A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour 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 Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as highly undesirable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
General appearance
Medium sized, noble and elegant, powerfully built with overall impression of an energetic, well-balanced dog.
Characteristics
Dual purpose pointer/retriever, very keen nose, determined hunter and game-finder; equally good on land and in water.
Temperament
Calm, even tempered. Alert, biddable and very loyal.
Head and skull
Aristocratic appearance, muzzle and skull of equal length. Top of head slightly rounded; medium-width nasal bone, showing slight arch in profile and rising gently to forehead with no pronounced stop. The foreface should be of proportionate length to the skull, fairly broad and deep without being coarse, well chiselled below the eyes. Flews fairly deep, but not pendulous or exaggerated. Jaws strong. Nose brown, but slightly flecked markings permissible. Head hair considerably shorter than body.
Eyes
Brown, as dark as possible, of medium size slightly oval shaped, neither deep set nor protruding. Tight eyelids, no visible haw.
Ears
Broad and set close to and quite high on head. Turning slightly forward and leathers reaching to a point halfway between corner of mouth and nose. Turning out on the bottom edge; well feathered on the outside with longer hair. Slightly wavy feathering should reach beyond tip of nose. Lower half of inside of leathers covered in hair. Ear leathers twice as long as broad.
Mouth
Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Full, strong dentition desirable.
Neck
Moderate length, muscular and slightly arched, without dewlap; joining the shoulders and chest smoothly.
Forequarters
Shoulders sloping and muscular with top of shoulder blades close; upper arm long. Elbows set close to body, turning neither outwards nor inwards. Forelegs straight and well feathered, sufficiently muscular and strong but not coarse-boned. Pasterns slightly sloping.
Body
Well-developed sternum, visible when viewed from side. Broad, deep ribcage, reaching at least to elbows. Back straight, firm and moderate in length. Very muscular around loins.
Hindquarters
Long croup, slightly sloping. Stifles well bent. Hind legs straight when viewed from rear. Pasterns nearly upright.
Feet
Well arched, compact, close knit, round to oval shaped with strong nails and pads; turning neither in nor out. Tufts of dense short hair between toes.
Tail
Well feathered, slightly scimitar shaped, moderately long, not reaching below hocks. Strong at root, becoming gradually thinner. Carried horizontally or just below line of back. Previously, docking of tip of tail was optional.
Gait/movement
Free, long striding, stylish and graceful, with good forward reach and powerful drive from hindquarters.
Coat
Correct coat very important. On back and sides of body, about 3-5 cms long (1-2 ins), close fitting and with good undercoat. On throat, chest and stomach, coat may be longer. Body hair sleek and close lying, smooth or slightly wavy. Back of front legs and hind legs to hock joint, well feathered; below hocks significantly shorter.
Colour
Solid brown: white markings permissible especially on chest and feet. Dark brown roan: with varying sized brown patches, brown head with blaze or star. White, ticked: with varying sized brown patches, brown head with blaze or star. Trout-coloured roan: numerous small brown patches on white ground, brown head with blaze or star. Brown & White: either clear, or with large brown patches (e.g. saddle) and very few small patches; brown head with blaze or star. Black highly undesirable.
Size
Height: dogs - minimum height at withers 60 cms (24 ins), maximum 70 cms (28 ins). (Ideal height 63-66 cms (25-26 ins)). Bitches - minimum height at withers 58 cms (23 ins), maximum 66 cms (26 ins). (Ideal height 60-62 cms (24-24½ ins). Weight: approx. 30 kgs (66lbs).
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 and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.