Official ICCF Breed Standard
Historical Background
The Mountain Dog represents a collective type of ancient guardian breeds that developed in the highland regions of Europe and Asia, where harsh climates and predators demanded exceptional strength, endurance, and resilience. These dogs protected pastures, livestock, and dwellings, and accompanied people during mountain crossings. Their ancestors are believed to be autochthonous molossers that spread along trade routes and adapted to various mountainous environments. Selection occurred naturally: only the strongest, most resilient, and most loyal individuals—capable of making independent decisions and guarding territory without direct human guidance—survived and were used. Over time, mountain dogs became an integral part of the cultures of many peoples, preserving characteristic traits such as massiveness, dense coat, calm temperament, and an innate guarding instinct. Today, these dogs remain reliable protectors and companions in challenging natural environments.
General Appearance
The Mountain Dog is a large, powerful, harmoniously built animal with a strong skeleton, well-developed musculature, and an expressive head. The body is slightly elongated, the chest deep and broad, allowing the dog to withstand heavy loads and prolonged work on uneven terrain. The neck is strong and muscular; the coat is dense, providing protection from wind, cold, and moisture. Movement is calm, confident, and forceful, emphasizing strength and stability. The dog’s appearance must convey the impression of a reliable guardian capable of working at altitude and in severe weather. Signs of lightness, weakness, narrow build, insufficient musculature, or excessive looseness that reduce the dog’s functionality are unacceptable. The overall look must combine power, confidence, and stability.
Important Proportions
Height at the withers is considerable, typically slightly less than body length, creating a moderately elongated format typical of large guardian breeds. The chest is broad and deep, its lowest point reaching or slightly below the elbows. The head is large and proportional to the body, with a pronounced skull and strong muzzle. Limbs are straight, sturdy, with substantial bone, and set parallel. The tail is medium or long, set high, carried downward at rest. Proportions must emphasize massiveness and stability, enabling the dog to move effectively across steep slopes and rocky surfaces. Short legs, weak bone, narrow chest, over-elongated or square formats are considered faults, as they disrupt the working silhouette.
Temperament and Character
The Mountain Dog has a balanced, calm, independent character with a strong guardian instinct. It is confident and vigilant but not aggressive without cause. Key traits include courage, endurance, the ability to make independent decisions, and readiness to protect territory or livestock under conditions of poor visibility and difficult terrain. In the household, these dogs are devoted and even-tempered but require respect, consistent training, and early socialization. Cowardice, panic reactions, uncontrolled aggression, or poor manageability are unacceptable. The dog’s behavior should reflect strength, steadiness, and reliability—qualities essential for mountain working dogs.
Head
The head is large, massive, and broad, with a pronounced skull and strong muzzle that convey the breed’s power and confidence. The skull is wide, slightly convex, with smooth contours and a moderately marked median groove. The stop is noticeable but not abrupt, ensuring harmony between the strong skull and the well-filled muzzle. Cheeks are developed but not coarse. The muzzle is broad at the base, tapering gradually toward the nose yet remaining full throughout its length. Jaws are strong; scissors bite; teeth large. Skin on the head is tight, with slight gathering when alert but without deep folds. The head must convey strength, stability, and confident territorial control—key qualities of a mountain guardian. Weak muzzle, narrow skull, poor pigmentation, or excessive looseness are unacceptable.
Foreface
The foreface is strong and broad, with a deep, powerful muzzle that emphasizes the breed’s strength. The nasal bridge is straight or slightly arched; the nose large, with wide nostrils and strong pigmentation, typically black or dark brown. Lips are firm, moderately pendulous, forming a clean line without excessive looseness. Jaws are strong, providing a wide grip suited to working tasks. The chin is defined but not coarse. Skin on the muzzle must be tight. The foreface should convey determination, calmness, and confidence. Weak lower jaw, excessive flews, light nose, narrow or dry muzzle, or pronounced asymmetry are faults.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, oval, set moderately deep, giving an expression of calmness, confidence, and alert watchfulness. Color ranges from dark brown to hazel, depending on coat color. Eyelids are tight, dry, and protective against wind and cold. The gaze must be confident and attentive, not aggressive; typical expression is serious and thoughtful. The eyes reflect the breed’s character: balance, courage, and independent judgment. Light, round, or protruding eyes, poor pigmentation, looseness, or eyelid issues are faults. Eye expression is a key indicator of type.
Ears
Ears are medium to large, triangular with rounded tips, set relatively high but not too close together. At rest they hang close to the cheeks; when alert, the base lifts slightly while maintaining a drop-ear shape. Coat on the ears is short and dense for climate protection. Ears must not be too small, overly long, high and flying, outward-facing, or loose. Correct ears contribute to the harmonious head and express confidence and calm strength.
