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Interim

General Appearance
Typical Spitz dog. Of medium size and rectangular shape.

Characteristics
Intelligent, quick to learn and patient.

Temperament
Kind, friendly, devoted, lively and alert.

Head and Skull
Wedge shaped, slightly longer than broad, fairly prominent occiput. Stop well defined, muzzle a little more than one third length of head. Foreface strong with no suggestion of snipiness. Nose dark, preferably black, bridge straight.

Eyes
Set well apart, round, dark brown and full of expression. Rims well pigmented.

Ears
Set well apart, short, erect, pointed and very mobile. Broad and slightly rounded at base. Tipped or dropped ears highly undesirable.

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. Close fitting lips. Lips and palate strongly pigmented.

Neck
Powerful, medium length without dewlap.

Forequarters
Forelegs straight, elbows fitting close to chest, shoulders sloping and well laid back.

Body
Slightly longer than height at withers. Chest rather deep reaching to elbow, forechest well developed. Back straight and muscular. Loins short and broad. Croup long and broad, well muscled and slightly sloping. Ribcage long and oval.

Hindquarters
Strong, good width, moderate turn of stifle and hocks which are low set. Dewclaws highly undesirable.

Feet
Strong, oval and compact with firm pads. Nails and pads black.

Tail
High set, reaching to hock when extended. Bushy, long, dense hair. Carried curled over back when moving, may drop when at rest.

Gait/Movement
Light and springy covering ground with drive.

Coat
Weather resistant. Hair standing straight out from body. Short on head and front of legs. Longer on brisket, thighs and tail. Forming a ruff round neck. Undercoat dense and finely curled.

Colour
Bear-brown, black, brown, a combination of black and brown, solid colours preferred. White mark on chest, white feet and white tip of tail acceptable. More white markings objectionable.

Size
Height: dogs: 45-51 cms (18-20 ins), ideal height 48 cms (19 ins); bitches: 40-46 cms (16-18 ins), ideal 43 cms (17 ins).

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 - September 2000

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only 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.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

THERE ARE NO CLUBS OR SOCIETIES FOR THIS BREED AT PRESENT

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Discover Dogs, Pastoral Group 

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