which dates back to the XIII° century, one can see, carved in stone, two Lowchen which perfectly represent the breed. In the XV° century its distinctive silhouette was often depicted in tapestries. The breed was cherished by the ladies of the court of Burgundy. It was especially in the 17^th century that the breed was represented in old masterpieces. Buffon describes it very precisely in his “Histoire Naturelle”, stressing its rarity. At the same period the Swedish naturalist, Linné also mentions it. The Lowchen was once called “Bichon Little Lion Dog”. The French Breed Club was founded November 18^th, 1947.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : A small intelligent dog, gay with a lively and alert expression; overall robust with good bone- short and well proportioned body- head carried high - pronounced tuck-up. The movement is proud and determined, accentuated by the floating mane from the lion clip; the unclipped areas should be completely natural and on no account should they be shaped.

The lion clip is obligatory for showing.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : The body is square. The length of the body (point of shoulder to point of buttock) is equal to the height at the withers. The length of the muzzle represents approximately 2/3 of the skull.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Very affectionate and obedient with its masters, attentive and receptive, at ease in all circumstances; capable of being calm and discreet on command. His forthright and tender look tries to understand what is expected of him. 

HEAD : Relatively short and quite broad from the top of the skull to the muzzle; carried high.

CRANIAL REGION :

Skull : Relatively flat: as broad as it is long.

Stop : Moderately marked.

FACIAL REGION :

Nose : Black (total pigmentation is obligatory), except for brown coats and derivatives. In the latter case, the nose is dark brown (total pigmentation obligatory). The nose is well in line with the topline of the muzzle.

Muzzle : Rather broad, straight.

Lips : Tight and black, except for brown coats and derivatives, in which case, the lips are dark brown.

Jaws/Teeth : Strong teeth, complete dentition with scissor bite. Absence of the PM1 is tolerated.

Eyes : Set well forward, the eyes are large, very dark, round and well spaced; must be forward looking. The lids are totally pigmented.

Ears : Set low (level with eyes). Moderately long, capable of almost reaching, if pulled, half the length of the muzzle; pendant, well fringed. The fringes can reach, at least, to the end of the nose.

NECK : Of good length, slightly arched, merging smoothly into the shoulders and withers.

BODY :

Topline : Straight.

Loin : Short, broad and muscled.

Chest : Well developed, down to elbow.

Tuck-up : Well defined.

TAIL : Set on slightly below the topline. Carried elegantly arched over the back without touching the latter. Only the plume touches the back either when standing or in action.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS : Upright.

Shoulders : Well inclined, mobile, well muscled.

Elbows : Close to the body.

Metacarpus (Pastern) : Short and straight viewed from front; slightly sloping viewed from the side.

Forefeet : Small and round, toes tight and well arched.

HINDQUARTERS : Upright.

Upper & lower thigh : Well muscled, the tibia is the same length as the femur. The point of buttock is slightly prominent.

Hock : Relatively strong, the point is at approximately ¼ of the height at the withers, normal angulation.

Metatarsus (Rear pastern) : Robust, perpendicular to the ground.

Hind feet : Small and round, toes tight and well arched.

GAIT / MOVEMENT  : Lively, energetic and with good reach; legs parallel in action, head carried proudly.

COAT

HAIR : The coat is silky, long, wavy, dense; without undercoat.

COLOUR : All colours and combinations of colours are permitted.

SIZE AND WEIGHT  :

Height  : 26 to 32 cm at the withers, with a tolerance of +/- 1 cm.

Weight : 6 kg approximately.

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.

ELIMINATING FAULTS :

• Aggressive or overly shy.

• Total or partial depigmentation of the nose, lips and eyelids or other colour than black, or other colour than dark brown for brown coats and derivatives.

• Turned up nose.

• Absence of one or more incisives or canines.

• Non consecutive absence of more than two teeth (PM2, PM3, lower PM4).

• Consecutive absence of two teeth (PM2, PM3, lower PM4).

• Absence of a carnassial tooth (upper PM4, lower M1) or of another molar except for M3.

• Overshot or undershot.

• Eyes: small, almond shaped, protruding, too light or wall.

• Entropion, ectropion.

• Ears: not long enough or without fringe.

• Tail curled in a ring.

• Coat: curly, too short, lack of waves.

• Severe anatomical malformation.

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.

TRANSLATION : C. Seidler.

