The Breed Standard

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CHARACTERISTICS:

Should impress as being active, game and hardy.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:

Agile, alert, of workmanlike natural appearance. Standing well forward on forepaws. Strong quarters. Deep in rib, very free in movement. Weather-resistant coat.

TEMPERAMENT:

Fearless and gay disposition, assertive but not aggressive.

HEAD AND SKULL:

Head small, but in proportion to body. Skull broad, a decided indentation between the eyes with a definite stop. Muzzle powerful, jaw strong but not long or heavy. Nose black. Head well furnished.

EYES:

Wide apart, medium in size, dark hazel. Slightly sunk with shaggy eyebrows.

EARS:

Small pointed, well carried and erect, not too closely set or heavily coated.

MOUTH:

Large teeth. Jaw strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaw.

NECK:

Well set on, not short.

FOREQUARTERS:

Slopping shoulders, medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone. Forelegs never out at elbow. Legs well covered with harsh hair.

BODY:

Back level, medium in length. Well sprung deep ribs, strong supple loin.

HINDQUARTERS:

Very strong muscular thighs. Good but not excessive bend of stifle. Hocks well let down, inclining neither in nor out when viewed from the rear.

FEET:

Forefeet, larger that hind, may be slightly turned out. Pads thick and strong. Thin, narrow or spreading feet and long nails objectionable.

TAIL:

Short, balanced, well furnished with hair but not feathery. Neither high or low set, carried gaily but not turned down towards the back.

GAIT/MOVEMENT:

Very free-flowing stride. Forelegs reaching well forward. Hindlegs giving strong propulsion. Hocks neither too close or too wide.

COAT:

Very important. Weather resistant. Must be double-coated, with profuse, harsh, but not coarse outercoat, undercoat short, soft and close. Open coats objectionable. Slight wave permissible.

COLOUR:

Cream, wheaten, red, grey, or nearly black. Brindling in all these colours acceptable. Not solid black or white, or black and tan. Dark points such as ears and muzzle very typical.

SIZE:

Approximately 28 cm to 31 cm (11" to 12" ) at withers, but in proportion to weight - ideally 6 to 7.5 kgs (14 to 16 lbs ).

FAULTS:

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note:Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles full descended into the scrotum.