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Interim

General Appearance
Medium sized, well balanced, strong and square. Marked distinction between sexes.

Characteristics
Agile, alert and highly intelligent.

Temperament
Confident and vigilant. Aloof with strangers. Steady and loyal to owners.

Head and Skull
Skull Well proportioned, wedge shaped of medium length, appearing broader due to low set ears. Skull somewhat flattened between ears. Stop shallow but defined. Length from muzzle to stop approximately equal to length from stop to occiput. Nose black. Lips tight and well pigmented.

Eyes
Dark, almond shaped and obliquely set with black rims.

Ears
Medium sized, erect and set low with broad base and rounded tip.

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, level bite acceptable.

Neck
Muscular, well arched, of medium length without throatiness.

Forequarters
Well laid muscular shoulder, elbows close to body. Medium boned. When viewed from the front forelegs straight. Pasterns slightly sloping.

Body
Square, withers well developed, back level, loins muscular, chest deep and of moderate breadth, ribs well sprung. Belly well tucked up.

Hindquarters
Powerful, broad muscular thighs, hocks well let down. Legs straight when viewed from behind.

Feet
Strong, round and cat like with hard pads.

Tail
Set high, thick brush carried curled over back when trotting or excited.

Gait/Movement
Energetic and natural trot.

Coat
Outer coat dense, harsh and straight of short to medium length. Undercoat close and profuse according to season.

Colour
Sand to red-brown, white, black, or spotted, with or without a symmetrical black mask. White markings permitted on all colours. Grey, brindle, black and tan or tricolour undesirable.

Size
Height 50-60 cms (20-24 ins). Weight 18-25 kgs (40-55 lbs).

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.

Last Updated - June 1997

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

• CANAAN DOG CLUB. Sec. Mrs E Minto Tel No 01754 811232

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