Pomeranian Forum:
What is a "Breed Standard"?

A breed standard is a definition of what a dog is. What it should look like and how it should act. Just like when you look up a word in the dictionary, it explains what the word means, and often how it is used in the language. A breed standard ensures you that the dog you have is really the dog you wanted. Sometimes, due to poor breeding a dog does not fall within the standard very well. This is like using a word in the language out of context. It really doesn't apply and doesn't make sense. A reputable breeder works very hard at UNDERSTANDING the standard and breeds very closely to that standard. Any purebred dog should be very close to the standard designed to differentiate one breed from another. The standard for a chihuahua is far different from the standard of a pomeranian. This makes sense right. Well, this is because of the standard written to make the difference. This seems like an obvious difference. But what about an advertisement offering purebred AKC puppies. How do you know they are quality puppies. Do you think it is because they are AKC that they are quality. The AKC says they don't guarantee quality. Well, who or what does? The answer is the reputable breeder who strives to meet that standard (definition). You have to do your research. Learn the standard. If you are having difficulty understanding the standard don't hesitate to ask questions of several breeders to help you decifer it. You can sometimes determine a reputable breeder by their vast knowledge of the standard. But be sure to talk to several breeders before you can be sure.