FCI Standard 311

FCI-Standard N° 311 / 22. 01.1999 (Dutch / Ned. standaard)

SAARLOOSWOLFDOG (Saarlooswolfhond) Foto

TRANSLATION : C. Seidler.

ORIGIN : The Netherlands.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 22.01.1999.

UTILIZATION : The Saarlooswolfdog was not bred with any aim for a particular utilization. He possesses qualities which enable him to be a faithful and reliable companion and house dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs).

Section 1 Sheepdogs.

Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : Leendert Saarloos (1884-1969) loved nature and also loved dogs. However, he found that dogs had become too humanized and intended, as a lover of the German Shepherd Dog, to breed the natural qualities back into this breed in order to produce a better working dog. For this reason he crossed the German Shepherd Dog male, Gerard van der Fransenum, a dog of classical Prussian type, with Fleuri, a female wolf which originated from the Siberian branch of the European type (1932).

Breeding back to the father gave him a basic population of animals with one quarter wolf’s blood. During the course of the following experimental phase with strict selection, a new breed, the « European Wolfsdog » evolved.

As selected animals of this new breed gave good service as guide dogs for the blind, they were at first regarded as suitable for this work. Due to the increase in the proportion of wolf blood, however the useful ability, inherited from the original ancestor, Gerard, became gradually lost and it became obvious that the breed was neither well suited to being a working nor a guide dog. The legacy of Leendert Saarloos, not a working dog, but a dog with attributes close to nature, was recognized as a breed in 1975. At that time, the breed was named « Saarlooswolfhond » in honour of its founder. Honour to him to whom honour is due. Since then the « Nederlandse Vereniging van Saarlooswolfhonden » (Netherlands Society for the Saarloos Wolfdog), has represented the breed’s interests, including the following new breed standard.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Saarlooswolfdog is a strongly built dog whose outer appearance (body build, movement and coat) are reminiscent of a wolf. His construction is balanced and he has quite long limbs without giving the appearance of being long-legged. The different secondary sexual characteristics are pronounced in dogs and bitches.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : The Saarlooswolfdog is longer than its height. The upper jaw and skull have a relation in length of 1 to 1 to each other.

BEHAVIOUR /TEMPERAMENT : A lively dog, bursting with energy, with evidence of a proud independent character. He obeys only of his own free will; he is not submissive. Towards his master he is devoted and reliable to a high degree. Towards strangers he is reserved and somewhat suspicious. His reserve and wolf-like wish to flee in unknown situations, are typical for the Saarloos Wolfdog and should be retained as typical qualities of the breed. When strangers approach the Saarlooswolfdog, they should have some understanding for the behaviour of this dog, for his reserve and wish to flee, qualities which he carries as his inheritance. A forced, undesired approach by a stranger can lead to an overwhelming desire to flee. The suppression of this inclination, for instance through lack of freedom in a dog kept on a lead, can make his behaviour appear nervous.

HEAD : The head should give a wolf-like impression and its size should be in harmonious relation to the body. Seen from above and from the side, the head is wedge-shaped. The line from the muzzle to the well developed zygomatic arch is very characteristic. Together with the correct shape and position of the eye, this line gives the desired wolf-like appearance.

CRANIAL REGION :

Skull : The skull is flat and broad. Exaggeration in respect to width must be warned against as this affects the typical wedge shape. The occiput and the eye socket must not be noticeable. The superciliary ridges should merge with the skull in a flowing line.

Stop : The transition from the strong muzzle to the skull must form a slight stop.

FACIAL REGION :

Nose : Nose leather well pigmented. Bridge of nose straight.

Lips : Well closed. Tight fitting.

Upper jaw : Must not appear coarse compared to the skull. Too coarse a muzzle disfigures the typical wolf-like shape.

Lower jaw : Not conspicuous.

Jaws/Teeth : Upper and lower jaw are well developed and have a strong and complete scissor bite which is also acceptable in the shape of a very close fitting scissor bite.

Eyes : Preferably yellow, almond shaped. Set slightly oblique, not protruding and not round, with well fitting lids. The expression is alert, reserved but not anxious. The eye is a very typical characteristic of the breed which emphasizes the desired wolf-like appearance. The desired expression is only achieved by a light eye. A great deal of value must be placed on the colour, shape and correct position in skull. With an older dog, the yellow eye colour may darken but the original disposition to a yellow colour should be maintained. Disposition to brown colour is less desirable. The eye socket merges into the skull in a flowing line: An eye socket that is too pronounced together with a pronounced superciliary arch and a marked stop are undesirable.

