Drives: Natural guardian ability is required. The dog should display prey drive with enthusiasm. Defensive drive should be bold and confident when stimulated. Weakness in any form should be selected against.
Temperament: Loving and submissive to the master and family (including children), yet fearless to anyone who threatens the Bandog's master or property. Although accepting to welcomed guests, the Bandog should present a guarding disposition towards visitors if his master is not at present.
Disposition: The Bandog protects their master against any danger, even to give their own life to protect him.
Size: The American Bandog is a medium-large breed dog that displays power and great endurance. He should be compact and correct in proportion.
Males: minimum of 23” tall and 80lbs
Females: minimum of 20” tall and 70lbs
Body: Large, but compact. Powerful, but agile. Topline should be flat not arched. Chest should be broad and be well defined with muscle.
Color: Any Color
Nose: Any Color, except pink (lacking pigment)
Coat: Short, dense, coat should be even throughout body without extra on tail or haunches.
Ears: Cropped or natural. small - medium in size and a u shape.
Head: Medium in length and should have a strong base at neck, as well as strong pronounced jaws.
Neck: Very strong, muscular and robust.
Teeth: Scissor bite or tight reverse scissors preferred. Up to 1/2" undershot jaw allowed but would be considered cosmetic fault.
Eyes: Dark preferable, but should bear some relation to coat color.
Legs: Should not sit close together, feet should be round and tight knuckled. Dog should not be hockey or bow legged. Hind legs should display much power. Nails of any color permissable.
Tail: Docked or natural.
Cosmetic Faults: Those that are minor faults.
Faults:
1)Failure to be worked
2)Male without 2 descending testicles
3) Excessively undershot
4) Overly shy dog, nervous dog
5) Long or wavy coat
6) Bow legged, cow hocked, or bandy legs