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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

Interim

General Appearance
Medium sized hunting dog. Elegant, slender build but strong and robust. Long limbed, of light construction and square outline.

Characteristics
A keen hunter. Adaptable to difficult terrain. Hunts by scent, sight and hearing.

Temperament
Strong, lively, independent temperament. Gentle and affectionate.

Head and Skull
Skull moderately narrow, in profile almost flat. Top of skull and foreface parallel or slightly divergent. Lean and well chiselled. Slight stop. Flat cheeks. Length of muzzle equal to or only slightly less than length of skull. Bridge of nose straight. Nose rather large, flesh coloured, blending with coat.

Eyes
Relatively small, oval in shape, semi-lateral position.  Amber or ochre blending with coat.

Ears
Set very high and close together, erect and rigid, almost parallel when alert. Triangular shape with narrow tip. Length not more than half the head.

Mouth
Lower jaw lightly developed with receding chin.  Perfect, regular and complete scissor bite i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Thin, taut lips. Full dentition desirable.

Neck
Strong, clean, well arched and muscular. Set well into shoulders.

Forequarters
Shoulders strong, long, moderately laid back. Length of upper arm slightly less than length of shoulder. Forelegs straight and parallel when viewed from the front. Elbows well tucked in. Pasterns strong and slightly sloping.

Body
Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock equal to height at withers. Straight topline sloping from withers towards croup. Croup has flat profile, sloping steeply downwards to root of tail. Chest reaches to, or nearly to, the elbow, without going beyond. Ribs slightly sprung, rather narrow without being flat. Clean, gently rising underline, without excessive tuck up.

Hindquarters
Strong and muscular. Moderate bend of stifle. Broad, long, upper thigh with flat muscles. Well developed second thigh. Limbs parallel when viewed from behind.

Feet
Strong, well knuckled, firm, slightly oval, turning neither in nor out. Well padded. Nails brown or flesh coloured.

Tail
Low set, fairly thick at base, reaching to point of hock. Of equal thickness for most of its length. Carried high and curved when dog is in action; sabre fashion when in repose. Hair on tail is semi-long.

Gait/Movement
Springy trot without excessive extension. Viewed from behind, hind legs track the forelegs. Tendency to throw feet sideways or hackney action undesirable.

Coat
Short on head, ears and legs. Short to semi-long (about 3cms) on body, but sleek and close, ranging from fine to slightly harsh. No feathering.

Colour
Self coloured. Light sand, Isabella, light to dark tan. Tan with a mixture of slightly lighter and darker hairs allowed. White markings allowed on chest, toes, head, foreface and tip of tail.

Size
Ideal height at shoulder: Dogs 46-50cms (18 ¼ -19 ½ ins); Bitches 42-46 cms (16 ½ - 18 ¼ 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.

Last Updated - December 2007

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 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 

There are no clubs or societies at present for this breed. 

Date page created:

Categories:

Hound Group 

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