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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, lightly built, square in outline.

Characteristics
Keen nose, active, versatile hunting dog of great endurance.

Temperament
Gentle, affectionate and even tempered.

Head and Skull
Elongated; narrow, slightly arched skull; well defined occiput; very slight stop. Skin taught, no wrinkles. Nose black, bridge slightly curved. Nostrils wide.

Eyes
Oval, large and dark. Tight lids.

Ears
Fine, low set, triangular. Length reaching to tip of nose, hanging close to cheek.

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. Lips black; level.

Neck
Medium length, lean, slightly arched, well set on.

Forequarters
Shoulders long and well laid back. Forelegs straight and powerful, pasterns slightly sloping. Elbows set close to body.

Body
Deep chested and well let down. Ribs moderately well sprung. Back short, muscular and rising slightly over loin.

Hindquarters
Thighs muscular and well developed. Well bent hocks. Limbs parallel when viewed from behind.

Feet
Tight, oval. Pads and nails black.

Tail
Set high, strong, thin, tapering. When moving, carried high in a sabre curve.

Gait/Movement
Straight forward, free and active.

Coat
Coarsehaired: Harsh, dense, wiry, close lying. Length: 5 cms (2 ins) maximum. Shorthaired: Smooth, thick, shiny.

Colour
Black/tan or any shade from deep red to wheaten. White markings on head, chest, feet and tip of tail permissible.

Size
Dogs: 52-59 cms (201/2-23 ins); bitches: 48-56 cms (19-22 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 - March 1994

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/societies at present for this breed.

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Hound Group 

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