Ears : Medium size, fleshy, triangular with rounded tip. Hairy on inside. The ear is set on at the level of the eyes. The ears are very mobile and express the emotions and feelings of the dog. Not desired are ears too pointed or set on too high. Ears set too far apart laterally, disfigure the head in its typical appearance and are therefore less desirable.

NECK : Dry and well muscled, merging with the back in a very flowing line. Just as flowing is the line from the throat to the chest. The neck can, especially with a winter coat, be adorned by a beautiful collar (ruff). The skin of the throat is minimal and not conspicuous. It is typical of the Saarlooswolfdog that at a relaxed trot, head and neck form an almost horizontal line.

BODY : The Saarlooswolfdog is longer than its height.

Back : Straight and strong.

Ribs : Normally sprung.

Chest : The flowing line of the brisket reaches, at the most, to the elbows. Chest and distance between legs, seen from the front, appear moderately broad. Too massive a chest should be avoided as it disturbs the outline which typifies this steady trotter. The outline is rather slim and very wolf-like.

Lower line : Taut and lightly tucked up.

TAIL : Broad and profusely coated at set on reaching at least to the hocks. Appears slightly low set, which is often accentuated by a slight depression at the set on. The tail is carried lightly curved in sabre shape or almost straight. It may be carried slightly higher in excitement or when the dog is trotting.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS : Legs are straight and well muscled. Bone is oval in cross-section and not too coarse. Legs rather show a certain grace in relation to body.

Shoulder-blade : Sufficiently broad and long. Normal angulation of about 30° to the vertical, not exaggerated.

Upper arm : Same length as shoulder-blade; angulation between shoulder-blade and upper arm normal, not exaggerated.

Elbows : Close fitting to thorax without being pressed close. Due to the curve of the ribs and the correct position of the shoulder and the upper arm, the distance between the front legs is moderately broad.

Front feet : Harefeet, well muscled and arched with strongly developed pads. This, together with the strong carpal joints and the lightly sloping pasterns, are responsible for good flexible, springy movement. When standing, slight outward turn is permitted.

HINDQUARTERS : Normal position of pelvis. Due to low tail set on, which is often accentuated by a slight depression, the pelvis, however often appears to be placed more obliquely. The angulation of the hindquarters is in balcance with the angulation of the forequarters. The light movement, typical of the breed, is very dependant on the correct angulation of stifle and hock. The slightest deviation prevents this typical movement. Slight cow-hocks are permitted when standing.

Upper thigh : Normal length and breadth, strongly muscled.

Stifle : Angulation not exaggerated.

Hock joint : Angulation must not be exaggerated. Bones and muscles permit optimal stretching of hock joints.

Hocks : Sufficiently long (not short), medium slope.

Hind feet : Well developed and well arched.

GAIT / MOVEMENT : The Saarloos Wolfdog is a typical untiring trotter, which can easily cover great distances at his own pace. He barely tires by his natural movement and is reminiscent of the wolf. The Saarloos Wolfdog differs greatly from other breeds through his very specific light-footed movement. The correct forward movement is very dependent on different details in the construction of the body; above all, the correct angulation of the different limbs, is of great influence. At a free unrestricted trot, the Saarloos Wolfdog carries head and neck at almost horizontal level: in this position, the position of the eyes and the wedge shape of the head are particularly characteristic. At an untiring trot, which is the movement typical of the breed, the dog shows no great reach of the limbs because this, as well as too much drive, would spoil the light-footed movement which is a model for energy conserving movement.

COAT

HAIR : The summer coat differs greatly from the winter coat. In winter the undercoat predominates mostly, which together with the guard hair of the topcoat forms a profuse coat, covering the whole body and forming a distinct collar (ruff) round the neck. With the summer coat, the guard hair of the topcoat predominates. Temperature changes in autumn and winter can have a great influence on the undercoat; but the dispostion to this should always be present. It is essential that the belly, the inside of the upper thighs and the scrotum are covered by hair.

COLOUR : Coat colours are:

· From light to dark shaded black-game colour, so called wolf-gray.

· From light to dark shaded brown-game colour, so called « bos »-brown (Bos = forest).

· From light creamy white to white.

· Pigment of nose, eye rims, lips and toenails should be black in a wolf-gray and white Saarloos Wolfdog. In « bos »-brown or cream white dogs it should be liver coloured. The coat is pale on the whole underside of the body, on the inner side of the limbs and at the back of the breeches.

