AKC (and other group) standards question

[schelmischekitty]

who EXACTLY decides that this dog breed has to be 21" to 36" (just numbers pulled out my head) in order to be within breed standards?  or that they have to be this color, and this color is unacceptable?  just curious!

[schelmischekitty]

thanks!

[sc.trojans]

Each breed standard is set by the breed club.  The older the breed, the older the founding organization, the older the documented standard.  Many breed standards have been revised over the years by their respective club, but it is only done with a membership vote and it is rare since the entire point is to maintain the historical purpose of the breed and the standard that makes the breed what it is.