Definition
An ordinary household companion dog benchmarked at approximately 20 to 35 kg and up to 60 cm at the shoulder.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
An ordinary household companion dog travelling with its owner. This is the benchmark against which size, weight, and breed restrictions are evaluated.
For the purposes of this standard, a typical family dog is benchmarked at approximately 20 to 35 kg (44 to 77 lbs) and up to 60 cm (24 in) at the shoulder, equivalent in size to breeds such as a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, or Standard Poodle. This benchmark is a reference point, not a breed list. It exists to prevent accommodation providers from excluding normal domestic dogs through arbitrary size, weight, breed, or pedigree restrictions.
Any restriction that would exclude a dog falling within or below this benchmark range without a stated and specific justification does not conform to this standard.
Roch Interpretation
The benchmark is a Labrador sized dog. If a policy would exclude a 30kg Golden Retriever without giving a reason, it fails. Size cutoffs below the benchmark exist to keep normal dogs out and do not survive scrutiny unless the justification is written into the published policy.
Examples
Compliant
A city centre hotel states it accepts dogs up to 40kg and explains the limit is based on room dimensions in its published policy, covering the full benchmark range.
Not compliant
A hotel posts 'small dogs only' on its website with no weight threshold, no measurement, and no explanation, excluding any dog larger than a Spaniel by default.