Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Shepherd Dog is a generalized type of working dog developed in various regions of the world for managing and guarding livestock. Historically, these dogs accompanied humans in pastoral activities, helping to drive sheep, cattle, or goats, controlling the movement of the herd, and protecting it from predators. The shepherd type formed naturally: dogs were selected for high trainability, fast reactions, and strong work motivation. Over time, different countries developed their own varieties of shepherd dogs, which differed in size and exterior yet retained core qualities—concentration, control instinct, the ability to work at a distance, and independence from constant commands.
General Appearance
The Shepherd Dog is a harmoniously built, agile, and strong working dog of medium or large size, distinguished by endurance and high maneuverability. The body is slightly elongated, with defined but not coarse musculature emphasizing functionality. The chest is deep, the back strong, and the croup moderately sloping. The limbs are straight and powerful, enabling quick acceleration, sharp directional changes, and long work without fatigue. The tail is of medium length, mobile, reflecting the dog’s activity. The head is proportional with an attentive, focused expression. The overall appearance combines strength, lightness, and constant readiness for action.
Important Proportions
The Shepherd Dog should have balanced proportions that ensure efficiency during prolonged and dynamic work. The body length-to-height ratio is slightly elongated, contributing to stability and maneuverability. Chest depth is approximately half the dog’s height, ensuring adequate lung capacity. Limb length must be proportional to the body, avoiding impressions of heaviness or excessive lightness. The head should harmonize with the body without coarseness or over-refinement. Correct angulation is essential, allowing sharp turns and extended movement. All proportions must support intensive herding work.
Behavior and Temperament
The Shepherd Dog is distinguished by high concentration, attentiveness, and a strong desire to cooperate with humans. It has a well-developed instinct to control livestock, the ability to react quickly to changes within the herd, and the capacity to make independent decisions at a distance. The temperament is balanced and work-oriented, free from excessive aggression or nervousness. The breed is persistent, energetic, and motivated, able to maintain focus for extended periods. In the home, it is friendly and family-oriented but requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. Excessive shyness, aggression, or lack of controllability are undesirable.
Head
The head of the Shepherd Dog is proportional, dry, with clear and expressive lines that emphasize the working type. The skull is of moderate width, slightly arched, smoothly transitioning into the muzzle. The stop is moderately defined without abrupt changes. The muzzle is elongated and strong, tapering evenly toward the nose while retaining depth and jaw strength. The nasal bridge is straight. Lips are dry and tight. Cheeks are moderate and not coarse. Jaws are well developed, with a scissor bite and strong teeth. Expression is attentive and focused, indicating the dog’s ability to react quickly to commands and environmental changes.
Foreface
The foreface is expressive, with a dry, powerful muzzle and proportional features. The nose is large, usually dark, with well-opened nostrils for scent detection and spatial orientation. The nasal bridge is straight, and the lips are tight, clean, and free of looseness. Jaws are strong, deep, and capable of a firm grip. The stop is moderate, maintaining correct proportions. Skin on the muzzle is tight and free from wrinkles. The expression is confident, attentive, and work-oriented—typical of a dog capable of controlling livestock and reacting quickly to commands.
Eyes
Eyes are oval, medium-sized, and moderately deep-set, providing an expressive and attentive look. Their color ranges from dark brown to hazel and should harmonize with the coat. Eyelids are dry and tight, without sagging or irritation. Pigmentation around the eyes is typically dark, enhancing expression. The gaze is lively, focused, reflecting the breed’s working nature and quick reaction to herd movement. Very light eyes, asymmetry, protrusion, or insecure expression are faults as they compromise breed type and working ability.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, triangular, set high or moderately high depending on the specific type. They may be erect, semi-erect, or dropped, but must always appear harmonious and reinforce the working expression. Cartilage should be strong, maintaining stable shape and mobility. Ear tips may be slightly rounded. The ears must respond actively to surrounding sounds, essential for distance work. Oversized, heavy, overly long, or low-set ears are undesirable. The ears should maintain balance with the head and emphasize working type.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, strong, and well muscled, smoothly transitioning into the withers. Its length must allow free head carriage during work and facilitate maneuverability when controlling livestock. The upper line of the neck is slightly arched, reinforcing confident head posture. Skin is tight without excess or dewlap. The neck must not be short, weak, or overly massive. Proper neck structure supports stability, rapid directional changes, and execution of complex tasks.
Body
The body of the Shepherd Dog is harmonious and strong, with functional structure suited for long-distance movement and uneven terrain. The topline is straight and stable without sagging; the back is strong and muscular. The loin is short and firm, ensuring efficient transfer of drive from the hind limbs. The chest is deep and well developed, with long ribs providing lung capacity and endurance. The abdomen is moderately tucked, without excessive dryness. The croup is broad and slightly sloping, aiding smoothness and maneuverability. The body should convey balance, strength, and flexibility needed for herding.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, set high or moderately high, strong at the base and tapering toward the tip. In repose it is held down or slightly curved; in motion it rises, showing activity. It must not curl into a ring, lie on the back, or be carried excessively high. Coat on the tail matches the general texture. The tail assists in balance during fast maneuvers and turns. Deformities, kinks, or incorrect set are faults.
