Breed Standards

At Responsible Pet Breeders Australia (RPBA), we believe breed standards should be a guide — not a rulebook that comes at the cost of animal welfare. While traditional breed standards describe the perceived ideal show appearance and temperament of a breed, they do not always prioritise health and long-term wellbeing. Our members are committed to responsible breeding practices that place the dog’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life above all else.

What Are Breed Standards?

Breed standards are detailed descriptions of the physical traits, temperament, and movement that define each recognised breed. These guidelines are often set by kennel clubs and are used to judge dogs in conformation shows. They can include requirements such as:

Coat colour and texture
Body proportions and height
Ear, tail, and muzzle shape
Gait and posture
Temperament traits
Eye colour

While these standards can help preserve breed identity, they are not a substitute for ethical breeding practices that focus on health and functionality.

Why Are Some Breed Standards Controversial?

While all breeds have changed over time due to breed standards, some breed standards are more extreme, unintentionally encouraging traits that can compromise health and wellbeing. For example:

Brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs) are often bred for extremely short muzzles, increasing the risk of breathing difficulties, overheating, and dental overcrowding.
German Shepherds bred for an exaggerated sloping back may have a higher likelihood of hip and joint problems.
Show Standard Poodles are only accepted in solid colours in certain competitions, even though dual-colour and parti-colour coats occur naturally and are just as healthy.
Boston Terriers bred for very large, protruding eyes are more vulnerable to corneal ulcers and injuries.
Persian Cats (while not a dog example) bred for extremely flat faces often face eye and respiratory issues — a reminder that extreme features can harm animals across species
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels bred for an extremely rounded skull shape are at greater risk of syringomyelia, a painful neurological condition.

Breeding strictly to meet these narrow physical ideals can push breeders toward line breeding or repeated use of the same genetic lines, increasing the risk of inherited disorders.

What Is RPBA’s Position on Breed Standards?

At RPBA, our stance is simple: health comes first.

We encourage breeders to respect breed type but never at the expense of an animal’s wellbeing. Our guidelines promote:

Breeding away from exaggerated traits that cause discomfort or disease.
Maintaining genetic diversity to reduce hereditary health issues.
Prioritising temperament and sound structure over cosmetic show requirements.

By balancing breed characteristics with health-focused breeding, RPBA members help ensure dogs live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Should Breeders Always Follow Breed Standards?

Not always. While breed standards can be a useful reference, responsible breeders know when to prioritise health over appearance. This might mean:

Breeding dogs outside of strict show requirements if it improves health outcomes.
Preserving natural colour variations rather than limiting to narrow cosmetic preferences.
Selecting breeding pairs based on DNA testing for clear health, genetic compatibility and temperament instead of solely on conformation titles.

How Do RPBA Members Approach Breed Standards?

Every RPBA breeder must follow our Code of Ethics, which includes:

Vet assessment and health testing for breeding dogs.
Transparent record-keeping of pedigrees and health results.
Avoiding breeding practices that increase the risk of genetic disorders.

We provide education and resources so our breeders can make informed decisions that balance breed type with the animal’s overall welfare.

Why Is Health More Important Than Appearance in Dog Breeding?

A dog that meets every show standard but struggles with breathing, mobility, or chronic illness is not a success story — it’s a preventable tragedy. By focusing on health:

Dogs live longer, more active lives.
Owners face fewer costly vet bills and heartache.
Breeds remain sustainable for future generations.

At RPBA, we celebrate breeds for their history and character — but we breed for their future. If you share our commitment to ethical, health-focused breeding, join RPBA today and be part of a community working for the betterment of all dogs.

Become a RPBA Member

Frequently Asked Questions About Breed Standards

What is the purpose of breed standards?

Breed standards provide a reference for the ideal characteristics of a dog breed, including size, coat, movement, and temperament. They are used mainly for judging in conformation shows but can also guide breeding practices.

Are breed standards the same in every country?

No. Different kennel clubs and breed associations may have their own variations of breed standards. A trait that is considered ideal in one country might not be in another.

Do breed standards guarantee a healthy dog?

Not necessarily. While breed standards describe physical and behavioural traits, they do not always address health.

Why are some breed standards considered unhealthy?

Certain standards prioritise exaggerated features—such as overly short muzzles, extreme body proportions, or specific coat colours—that can lead to breathing difficulties, joint issues, skin problems, or reduced genetic diversity.

Can breeders ignore breed standards completely?

Breeders can choose not to breed to strict standards, especially if those standards compromise the dog’s health or welfare. RPBA supports using breed standards as a general guide while prioritising overall wellbeing.

Are crossbreeds affected by breed standards?

Crossbreeds tend to not have official breed standards, but responsible breeders still follow guidelines for health, structure, and temperament to ensure the puppies are healthy and well-adjusted.

Do breed standards change over time?

Yes. Some breed standards have been updated to improve health and welfare outcomes. However, progress can be slow, and not all standards have adapted to modern understanding of canine health.

How can a breeder balance breed standards with health?

Breeders should focus on genetic diversity, sound structure, and temperament first, using breed standards as a flexible guide rather than a rigid rulebook.

Does RPBA accept breeders who don’t follow show ring standards?

Yes. RPBA supports breeders who prioritise health and responsible breeding practices, even if their dogs don’t meet every cosmetic detail of the show ring standard.

Do buyers care about breed standards?

Some buyers want dogs that match the official breed appearance, while others prioritise health, temperament, and suitability as a family pet over show traits.