ORIGIN : Mexico.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 09.08.1999.

UTILIZATION : Standard Size: Watchdog.

                            Intermediate Size: Watchdog.

                            Miniature Size: Companion Dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 5     Spitz and primitive types.      

                                              Section 6   Primitive type.

                                              Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The origin of these dogs goes far back into history. Previously the natives ate their flesh which was highly prized. The breed was regarded as the earthly representative of the god « Xolotl », from which his name obviously originates. His task was to accompany the souls of the dead to their eternal resting place. The breed is also known by the name « Xoloitzcuintle ».

GENERAL APPEARANCE : A very attractive dog; his most important characteristic and peculiarity is the complete or almost complete lack of any hair, with a smooth and soft skin.

His body has harmonious proportions, chest is broad, ribcage roomy, limbs and tail long.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : Length of body in proportion to height at withers = 10 to 9, thus slightly longer than height at withers. Bitches may be a little longer than dogs. Dogs with long narrow bodies and short limbs are downgraded in their assessment.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Calm, quiet dog, cheerful, attentive, alert. Suspicious towards strangers, good watchdog, excellent pet.

HEAD

CRANIAL REGION :

Skull : According to his « wolf » type, his skull is broad and strong, yet very elegant. It tapers gradually towards the muzzle. The occipital protuberance is barely pronounced.

Stop : Only slight, yet clearly defined. In profile, the upper lines of the muzzle and of the skull are almost parallel.

FACIAL REGION :

Nose : In dogs with dark coats, very dark; in dogs with bronze or golden yellow coat, pink or brown colour; in particolour dogs unpigmented places may occur.

Muzzle : Seen from side, straight; upper and lower jaws strongly developed.

Lips : Taut.

Jaws/Teeth : Incisors close tightly in a scissor bite. Over- and undershot bite as well as any other anomaly in position of the jaws is to be categorised as a serious fault. Absence of molars and premolars is not penalized.

Cheeks : Barely developed.

Eyes : Of medium size, almond shape. They express alertness and liveliness. Colour of eyes differs according to coat colour and ranges from black, brown, red-brown and amber to yellow. Colour as dark as possible preferred and both eyes should be the same colour. Colour of eyelids ranges from black to brown or gray. Paler colour or pink patches on lids are permitted but not very desirable.

Ears : Ears are long, large and expressive, very elegant and of fine texture. They are reminiscent of « bat » ears. In alertness, they are always pricked, forming with their axis an angle of 50 to 80 degrees to the horizontal. Dogs with cropped or drop ears will be disqualified.

NECK :

Upper line : Carried high upperline slightly arched.

Length : Comparatively long.

Shape : Slim, flexible, well muscled and very elegant.

Skin : The skin on the neck is firm, elastic, yet close fitting and without dewlap. Puppies show folds on the neck which disappear with increasing age.

BODY : Strongly built.

Withers : Not very defined.

Back : The topline appears completely straight. Dogs with hollow back (lordose) or roach back (xyphose) or those with long narrow backs and short limbs are undesired.

Loins : Strong and muscular.

Croup : Slightly convex in profile. It is inclined at an angle of about 40 degrees to the horizontal. It is strongly made, muscular and slightly rounded.

Chest : Seen from side, long and deep and reaching to the elbow. Ribs are lightly sprung but never flat. Seen from front, the forechest is adequately broad but the tip of the sternum does not protrude.

Belly : The lower line is elegant; it begins under the chest and follows the muscular, tucked up belly in a rising line.

TAIL : Long, thin and with some bristly hair. Set on low, reaching to the hocks and tapering towards the tip. In movement it is carried high, curved, never curled over the back. In repose it hangs down and ends in a slight hook. Under certain circumstances, the tail is tucked, pressed against the underside of the belly which denotes shyness.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS : Seen from front, the front legs are straight, vertical, in good proportion and of good length in relation to the body. 

Shoulders : Flat and muscular. The adequate angulation of shoulder blade - upper arm joints permits free and elegant movement and a long stride. 

Elbows: Strong; they fit close to the chest wall, never turned outwards.

HINDQUARTERS : Seen from the back, the hindlegs are absolutely straight and parallel. The angle of pelvis to upper thigh joint, the stifle and hock, are adequately open to permit free strong movement of the hindquarters. Cow hocks are to be punished severely. Never close behind.

Upper thigh : Strong, well muscled.