The wolf-gray as well as the « bos »-brown Saarlooswolfdog show a dark colour on the outside of the limbs. They should also have an expressive mask.

SIZE :

Height at the withers : Varies in the Saarloos Wolfdog.

Male dogs : From 65 to 75 cm.

Bitches : From 60 to 70 cm.

Slight deviations upwards are permissible.

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

· Too round, protruding eyes.

· Too pronounced eye sockets so that the superciliary ridges do not merge with the skull in a flowing line. This often occurs with a pronounced stop and too round eyes.

· Ears set on too high and or pointed ears.

· Ears pointing too far outwards.

BODY

· Too deep, too short.

TAIL

· Curly tail. Tail carried over back.

LIMBS

· Too coarse in bone.

COAT

· Not sufficiently intense colours are less desirable.

· Formation of a dark saddle due to poor distribution of dark hair.

ELIMINATING FAULTS :

· Coat colour other than those permitted.

· Any form of aggression.

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

NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER Foto

UTILIZATION : The Tolling dog runs, jumps and plays along the shoreline in full view of a flock of ducks, occasionally disappearing from sight and then quickly reappearing, aided by the hidden hunter, who throws small sticks or a ball for the dog. The dog’s playful actions arouse the curiosity of the ducks swimming offshore and they are lured within gunshot range. The Toller is subsequently sent out to retrieve the dead or wounded birds.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century to toll (or lure) and retrieve waterfowl.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Toller is a medium-sized, powerful, compact, balanced, well-muscled dog; medium to heavy in bone, with a high degree of agility, alertness and determination. Many Tollers have a slightly sad expression until they go to work, when their aspect changes to intense concentration and excitement. At work, the dog has a speedy, rushing action, with the head carried out almost level with the back and heavily-feathered tail in constant motion.

BEHAVIOUR /TEMPERAMENT : The Toller is highly intelligent, easy to train and has great endurance. A strong and able swimmer, he is a natural and tenacious retriever on land and from water setting himself for springy action the moment the slightest indication is given that retrieving is required. His strong retrieving desire and playfulness are qualities essential to his tolling ability.

Skull : The broad skull is ontly slightly rounded, the occiput not prominent and the cheeks flat. A good measurement for an average male would be 5½ ins. (14 cm) between the ears, tapering to 1½ ins. (3,8 cm) at the bridge of the nose. Length of head is approximately 9 ins. (23 cm) from nose to occiput, but the head must be in proportion to body size.

Nose : Tapers from bridge to tip, with nostrils well open. Colour should blend with that of the coat or be black.

Muzzle : Tapers in a clean line from stop to nose, with the lower jaw strong but not prominent. The underline of the muzzle runs almost in a straight line from the corner of the lip to the corner of the jaw-bone, with depth at the stop being greater than at the nose. Hair on the muzzle is short and fine.

Lips : Fit fairly tightly, forming a gentle curve in profile, with no heaviness in flews.

Jaws / Teeth : Strong enough to carry a sizeable bird, and softness in mouth is essential. The correct bite is tight scissors; full dentition is required.

Eyes : Set well apart, almond-shaped, medium sized. Colour amber to brown. Expression is friendly, alert and intelligent. Flesh around the eyes should be the same colour as the lips.

Ears : Triangular, of medium size, set high and well back on the skull, with the base held very slightly erect, well feathered at the back of the fold, hair short at the rounded tips.

NECK : Strongly muscled and well set on, of medium length, with no indication of throatiness.

Chest : Deep, brisket reaching to the elbows. Ribs well sprung, neither barrel-shaped nor flat.

TAIL : Following the natural very slight slope of the croup, broad at the base, luxuriant and heavily feathered, with the last vertebra reaching at least to the hock. The tail may be carried below the level of the back except when the dog is alert when it curves high over, though never touching the body.

Shoulders : Shoulders should be muscular, with the blade well laid back and well laid, on giving good withers sloping into the short back. The blade and upper arm are roughly equal in length.

Elbows : Should be close to the body, turning neither in nor out, working cleanly and evenly.

Forefeet : Strongly webbed of medium size, tight and round, with well arched toes and thick pads. Dewclaws may be removed.

HINDQUARTERS : Muscular, broad and square in appearance. Rear and front angulation should be in balance. Upper and lower sections being approximately equal in length.

Hocks : Well let down, turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws must not be present.

