BREED STANDARD
A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch section of the Kennel Club website here http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/breeds/watch for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as undesirable or highly undesirable it is strongly recommended that it should not be rewarded in the show ring.
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Symmetrical, compact, not leggy obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active.
TEMPERAMENT:
Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.
HEAD & SKULL:
Skull of proportionate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes. Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, flesh coloured to dark.
EYES:
Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, nor sunken, nor showing haw.
EARS:
Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.
MOUTH:
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
NECK:
Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.
FOREQUARTERS:
Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.
BODY:
Not long, strong and muscular. Deep brisket, well sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. Loin muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.
HINDQUARTERS:
Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.
FEET:
Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat like, not large or spreading.
TAIL:
Customarily docked.
Docked: Well set on and low, never carried above the level of the back. Lively in action.
Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above the level of the back. Lively in action. Feathered, in balance with the rest of the dog.
GAIT / MOVEMENT:
Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.
COAT:
Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.
COLOUR:
Rich red and white only.
SIZE:
Approximate height. Dogs 48cms (19ins) at withers (shoulders). Bitches 46cms (18ins) at withers (shoulders).
FAULTS:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
NOTE: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Published with kind permission from The Kennel Club
©The Kennel Club
