In animal
breed standards, a
fault is an aspect of appearance or temperament that is considered detrimental to the
breed type of the animal's breed. In
dogs,
faults have to do with the
externally observable qualities of the dog such as
appearance,
movement, and
temperament. Qualities separately tested such as tests for ability in specific work or sports, tests for genetic health, tests for general health or specific inherited disease, or any other specific tests for characteristics that cannot be
directly observed are not described with the term
fault. Minor faults may or may not have anything to do with the individual dog's ability to work or suitability as a
pet.