GAIT/MOVEMENT : The Toller combines an impression of power with a springy, jaunty gait, showing good reach in front and a strong driving rear. Feet should turn neither in nor out and the legs travel in a straight line. As speed increases, the dog should single-track, with the topline remaining level.

HAIR : The Toller was bred to retrieve from icy waters and must have a water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness with a softer, dense undercoat. The coat may have a slight wave on the back, but is otherwise straight. Some winter coats may form a long, loose curl at the throat. Featherings are soft at the throat, behind the ears and at the back of the thighs, and forelegs are moderately feathered.

COLOUR : Colour is various shades of red or orange with lighter featherings and underside of tail, and usually at least one of the following white markings: tip of tail, feet (not extending beyond the pasterns), chest and blaze. A dog of otherwise high quality is not to be penalized for lack of white. The pigment of the nose, lips, and eye rims to be flesh-coloured, blending with coat, or black.

Weight : Should be in proportion to the height and bone of the dog - Guidelines: 45-51 lbs. (20-23 kg) for adult males; bitches 37-43 lbs. (17-20 kg).

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.

· Tail carried below level of back when dog gaiting. Tail too short, kinked or curled touching the back.

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

DUTCH SCHAPENDOES (Nederlandse Schapendoes) Foto

UTILIZATION : The Nederlandse Schapendoes is a herding dog which was used for herding flocks of sheep and which is still used in the same capacity today. As pasture for sheep is situated mainly in quiet, lonely areas of the country, it is necessary for the Schapendoes to be equipped with great endurance, mobility and speed. A great facility for jumping is essential, as well as intelligence and the ability to act on his own. He has to be a true herding dog in character, body and soul.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss cattledogs).

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : At the end of the last and beginning of this century, the Nederlandse Schapendoes occurred everywhere in the region of the Netherlands where there was heathland and where there were herds or flocks of sheep. The shepherds valued him for the tireless pleasure he took in his work and for his intelligence. He belongs to the wide-ranging group of long-haired herding breeds which have densely coated heads. He is related to the Bearded Collie, the Puli, the Owczarek Nizinny, the Bobtail, the Briard, the Bergamasker and the German Schafspudel of the variety which occurs in Hessen, Odenwald and the Niederrhein district. All these similar dogs are smaller mutations of mountain dogs. The canine authority, P.M.C. Toepoel, is the founder of this breed. During the second World War, he knew how to rouse interest in the breed. During the years from 1940 to 1945 specimen of the almost vanished Schapendoes were used for breeding from wherever they could be found. The Breed Club for Nederlandse Schapendoes was founded in the year 1947 and in 1952 the breed was provisionally recognized by the Raad van Beheer. In 1954 the standard was set up and a Stud Book started. Definite recognition followed in the year 1971. Since then only registered dogs have been bred from.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Nederlandse Schapendoes is a lightly built, long coated dog with a height at withers of 40 to 50 cm. His movement is effortless and springy. He is remarkable jumper.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : The Schapendoes is a normally and harmonically constructed herding dog with an attentive and courageous character. He is intelligent, watchful, jolly, lively, friendly and high spirited. Towards people familiar to him, he develops great affection and loyalty.

HEAD : The abundant growth of hair gives the head the appearance of loocking bigger and, in particular, broader.

Skull : Almost flat with a moderate frontal furrow and strongly defined superciliary arches. It ist fairly broad in proportion to its length: the width is slightly greater than the distance between the stop and the occiput.

Nose : The bridge of the nose is placed a little lower than the line of the skull.

Muzzle : The muzzle is shorter than the distance between the stop and the occiput. The foreface tapers hardly, remains deep and ends broadly, being only slightly rounded at its end. Seen from the side, with jaw closed, the lower jaw must be clearly visible.

Eyes : The eyes are fairly large, round and set into the socket in a normal position. They are placed more to the front than the side of the head. Their colour is brown; they should not give the impression of being black. The white of the eye should only be visible when the dog looks hard to one side. The expression is open minded, honest and lively. Shape, colour and expression are very characteristic for the breed.

Ears : These are set on fairly high and are neither large nor fleshy. They hang free, but not close to the head. They are amply feathered and mobile, but should not protrude beyond the outline of the skull.

BODY : The Schapendoes is slightly longer than high. The skeleton is fine boned, pliable and elastic.

