Breed Standards

 

                                    Mexican hairless

Afghan

American Kennel Club Breeding Standards

    American Kennel Club standards are not scientifically derived.  There is no blood work or genetic testing involved.  All the work is historical and visual.

    The reason for breeding standards is dog shows, breeders and people who want a particular type of dog.  For people who strictly enjoy the presence of the animal, this may be irrelevant.  Many people who select dogs from a pound are impartial to the breed.

    Professional dog breeders furnish the buyers papers which legally attest to the linage of the dog in question.  This gives a short history of the dog from birth to sale.

    For the dog show community, it is required to compare similar qualities. In order to have a meaningful comparison at a show, dogs with similar characteristics must be used.  This makes the results fair, repeatable and understandable to all involved.  Trying to compare a Mexican Hairless coat to an Afghan coat would be illogical.

    Some dog buyers have a particular task in mind for the dog they buy.  Hunters want dogs that are good at hunting.  Ranchers need dogs that are good at herding. The Military need guard dogs to help protect their facilities.  This requires that the buyers prime select a breed which optimizes their requirements