A.R.F. Animal Research Foundation
General Appearance: Being that of
a great, powerful dog showing
strength, endurance, and alertness. Powerfully built, but active.
Size & Weight: Males should be
23 to 28 inches at withers and weigh 90
to 150 pounds. Females are to be 20 to 26 inches an withers and weigh
70 to 130 pounds. (slightly larger or smaller is not a fault.)
Head: Expression--intelligent with
keen alertness. The head should be
square or have a round basketball look, and well muscled. The "stop"
should be deep and abrupt.
Muzzle: Should be broad, not long
and narrow. Length of "muzzle"
not less than 1 inch to not more than 3 inches (preferred length 2 to 2
1/2 inches).
Bite: At least 1/4 to 1 inch
(undershot) depending on size of dog and
shape of head.
Eyes: Almond shaped to round,
medium sized. Normal color: brown.
Acceptable colors: gray, green, or light blue.
Ears: Small to medium, carried close to the head, or rose ears.
Neck: Slightly arched; of moderate
length. Very muscular-almost equal
to the head in size.
Body: Fairly compact with wide
deep chest. The loin is wide, muscular
and slightly arched.
Tail: Strong at the root and
tapering to the hocks (normal relaxed
position), however, many will carry their tails over their backs,
especially when excited or walking.
Coat: Short and soft.
Color: Solid white, all shades of
brindle (white, red, yellow, blue,
brown, black, or gray); red and white; fawn and white; brown and
white, mahogany and white; cream and white.
Forequarters: The combined front
assembly from its uppermost
components, the shoulder blades, down to the feet should be muscular
and slightly sloping. The "forelegs" are to be straight. Bone structure
should be medium to heavy, to be able to carry a large dog.
Hindquarters: Broad with muscles
tapering well down the leg to show
speed and strength, but not quite as large as shoulder.
Disqualifications: Full black
mask; cow-hocked; splayfooted; even and
scissors bite; glass eye(s); docked tail can be registered, but will be
prohibited from the "show ring".