TAIL : The tail is long, well coated and feathered. The manner and way in which the dog carries his tail is characteristic of the breed. In repose it hangs downwards. When trotting, the tail is carried fairly high and swings slightly curved from one side to the other. When galloping, it is stretched out straight. When jumping, the tail definitely serves as a rudder. When the dog is alert, the tail may sometimes be raised high. It should, however, never be carried stiffly over the back.

FOREQUARTERS : The front legs are straight and lightly boned. Good angulation of the front legs should emphasize the fore-chest.

FEET : The feet are fairly large and elastic, broad and oval in shape. The toes are tightly bunched. The pads are thick and springy, with plentiful hair between them. Dewclaws are permitted.

GAIT / MOVEMENT : In his work, the Schapendoes gallops rather than trots, so his movement must be light footed and springy without excessive use of energy. He must be able to jump well and turn swiftly.

HAIR : The Schapendoes has a thick coat with sufficient undercoat. The coat is long, a good 7 cm or more in the region of the hindquarters. It is not smooth, but lightly waved. Definitely curly, frizzy hair is not permitted. The hairs grow very densely together; they are fine and dry, but above all, never silky. The coat, where it is long, is inclined to stand off in tufts, giving the Schapendoes a large girth, especially at the rear. The Schapendoes has a tremendous top knot, moustache and beard.

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.

DISQUALYFING FAULTS : No Schapendoes which behaves nervously and - or - aggressively in the ring will be placed or classified.

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

DUTCH DECOY DOG (Kooikerhondje) Foto

UTILIZATION : This little spaniel which worked formerly and is still working so successfully in duck decoys is a true sporting dog with a lively temperament. It is harmoniously built. Its coat is shiny, nicely coloured and well feathered.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : This Dutch breed is now officially recognized. The interim standard was approved by the « Raad van Beheer » on June 18, 1966. As she had already done with numerous other breeds, Baroness van Hardenbroek added another jewel to the Dutch breeds. Good quality specimens in sufficient number are now being bred. The annual meeting of the Kooikerhondje played an important part in the development of this sporting breed.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : Agile parti-coloured dog with a nearly square body. It has a well feathered tail and a high head carriage.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : The length of the body is slightly more than the height at withers. Length of the skull about equal to the muzzle.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Cheerful, but not noisy, very dependent on its domestic environment, friendly, good-natured and alert.

Ears : Medium sized, set on just above the line from the point of the nose to the corner of the eye; no white; hanging close to the cheeks. Long feathered, black tips (earrings) are preferred.

TAIL : Carried on level with back or slightly above; not curled. Well feathered with a white plume, the last vertebra reaching the hock.

HINDQUARTERS : Breeches long feathered, but no feathering below the hock; the tarsal joint sufficiently angulated.

HAIR : Medium long, with a slight wave or straight; not curled and close fitting. Hair not too fine, well developed undercoat; easily kept.

COLOUR : Distinct patches of clear orange-red colour on white. Orange-red colour should dominate. Black and white, and tricoloured dogs are not admitted.

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.

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

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossians and Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: The Broholmer is a big, very powerful, rectangular dog of Mastiff type.

CHARACTERISTICS: A characteristic of the Broholmer is that its appearance is dominated by the powerful forequarters. The Broholmer has a big, wide head, a heavy neck and a wide chest. As a rule the head is not carried very high, rather a little droopingly. When walking the tail is carried hanging down, formed like a sword, when gaiting the tail is carried at backline level - however, when the dog is excited the tail is carried somewhat higher. The Broholmer moves powerful and steady.

HEAD: The head is comparatively big and wide. The topline of the skull is a little higher than the topline of the muzzle - the lines are parallel. The skull is very wide and powerful. The muzzle is comparatively short and thick furnished with pendulous lips. Upper- and. lower jaw of equal length. The jaws show strong musculation and the skin under the throat is very loose. The ears are small and set rather high. The eyes should be round and not too small, with a keen expression, and their color vary from dark brown to dark amber.

TAIL: The tail is thick at the root and of medium length. There should be no brush on its underside.

FRONTLEGS: The frontlegs are strong and powerful, and the upperarm is very muscular. Viewed in profile the les must be quite straight.

a) Light yellow with black nose and dark mask.
b) Brown-yellow with black nose and dark points on some of the hair. Lighter eyes allowed.
c) Black

CHARACTER: The Broholmer is a steady and quiet, good-natured and watchful dog.

FAULTS: Long ears, snipey muzzle, long neck, ascending forehead, gay tail, longhaired coat, fierceness and aggressiveness.

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