Neck
The neck is strong, medium to slightly long, with well-developed musculature and a smooth transition into the shoulders. It must be strong enough to handle movement on rough terrain yet flexible enough to allow wide visual range. Skin is tight; a slight dewlap is permissible but not excessive. The neck emphasizes the breed’s majesty and confidence. Short, thick, overly loose necks, or insufficient musculature are faults.
Body
The body is massive, strong, and harmoniously developed, adapted to high-altitude work. The chest is broad and deep, with long ribs providing significant lung capacity. The back is straight, strong, and moderately long; the loin broad and muscular. The croup is broad and slightly sloping, aiding strong hind-leg drive and stability on uneven surfaces. The abdomen is moderately tucked. The topline must remain steady in movement and stance. Narrow chest, weak back, excessive looseness, or incorrect proportions diminish functional quality and are faults.
Tail
The tail is strong, thick at the base, medium or long, set high but not abruptly. At rest it falls in a natural curve; in motion it lifts to back level or slightly above, remaining straight or gently curved. The tail must move naturally, maintaining balance and expression. Kinks, excessive elevation, ring tails, or tails too short or thin disturb the silhouette and are faults. Coat on the tail is dense and protective.
Forequarters
Forelegs are straight, strong, with substantial bone and well-developed musculature. Shoulder blades long, sloping, tightly fitting. Shoulders strong but not coarse. Elbows straight, not turned in or out. Forearms straight and massive. Pasterns short, firm, slightly sloped for shock absorption. Feet large, round, with thick pads and strong nails. Weak pasterns, cowed elbows, splay feet, or insufficient bone reduce stability and are faults.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful, broad, with strong musculature for confident drive. Thighs long and well-developed; lower thighs strong, forming correct stifle angles. Hocks strong, low-set, working in a straight plane. Rear pasterns short and vertical. Feet large and oval with dense pads. Weak ligaments, straight angles, cow hocks, barrel hocks, or narrow stance reduce power and are faults.
Gait and Movement
Movement is confident, powerful, and free, with strong hind drive and steady front extension. Gait is moderately wide and rhythmic, showing strength and endurance essential for long distances on rough terrain. The topline stays stable. At the trot the dog moves smoothly and economically; increased speed should not disrupt balance. Stiffness, short steps, crossing limbs, weak drive, or instability interfere with working ability and are faults. Movement must reflect confidence and function.
Coat
The coat is dense, thick, double-layered. The outer coat is medium to long, straight or slightly wavy, forming a protective barrier against wind, moisture, and cold. The undercoat is very dense and insulating. Coat must be evenly distributed, especially on chest, neck, croup, and tail. Thin, soft, short coat, lack of undercoat, excessive waviness or fluffiness are faults, as they reduce protection.
Colors
Accepted colors include white, cream, red, fawn, gray, wolf-gray, black, and various agouti and spotted patterns. White markings on chest, legs, and tail tip are common. A black mask or shading may be present. Colors must be clear and typical. Blue, merle, liver, or lack of pigmentation are disqualifying. Color must support the dog’s historical function and type.
Size
The Mountain Dog is a large breed. Height at the withers: males 65–75 cm, females 60–70 cm. Weight ranges from 45 to 70 kg depending on type and structure. The body is slightly elongated for stability on uneven ground. The chest must be broad and deep. Excessive heaviness or overly lightweight dogs lose functional ability and are faults. Size must reflect strength, stability, and adaptation to harsh mountain conditions.
Faults
Faults include weak bone, narrow chest, insufficient musculature, looseness, weak topline, poor angulation, limited mobility, weak muzzle, light pigmentation, poor eye shape, excessive flews, gait irregularities, poor coordination, shyness, weak guarding instinct, excessive excitability, insufficient coat or undercoat.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include unprovoked aggression, panic-based fear, unstable temperament, severe bite faults, multiple missing teeth, major limb deformities, spinal defects, lameness, atypical colors (blue, merle, liver), lack of pigmentation, blue or mismatched eyes, coat defects that remove protective function (no undercoat, alopecia), and behavior incompatible with working purpose.
Important Notes
The breed must be evaluated according to its historical purpose—guardian of livestock and territory in high-altitude environments. Young dogs may develop unevenly; temporary immaturity is permissible. Dense coats may visually exaggerate proportions. Temperament must be confident and stable. Natural traces of work, such as worn coat or nails, may appear. Any sign that reduces endurance, stability, or guarding instinct is considered serious.
Conclusion
The Mountain Dog is a strong, enduring, and balanced breed created for work in harsh climates and difficult terrain. Its character combines calmness, confidence, and natural protective instinct. Its appearance reflects functionality: strong bone, dense coat, developed musculature, and stable movement. The Mountain Dog must demonstrate self-reliance, steadiness, and the ability to work without panic or unnecessary aggression. Preservation of type—expressed in balance, temperament, and protective qualities—is essential in breeding. A well-raised, well-socialized Mountain Dog remains a reliable partner capable of living and working alongside humans in any environment.