Forequarters
Forequarters are straight, strong, with well-developed bone and dry musculature. Shoulder blades are long, sloping, and close-fitting, creating correct shoulder angulation and enabling wide reach. The upper arm is strong and adequately long. Elbows point backward without inward or outward rotation. Forearms are straight, parallel, and sturdy. Pasterns are slightly sloping, elastic yet firm. Feet are compact, oval, with tight toes and strong pads, providing traction and stability on varied surfaces.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful, well developed, with strong musculature for propulsion and stability during sharp maneuvers. Thighs are long, broad, muscular. Lower thighs are dry, elongated, forming correct joint angles. Stifles are strong and forward-facing, allowing flexibility and spring. Hocks are low-set and firm, with moderate angulation enabling quick directional changes. Metatarsi are straight and vertical. Feet are oval with strong pads and tight toes, ensuring reliable grip.
Gait and Movement
Movement is free, springy, coordinated, and steady. At the trot the dog moves in a straight line with energetic, confident reach and powerful hind drive. The topline remains stable without sway. The dog must move easily, showing working agility and the ability to change direction quickly to control livestock. Movements must be economical, balanced, and indicative of endurance. Stiffness, short stride, cow hocks, east–west deviations, or joint weakness are unacceptable. Correct gait reflects functionality and working temperament.
Coat
The coat must be dense and protective, suitable for work in various climates and terrains. The outer coat is straight or slightly wavy, of medium length, with noticeable firmness for resistance to moisture and dirt. The undercoat is dense, soft, and thick, providing insulation against cold and wind. Coat coverage is even, with heavier texture on the neck, shoulders, and hindquarters. The tail and limbs also have functional coat. Excessive softness, curliness, or insufficient undercoat are faults reducing working ability.
Acceptable Colors
Acceptable colors include a broad range of natural tones typical for working breeds: variations of black, gray, sable, fawn, red, brown, and their combinations. Depending on regional type, tan markings, brindle, and mixed colors may occur if traditional and not disruptive to the working image. White markings on the chest, feet, or muzzle are permitted if not dominant. Exotic or artificial colors, heavy depigmentation, large irregular patches, or patterns inconsistent with historical functional type are not allowed.
Size
Size varies among regional types, but the general Shepherd Dog is medium to large, suitable for active work. Typical height at the withers is 45–60 cm for females and 50–65 cm for males. Weight must match bone and musculature without heaviness or frailty. The dog must maintain balance between strength and agility, enabling prolonged herding work. Proportions must stay harmonious: chest depth, limb strength, and a stable body. Significant deviations compromising function or type are undesirable.
Faults
Faults include deviations that reduce working ability or disrupt overall balance. Light bone, insufficient musculature, weak ligaments, incorrect angulation, or unstable topline are faults. Behavioral faults include excessive shyness, slow reaction, inattentiveness, or weak herding instinct. Head faults include overly light muzzle, weak jaws, incorrect ear set, or excessively loose skin. Coat faults include poor undercoat, excessively soft hair, or lack of protection. Minor deviations are tolerated but must not distort type.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include severe deviations that destroy functionality or working character. Unprovoked aggression, panic fear, unstable temperament, or uncontrollable behavior are absolute disqualifications. Severe bite faults, missing canines or multiple essential teeth, significant limb deformities, lameness, or coordination issues are not allowed. Major pigment defects, fully white dogs, large irregular patches, or genetic anomalies affecting health are disqualifying. Extremely soft coat, lack of undercoat, and very weak bone structure also exclude a dog from shows and breeding.
Important Notes
Evaluation must consider the breed’s working origin and historical purpose. The exterior must remain functional, not decorative; working “roughness” of coat is acceptable. Young dogs may show temporary proportional inconsistencies during growth. Temperament evaluation is essential: lack of herding instinct, excessive shyness, or aggression are serious faults. Endurance, focus, and ability for prolonged work are key criteria. Coat and pigmentation may vary within acceptable limits if functionality is preserved.
Conclusion
The Shepherd Dog is a functional, hard-working breed combining attentiveness, endurance, and precise control of livestock. Within the ICCF system, only dogs possessing official ICCF documents confirming origin, identity, and conformity to the standard are eligible for shows and breeding. The primary breeding goal is to preserve working qualities, balanced temperament, harmonious exterior, and the ability for long, active work. The Shepherd Dog must present the image of a confident, energetic, and manageable partner with natural instinct and high trainability.
