The Official Standard for the American Lamalese

General Appearance -

The long-coated variety of the American Lamalese is a small dog in the Toy Group. The coat should be natural, yet neat in appearance with a natural part along the spine. The ideal dog is well-balanced and sturdy in structure, solid in substance and should exhibit a friendly and confident presence.

Temperament-

Bred specifically as a companion dog, the American Lamalese is characterized by its calm and steady disposition. They are openly affectionate, eager to please and devoted to their human companions. They may be slightly reserved with strangers initially, but are friendly and sweet natured once introduced. They are alert and possess a keen sense of hearing which make them ideal alarm sounders, but they do not bark without purpose. They are active and very agile, and should never be shy, skittish or aggressive. Any aggressive

resistance to being examined must be excused from the ring.

Size, Proportion and Substance -

Size - The ideal height at the withers is 9 to 11 inches, but should not be less than 8 nor more than 12 inches. Weight should be appropriate to height.
Disqualification: Less than 8 inches or more than 12 inches at the withers.
Proportion - Should appear well-balanced and compact, not leggy or cobby.
Substance - Sturdily built with good muscle and bone density.

Head -

Head - Round and broad but not domed, well balanced to the overall size of the dog. Good fall of hair over eyes, good whiskers and beard.
Eyes - Dark brown. Medium in size. Frontal placement. Eye rims, black.
Disqualifications: Light-colored, prominent or bulgy eyes.
Expression - Intelligent and alert.
Ears - Long with the ear set slightly below crown of skull, well covered with hair.
Nose - Solid black pigmentation, nostrils open.
Disqualification: Dudley nose.
Stop - Definite.
Muzzle - Approximately a 1-to-2 ratio when measured from the tip of the nose to the inside corner of the eye, and from the stop to base of the occipital.
Bite - Scissors bite is preferred. Level or reverse scissors bite acceptable.
Faults: Wry mouth, significantly undershot or overshot jaw.
Pigmentation - Nose, lips and eye rims must be black.
Disqualification: Absence of pigmentation as noted.

Neck, Topline and Body -

Neck - Strong and well set into shoulders with length appropriate to a high head carriage and in proportion to the height and length of the dog.
Shoulder - Moderate layback of shoulder.
Topline - Backline should be level between the withers and loin.
Body - Compact and sturdy, longer than the height at the withers. Chest and ribs should be well developed, neither barrel-chested nor narrow.

Tail - Tail set high, well feathered and carried gracefully over the back.
Serious Fault: Tail not carried over the back, or dropped when gaiting.

Legs and Feet -

Front Legs - Straight and well-coated; elbows set close to body.
Front Feet - Round, well padded and may slightly toe outward. Dew claws may be removed.
Hind Legs - Straight and well coated when viewed from the rear with well-angulated stifles in line with the front legs and well let down hocks.
Disqualification: Any suggestion of luxating patellas.
Hind Feet - Round, well padded and feathered, and point straight ahead.

Gait -

Moves straight with a smooth-flowing gait at its own natural speed. Good front reach and strong rear drive. Any limping must be excused from the ring. Level backline, high head carriage, and tail carried well over the back.

Coat and Color -

Coat - A double coat head to foot which
is generally straight, parting naturally
along the spine. Coat texture should
feel soft and luxurious to the touch.
Length may stop an inch or two above
the ground at the midsection. The fall
over the eyes should be natural and
should not be tied back or in topknots
for conformation exhibition.
Color - All colors accepted
Trimming - Allowed for neatness and function, particularly around the feet, anus and bottom of coat.

Adopted January 7, 1999 by the American Lamalese Association of North America