Breed Standard

          A large natural breed, solidly built with long, seemingly disproportional, legs. This dog breed gives the impression of power andendurance, as well as speed. The skull is moderately broad and flat between the ears, sloping to the nose. The preferred eye color is amberor yellow. The muzzle is not blunt, but tapers to the nose. The ears are erect and of medium size (proportionately smaller than the German Shepherd) and internally well-furred. The coat is doubled with an outer coat of course guard hairs. The winter undercoat is very dense. The tail is bushy and carried straight (never curled over the back). Height: 25-36 inches. Weight: 60-150 pounds. The coat is medium long, with prominent neck and cheek ruffs. Color phases vary from black phase through white, with wolf gray (agouti) and sable being the most common.

             Animals that meet all the established criteria therein may be requested to be registered as a dog breed known as the AMERICAN WOLFDOG. Unless officially registered by USAWA as such, no canine may be designated as or referred to as an AMERICAN WOLFDOG.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASSIFICATION AS AN AMERICAN WOLFDOG:

Submit written request for consideration to the USAWA Board of Directors and comply with the following:

1. Must meet or exceed all USAWA Breed Standards and registration procedures. Unless the animal is registered under these Special Requirements, it can not be officially or legally called an American Wolfdog or referred to as such.

2. Must have no more than two (2) Deviations (CLASS 1) and zero (0) Faults or Disqualifications (CLASS 2 or 3).

3. Must be a minimum of two (2) years of age or have both parents registered as American Wolfdog with USAWA.

4. Must submit OFA (or USAWA accepted equivalent) Hip Dysphasia Free Certification of GOOD or better listing breed as American Wolfdog. Any deviation must have prior approval from the Board of Directors. All other criteria in this section must be met and preliminary approval obtained from USAWA prior to radiogram being taken. Contact USAWA in writing for complete details.

5. Must be current on all veterinary health care, including current rabies vaccination, and submit such verification to the Board of Directors.

6. Must submit copies of the following specified proof of training and socialization:

a) official Obedience Training Certificate(s) or Golden Leash Award (GLA) or Canine Good Citizen Award (CGC)

b) three (3) recent clear photos (different views) of the animal in its living quarters.

c) video [preferred] or three (3) clear recent photos of the animal interacting with humans, other than (or in addition to) the owner.

7. Must have at least the four (4) most recent generations of lineage documented as verified by USAWA.