Breed Information & Links

Knowledge of any purebred dog, ring champion, or pet, begins with its standard, a written description of the ideal specimen of a breed. Standards describe perfect type, structure, gait, and temperament of the breed — the characteristics that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was bred.

The AKC standard for each breed originates with a “parent club,” the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. Once approved by the AKC, a standard becomes both the breeder's “blueprint” and the instrument used by dog show judges to evaluate a breeder's work.

The Old English Sheepdog Club of America (OESCA) is an AKC member club, recognized as the National Breed Club.