FEET : These are of medium length (hare-foot). The toes, arched and close together, have bristly hair. Nails are short and black in animals with dark coats, paler in those with bronze or golden coloured coats. Pads are hard and resistant to any kind of ground. Interdigital membranes well developed. Dewclaws must be removed on all four limbs.

GAIT / MOVEMENT  : In accordance with his angulations, the dog has a long, elegant, springy step; trot is quick and flowing, head and tail carried high.

SKIN : On account of the complete lack of hair, the skin in this breed is of special significance. It is smooth and very sensitive to the touch. It appears warmer as it directly radiates heat, while in coated breeds, the radiation of heat is lost through normal air flow between the hair. Because of this the skin requires more care, as it lacks natural protection against sunshine and the inclemencies of the weather. Scars caused by accidents should not be penalized. The dog perspires through the feet (the pads and interdigital membranes) and therefore hardly ever pants.

COAT

HAIR : The most important peculiarity of this breed is the complete lack of hair on the body (Hairless Dog), yet he produces some short, bristly and dense hair of any colour on the forehead and neck. This hair must never form a long topknot of soft texture. Coarse hair is often found on the feet and towards the tip of the tail. If there is no hair at these points, it is not a fault. Dogs with long hair will be disqualified.

COLOUR : Whole colour dogs and dark shades are preferred. The colours range from black to blackish gray, slate gray, dark gray, reddish, liver, bronze to golden yellow. Particolours occur, including white patches.

SIZE  :

Height : There are three sizes for dogs as well as bitches.

·      Standard Variety : from 45 to 55 cm. Height up to 60 cm in excellent dogs permissible.

·      Intermediate Variety : from 35 to 45 cm. 

·      Miniature Variety : from 25 to 35 cm.

Dogs greater as 60 cm and smaller as 25 cm are disqualified.

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.

·      Head very broad.

·      Eyes light in colour, round and protruding.

·      Dewlap.

·      Body very long with short legs.

·      Short tail.

·      Dewclaws.

·      Skin slack, loose with formation of folds.

·      Hair on parts not mentioned in the standard.

·      Exaggerated lack of pigment (Albino).

·      Timid or aggressive dog.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS :

·      Over- or undershot bite.

·      Cropped or drop ears.

·      Docked tail.

·      Dog with coat all over the body.

·      Long, soft topknot.

·      Height greater than 60 cm or under 25 cm.

N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

TRANSLATION : Mrs. C. Seidler, revised by Mrs. R. Sporre-Willes and E. Peper.

ORIGIN : Germany.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 13.03.2001.

UTILIZATION : 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 2.1  Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type.

                                              Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : As forerunners of the present day Great Dane, one must look at the old “Bullenbeisser” (Bulldog) as well as the « Hatz-and Saurüden » (Hunting and wild boar hounds), which were midway between the strong Mastiff of English type and the fast, handy Greyhound. The term Dogge was at first understood to mean a large, powerful dog, not of any particular breed. Later, particular names such as Ulmer Dogge, English Dogge, Great Dane, Hatzrüde (Hunting Dog), Saupacker (boarfinder) and Grosse Dogge (Great Dogge), classified these dogs according to colour and size.

In the year 1878 a Committee of seven was formed in Berlin, consisting of active breeders and judges with Dr. Bodinus in the chair, which made the decision to classify all the forenamed varieties as « Deutsche Doggen » (Great Danes). Thus the foundation was laid for the breeding of a separate German breed.

In the year 1880, on the occasion of a show in Berlin, the first standard for the Deutsche Dogge was laid down. This standard has been taken care of since the year 1888 by the “Deutsche Doggen Club 1888 e.V.” (German Doggen Club, registered Club 1888) and frequently been revised over the years. The present Standard meets the requirements of the F.C.I.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Great Dane in his noble appearance combines a large, powerful well constructed body with pride, strength and elegance. By substance together with nobility, harmonious appearance, well proportioned outlines, as well as a specially expressive head, the Great Dane strikes the onlooker as a noble statue. He is the Appolo amongst all breeds.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : Almost square in build, this applies particularly to males. The length of the body (point of sternum to point of buttocks) should not exceed height at withers in dogs by more than 5%, in bitches by more than 10%.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Friendly, loving and devoted to his owners, specially to the children. Reserved towards strangers. Required is a confident, fearless, easily tractable, docile companion and family dog with high resistance to provocation and without aggression.

