My name is Rosie and I started my new life when I was rescued by Animal Friends of Barbour County. The volunteers there helped me find my 'forever' home where I now have toys, food and people who love me unconditionally.
When I go for walks with my Mom and Dad, people frequently ask them, "What breed is she?" Some-
times they ask it in a nice way. Other times they ask it as if I don't measure up to some high-held standard -- but I have to love my Mom because she looks them straight in the eye and tells them that I'm a very rare and special breed with a title reserved only for those dogs lucky enough to have graced the animal shelter in Barbour County -- she tells them that I'm a purebred "Muttineer"
Mom and I decided that we "Muttineers" needed a 'breed standard' (just like my AKC cousins have) so that everyone would know how to recognize us and understand how special we are. So this is for all the Barbour dogs -- hold your head high and let them know you're a "Muttineer"!
MUTTINEER BREED STANDARD
All groups
General Appearance
The Muttineer is an adorable dog whose loving personality and demeanor make it the perfect house pet. Originating somewhere in Barbour County, West Virginia, the name Muttineer means "Extraordinary Family Pet from West Virginia." The breed is the result of abandoned and stray dogs being rescued by a committed group of volunteers in search of forever homes for these usually four-legged gifts from heaven. The overall appear- ance of the Muttineer changes for the better with time and love. What initially appears as a timid, frightened waif, the Muttineer, given food, shelter and love, quickly turns into a happy, well-adjusted member of the family.
Size, Proportion, Substance
A sturdy dog that has often had to endure a life of roaming for his or her own food, the Muttineer is typically hardy. Some Muttineers are found in poor health, but with proper nourishment, medical care and love, the owner can expect a hardy dose of love and affection in return. Preferred height ranges from 4 1/2" to 30" at the withers. Withers height can be approximately the same as the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks, but any body length is acceptable.
Head
The head is in proportion to the body, carried confidently (once rescued) with a loving expression.
Eyes -- Muttineer eyes are filled with love -- round, brilliant and in proportion to the head. Colors range from blue to brown with every color in between being acceptable.
Ears -- Floppy, erect, cropped or long -- all ear shapes are acceptable.
Muzzle -- Ranges from short to long. The length of the muzzle has no direct correlation to the distance between the eyes.
Lips -- Light or dark, the lips of the Muttineer seem to be con- stantly smiling.
Bite -- Undershot, overshot or level, all bites are acceptable.
Neck and Body
Neck -- Short or long and straight or crooked, Muttineers come in all forms.
Body -- The chest can range from broad and deep to narrow and shallow, all are acceptable.
Tail -- Tail may be long or short, docked or natural. The type of tail is not a major consideration except in that, it should be noted, the tail will always be capable of wagging joyously upon the owner's return to the home or the presentation of a favorite treat.
Coat
All coat types are acceptable -- long or short hair, rough, harsh, or silky -- they come in all forms. With proper nutrition and grooming, all Muttineers have a coat their new family will love.
Color
Black, grey, silver, brown, red, tan, beige, brindle, merle or white -- all are accepteble. The coat may be solid, spotted or striped -- color is not a major consideration to the loving owner.
Gait
A Muttineer gait is determined by its overall size and medical condition. Whether on four legs or three, most Muttineers can be expected to joyfully romp through the homes and backyards of their new family.
Temperament
This, by far, is the MOST IMPORTANT consideration of the Muttineer breed standard. Muttineers are amazingly loving, loyal companions. In the home, on the farm, or in the field, a loving owner can expect the Muttineer to be a constant source of joy and companionship. It should be noted that time, patience and gentle discipline will bring out the best in the breed and spoiling them is definitely recommended. Their humble origins in the hills of West Virginia have made them into highly adaptable, sturdy, loving dogs that can fit easily into every American home.
