A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as highly unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
Brief Historical Summary
Previously used for defence against predators, in particular wolf and bear. Nowadays an excellent guard for country estates and their owners as he is easily trained.
General appearance
Very large. Strong and muscular. Solid bone. Coat should not be exaggerated in length. In spite of their size, should not give impression of being slow or sluggish. Important Proportions: Length of body from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers. Length of skull to length of muzzle in the ratio of 5:4 Breadth of skull equal to or slightly greater than length of skull Height at withers to girth of chest in ratio of approximately 7:10
Temperament
Friendly towards people, calm, noble and intelligent. Courageous and confident towards strangers, never backing away. Good-natured towards other animals, and aware of his great size. Can and will guard and protect only when necessary.
Head and skull
Eyes
Relatively small, almond-shaped, hazel in colour. Darker eyes preferable. Expression alert, noble, sympathetic, and intelligent. Can be extraordinarily stern towards an opponent. Eye lids black. Close fitting, particularly when alert.
Ears
Medium size, triangular, set just above level of eyes. Hanging flat. When alert, clearly standing away from cheeks
Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to jaws.
Neck
Broad, strong, muscular and flexible. In shape a blunt cone. Skin thick, relatively loose. Distinct double dewlap, well-formed, but not exaggerated.
Forequarters
Viewed from front, forelegs straight and parallel. Good bone. Shoulder sloping and slightly longer than upper arm. Well-angulated shoulder. Elbows closely fitting to ribcage. Pasterns slightly sloping.
Body
Slightly longer from sternum to point of buttock than height at withers. Powerful and robust, giving impression of great strength, yet supple and agile. Topline straight when standing and moving. Back strong and muscular. Loins broad and strong. Height at croup should be equal to height at withers. Chest broad and deep. Well-developed forechest. Ribbing well-rounded. Underline moderately tucked up, Broad at flanks.
Hindquarters
Powerful and muscular with moderate angulation. Upper thigh strong and muscular. Lower thigh long, well-muscled, with good bone. Dewclaws single, double or absent. Double dewclaws preferable.
Feet
Well-knit, cat feet. Toes well-arched. Well-developed nails. Firm pads. Rear feet slightly longer than front feet.
Tail
Set on medium high. Thick at root, strong and flexible. Coat on tail longer than body. In repose hangs low and reaches hock. Last third slightly curved. When moving and alert, carried like a sabre, but not over back.
Gait/movement
Harmonious, strong, elegant, without tendency for legs to swing outward. Hindquarters provide easy, forceful drive.
Coat
Dense, thick and of moderate length. Ideally 6 to 9 cm when measured on middle section of topline. Coat longer on shoulders, neck, under belly, at back of legs and on tail. Bristly, not woolly in texture.
Colour
Base colour pure white, always with a well-defined mask. Irregularly distributed, distinctly-outlined patches of same colour as mask may occur. Colour of patches, in order of preference: medium grey; intense golden yellow; brown; black; grey silver; light beige; sandy; marbled. Red patches and yellowish-white base colour undesirable. Tricolour or pure white dogs undesirable. Ears always spotted. Tip of tail and lower parts of legs always white. At roots, coat as light as possible, ideally white.
Any other colour or combination of colours unacceptable.
Size
No upper size limit. When of equal quality, larger dog preferred. Minimum sizes Dogs: 77 cms (30¼ ins) Bitches: 72 cms (28¼ ins)
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 and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.