HEAD

CRANIAL REGION :

Skull : In harmony with the general appearance. Long, narrow, distinct, full of expression. Finely chiselled, specially under the eyes. Superciliary ridges well developed but not protruding. The distance from tip of nose to stop and from stop to the lightly defined occipital bone should be as equal as possible. The upper lines of muzzle and skull should run parallel. The head must appear narrow seen from the front with bridge of nose as broad as possible. Cheek muscles only slightly defined and in no way protruding.

Stop : Clearly defined.

FACIAL REGION :

Nose : Well developed, rather broad than round with large nostrils. Must be black with the exception of harlequins (white with black patches). In these a black nose is desired but a butterfly nose (black with pink patches) or flesh coloured nose is tolerated. In blue dogs the colour of the nose is anthracite (diluted black).

Muzzle : Deep and as rectangular as possible. Well defined corners of lips. Dark pigmented lips. In harlequins not totally pigmented or flesh coloured lips are tolerated.

Jaws/Teeth : Well developed broad jaws. Strong sound and complete scissor bite (42 teeth according to the dentition formula).

Eyes : Of medium size with lively friendly intelligent expression. As dark as possible, almond shaped with close fitting lids. In blue dogs slightly lighter eyes are tolerated. In harlequins light eyes or two differently coloured eyes are to be tolerated. 

Ears : Naturally pendant, set on high, of medium size, front edges lying close to cheeks.

NECK : Long, clean, muscular. Well formed set on, tapering slightly towards the head, with arched neckline. Carried upright but inclined slightly forward.

BODY :

Withers : The highest point of the strong body. It is formed by the points of the shoulder blades which extend beyond the spinal processes.

Back : Short and firm, in almost straight line falling away imperceptibly to the rear.

Loins :  Slightly arched, broad, strongly muscled.

Croup : Broad, well muscled. Sloping slightly from hipbone to tail set, imperceptibly merging into the tailset.

Chest : Reaching to the elbows. Well sprung ribs, reaching far back. Chest of good width with marked forechest.

Underline and belly : Belly well tucked up towards rear, forming a  nicely curved line with the underside of the brisket.

TAIL : Reaching to the hocks. Set on high and broad, tapering evenly towards tip. In repose hanging down with natural curve. When dog is alert or moving, carried slightly sabre-like but not markedly above the backline. Bristle hair on tail undesirable.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS :

Shoulders : Strongly muscled. The long, slanting shoulder blade forms an angle of 100 to 110 degrees with the upper arm.

Upper arm : Strong and muscular, close fitting, should be slightly longer than the shoulder blade.

Elbows : Turned neither in nor out.

Forearm : Strong, muscular. Seen from front and side, completely straight.

Carpus  : Strong, firm, only slightly standing out from the structure of the forearm.

Pastern : Strong, straight when seen from the front, seen from the side, barely slanting forwards.

Front feet : Rounded, well arched, well-knit toes (cat feet). Nails short, strong and as dark as possible.

HINDQUARTERS : The whole skeleton is covered by strong muscles which make the croup, hips and upper thighs appear broad and rounded. The strong well angulated hind legs, seen from behind, are set parallel to the front legs.

Upper thigh : Long, broad, very muscular.

Stifles : Strong, positioned almost  vertically under the hip joint.

Lower thigh : Long, of approximately the same length as the upper thigh. Well muscled.

Hocks : Strong, firm, turning neither in nor out.

Metatarsus : Short, strong, standing almost vertical to the ground.

Hind feet : Rounded, well arched, well-knit (cat feet). Nails short, strong and as dark as possible.

GAIT / MOVEMENT : Harmonious, lithe, ground covering, slightly springy. Legs must be parallel in movement coming and going.

SKIN : Tight fitting. In solid colours, well pigmented. In harlequins, the distribution of pigment mainly corresponds to the markings.

COAT

HAIR : Very short, dense, smooth and close lying, glossy.

COLOUR : The Great Dane is bred  in three separate colour varieties: Fawn and brindle, harlequin and black, and blue.

·      Fawn: Light gold fawn to deep gold fawn. Black mask desired. Small white marks on chest and toes undesirable.

·      Brindle: Basic colours, light to deep gold fawn with black stripes as regular and clearly defined as possible, running with the direction of the ribs. Black mask desired. Small white markings on chest and toes are undesirable.  

