Lykos

General Appearance:  The Lykos has a strong and imposing form, standing confidently with center of gravity forward over pads showcasing the incredible strength and working capability of the breed. The face has a distinct resemblance to its Wolf ancestors that give it the Wolfalike namesake. The eyes and stare are intense, prey drive, endurance, and eagerness to please are hallmark traits that coincide with this focus and determination. The coat is lupine, with an over and undercoat in many colors and gradients of gray, black, browns and reds (excluding merles and brindles). The back is strong and straight, the form is muscular yet smooth and rounded. Lykos are fearless and focused, not wired or anxious, but calm and motivated as well as having incredible energy that is absent of high neuroticism. The Lykos is fast, muscular, imposing, with a large squared jaw and a long lupine snout which is pronounced but not thin or slight. The Lykos work, problem solve, and take direction with sustained focus for long periods of time without tiring. The incredible physical and mental endurance of this breed is most important to the breed standard, seconded only by the lupine resemblance. The Lykos is a vocal canine that is known to howl.

Size, Proportion, Substance:  Lykos are large and athletic, not lumbering or unbalanced. Their size does not take away from their speed, agility, or endurance. Male Lykos stand at an average 25 inches and weigh 85 lbs, females stand at an average 23 inches and weigh 75 lbs. The Lykos size and shape gives the impression of incredible power and speed, with bone structure sturdy, not bulky or delicate. The back is straight and well balanced, never sloping, short, or swaying.

Head:  The head is lupine with clear resemblance to the triangular curve of the eyes and large powerful jaw of the Wolf. Lykos eyes are brown, blue, or mixed. The expression of the Lykos is that of focus and intelligence, indicating the highly responsive nature of the breed. The ears are of medium size and are always erect and never laying back as a hound, they stand triangular with rounded tips. The skull is broad and the topline of the muzzle breaks downward with a slight frontal groove. The nose is slender but not thin or slight, with the quality of scent detection and sensitivity being more essential than the aesthetic.

Neckline, Topline, Body:  The neck is strong and arched, not bulky or short. The body is muscled lean rather than bulky, with a long tail that is sometimes carried over though not tightly wound against the back, it has a position at rest falling behind the hindquarters. The back is straight or with only a slight slope, never significantly longer than they are tall, rather tall and lengthy as well as aerodynamic.

Forequarters:  Pads of the feet are large and tough, shoulders are strong and well muscled but not lumbering.

Hindquarters:  The rear legs are well muscled and function for long distance endurance and working endurance. The Lykos should never have a sloping back or imbalanced gait. Genetic health qualities are essential over aesthetic qualities.

Coat:  The Lykos have a thick double coat that is soft, dense, and wooly. The length varies from a medium length and wooly to long, smooth and flowing. The summer months bring more shedding and density is lost to the coat.

Color:  The range of colors go from blacks and grays to sables and reds, with some solid black. Color may form a saddle and leave white on the chest or legs, a mask may be present in the face markings. Colors resemble the wolf namesake with continually broken, spotted, or patching colors being generally undesirable. Full white, merle, and brindle are not generally included.

Gait:  The Lykos gait is smooth and sleek, showcasing the powerful yet fast and balanced capabilities of their build. The gait is tireless and energetic, with speed and agility.

Temperament:  The Lykos is an incredibly intelligent and loyal companion and working animal. The disposition is important to the breed standard with their calm focus and intense responsiveness being their most notable qualities. The Lykos is naturally protective but not aggressive, has incredible endurance and motivation but is low or moderate in neuroticism and absent of anxiety. The Lykos is tremendously brave and watchful, fearless and confident.