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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 Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

General Appearance
Lightly built, short compact body, fairly smooth-lying coat, erect pointed ears, curled tail carried over back.

Characteristics
Well balanced, medium size, free from exaggeration, and capable of arduous work.

Temperament
Fearless, brave and energetic.

Head and Skull
Head – lean, light, rather broad between ears, wedge-shaped, narrowing towards point of nose. Skull and back of head almost flat; marked but not sharp stop; muzzle medium length, tapering evenly from above and side, straight bridge, lips tightly closed. Nose black.

Eyes
Not protruding, dark brown, lively with fearless expression.

Ears
Placed high, erect, height greater than base; sharply pointed, very mobile.

Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Complete dentition.

Neck
Medium length, lean without loose skin, moderately arched.

Forequarters
Legs lean, straight and strong, elbows tightly placed.

Body
Strong, short, but light, chest deep with good ribs; straight line of back, firm loins, short couplings, slightly drawn up.

Hindquarters
Legs strong and moderately angulated, straight when viewed from behind.

Feet
Rather small, oval in shape, toes tightly closed.

Tail
Set on high, short, thick, and hair longer on underside, tightly curled and carried over back.

Gait/Movement
Without exaggeration, straight coming and going. From side; light active, with good stride.

Coat
Outer coat close, harsh, but smooth; undercoat soft and woolly. On head and front legs, short, close and smooth; longer on chest, neck and shoulders, back of legs and underside of tail.

Colour
Wheaten, black, red, (red not too dark), wolf-sable. Self-coloured but small symmetrical markings e.g. white on chest and legs, blaze on head and narrow ring on neck, black mask and ears and black tips to tail permissible.

Size
Ideal height: dogs: 45 cms (18 ins); bitches somewhat less. Weight in proportion to size.

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 and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

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

Last Updated - October 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

NORWEGIAN BUHUND CLUB. Sec: Mrs J Purves. Tel No: 01670 503420

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Pastoral Group 

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