meet the... King Shepherd

Head

• General Appearance: Somewhat mesaticephalic to slightly dolichocephalic skull-type, moderate in size, somewhat large and blocky, yet wedge-shaped when viewed from above or in profile. It is in proportion to the rest of the body. The length of the head, from the tip of the nose to the occiput, is approximately equal to the length from the occiput to the withers. The topskull is broad, measured in front of the ears; it is as wide as it is long (from occiput to stop). In profile, the forehead is just slightly arched (never domed) to straight when viewed from the front or in profile. In profile, it may also appear as a straight-sloped plane. A furrow extending from the stop and up the center of the topskull may be absent or barely perceptible. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles.
• Expression: Intelligent, self-composed, and noble.
• Stop: The stop is somewhat definite to well-defined.
• Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 1:1, with the topskull being equal to the muzzle.
  The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel or may be slightly convergent.
• Muzzle: The muzzle is blunt, square, full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and level. It is broad and squared throughout, with a little taper from the base to the nose. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak.
• Lips or Flews: The lips are well-pigmented, fairly clean, and fit firmly over the teeth and jaws. The lips should never extend beyond the lower plane of the bottom jawline.
• Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. “Snow nose” or “winter nose” is acceptable. The nostrils are well opened.
• Cheeks: The cheeks are well-developed and powerfully muscled, never appearing chiseled or flat.
• Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
• Eyes: Moderate in size, opened oval to almond shape, and medium to dark brown (preferred) color. The eyes are set just slightly obliquely. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
• Ears: Medium to large in size, yet in proportion to the skull. They are set somewhat high on the skull, with tips parallel to one another. They are triangular in shape and may have slightly rounded to pointed tips. They are firmly erect. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.

Body and Tail

• General Description: The body is substantial, solid, and powerful, yet agile. It is never racy, refined, heavy, and cloddy. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
• Neck: Sufficient length allows for a proud head carriage. It is powerfully muscled with a good arch. The neck tapers just slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or pendulous dewlap.
• Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well developed without being excessively pronounced.
• Topline: Straight and level from well-developed withers to croup. The back is strong, broad, powerfully muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, and level or may be slightly arched yet supportive. The back is never swayed or roached.
• Croup: Broad and gently sloped.
• Underline: A slight to moderate tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
• Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
• Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually carried low in a neutral position but never tucked or carried up over the back. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down or just below. The tail may be straight, gently curved, sabered, or brushed but never docked, hooked, or curled.

Forequarters and Hindquarters

• Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are fairly long and approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
• Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
• Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of strong bone, and parallel to one another.
  Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
  The legs are of thick, dense bone and muscle to provide balance with the frame. The elbows are close to the body and point directly to the rear when standing and gaiting. When viewed from the side, the forelegs are located directly under the withers and are straight and vertical to the ground. When viewed from the front, the elbows are set in a straight line from the point of the shoulder to the wrist. Front pasterns are strong and flexible. Each foreleg may carry a single dewclaw.
• Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
• Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are fairly long, equal in length, have strong bones, and are powerfully muscled.
  Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
  Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
• Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
• Stifle Joint: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
• Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Coat

• Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
• Coat Type: The King Shepherd comes in two coat varieties: the smooth coat and the rough coat.
  
  Smooth-coat variety: The coat is short, smooth, dense, protective, and somewhat close to the body throughout. The texture is harsh, glossy, with a thick, soft undercoat. The coat is slightly longer on the neck, forming a light ruff, and on the tail, which may extend to moderate fringing and plume.
  
  Rough-coat variety: The coat is short on the face, forehead, and front of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The coat is straight and longer on the neck, ears, rear of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, feet, and tail, forming well-developed fringe and furnishings. Undercoats may or may not be present. The coat should never be abundantly thick, abundantly long, or silky.
• Coat Color or Pattern: Black-based coat varieties in the following patterns; wolf agouti, sable, saddle with cream, tan, or red, creeping cream, tan, or red with black, black with cream, tan, or red points, solid black. Preference is given to rich colors, with deeper, richer reds and tans preferred over diluted pale grays, blues, and creams.

Movement

Smooth, powerful, graceful, energetic, effortless, and efficient, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament

The King Shepherd breed is a vigilant and loyal companion. The breed is known for its enduring nature and stable disposition. Quite aware of their size and power, these dogs are self-confident and self-composed when mature. They are eager to accompany their families to working events while just as content to relax on a soft bed. They are highly intelligent and if properly socialized and trained, capable of learning to discern friend from foe. Despite their large size, they are wonderful family dogs and well-known gentle giants around children. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.

Faults

All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.