·      Harlequin (white with black splashed patches): Basic colour pure white, preferably with no ticking. Pure black patches well distributed all over the body, having the appearance of being torn. Grey or brownish patches undesirable.

·      Black: Jet black, white markings permitted. Included here are « Manteltiger » in which the black covers the body like a coat (“mantel”) or blanket and  muzzle, throat, chest, belly, legs and tip of tail may be white. Also dogs with basic white colour and large black patches so called “Plattenhunde”.

·      Blue: Pure steel blue, white markings on chest and feet permitted.

HEIGHT :

Height at withers : Dogs    : at least 80 cm,

                            Bitches : at least 72 cm.

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.

·      General appearance : Lack of male or female characteristics, lack of balance, too light, too coarse in built.

·      Temperament : Lacking self-confidence, nervous, easily provoked.

·      Head : Lines of head not parallel, apple head, wedge shaped head, too little stop; too prominent cheek muscles.

·      Muzzle : Pointed, lacking flews, lips too pendulous. Bridge of nose concave (dish shaped), convex (roman nose), falling away in front part (eagle nose).

·      Jaws/Teeth : Any deviation from a complete set of teeth (only the missing of both PM1 in the lower jaw may be tolerated). Irregular position of individual incisors as long as the bite remains otherwise correct), teeth too small. 

·      Eyes : Slack lids, haw too red. Light, piercing, amber coloured eyes. Wall eyes or differently coloured eyes in all solid coat colours. Eyes too wide apart or slit eyes. Eyes protruding or too deeply set.

·      Ears : Set on too high or too low. Standing off from the sides of the head or flat lying.

·      Neck : Short thick neck, ewe neck, throatiness or excess of dewlap.

·      Back : Sway back, roach back. Too long in back. Topline rising towards rear.

·      Croup : Falling away steeply or completely flat.

·      Tail : Too thick, too long or too short, set on too low or too highly carried above the back line. Hook tail or curled tail as well as tail carried sideways. Tail which is damaged, thickened at the tip or has been docked.

·      Ribcage : Flat or barrel-shaped ribs. Lack of width or depth of chest. Too strongly protruding breastbone.

·      Lower line : Belly line not sufficiently tucked up. Teats not sufficiently retracted.

·      Forelegs : Insufficient angulation. Light bone, weak muscles. Stance not vertical.

·      Shoulders : Loose or loaded. Upright shoulder blade.

·      Elbows : Loose, turning in or out.

·      Forearm : Bent, enlarged above pastern.

·      Pastern : Enlarged, markedly weak or knuckling over.

·      Metacarpus : Too sloping or too upright.

·      Hindquarters : Too much or too little angulation. Cow hocked, close together or open hocked when standing.

·      Hocks : Exaggerated large or unstable.

·      Feet : Flat, splayed, long. Dewclaws.

·      Gait/Movement : Covering too little ground, lack of freedom in action. Frequent or constant pacing. Lack of co-ordination between front and hind movement.

·      Coat : Double coat (coarse, short coat), dull coat.

·      Colour :

-  In fawn : Grey fawn, blue fawn, isabella (cream) or sooty fawn colour.

-  In brindles : Basic colour silver blue or isabella. Washed-out streaks. 

-  In harlequins : Blue-grey ticked basic colour. Large fawn-grey or blue-grey parts in the patches.

     - In blacks : Fawn, brown or blue-black colour.

     - In blues: Fawn or black-blue colour.

SERIOUS FAULTS :

·      Temperament : Shyness.

·      Jaws/Teeth : Pincer bite.

·      Eyes : Ectropion, entropion.

·      Tail : Kinky tail.

ELIMINATING FAULTS :

·      Temperament : Aggressiveness, fear-biting.

·      Nose : Liver coloured; split nose.

·      Jaws/Teeth : Overshot, undershot, wry mouth.

·      Colour : Fawn or brindle dogs with white blaze, white collar, white feet or socks and white tip of tail.

Blue dogs with white blaze, white collar, white feet or socks or white tip of tail.

Harlequin dogs: White without any black (albinos), deaf. So called Porcelain tigers (dogs that show predominantly blue, grey, fawn or brindle patches), so called “Grautiger” (dogs that have a basic grey colour with black patches).

·      Height : Below minimum height.

N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normally developed testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

© Copyright by Yvonne Soomers-Marell