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
Dog considerably larger and carrying more coat than the bitch. Bearing bold. Whole appearance, particularly eyes, ears and tail indicates liveliness. Compact, hard-conditioned hunting dog with medium bone and no suggestion of coarseness.
Characteristics
Eagerness to hunt, courage tempered with caution, fidelity and intelligence.
Temperament
Alert, lively, friendly but independent.
Head and skull
Head medium sized and clean cut. Longer than broad. Forehead slightly arched, stop moderate. Muzzle narrow, seen from above and from sides, evenly tapering. Nose pitch black. Lips black, tightly closed and thin.
Eyes
Medium sized, lively, preferably dark. Almond shaped with black rims, set slightly aslant, with outer corners tilted upwards.
Ears
Small, cocked, sharply pointed. Fine in texture and mobile.
Mouth
Jaws strong with perfect regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Muscular, of medium length, with no excess of skin or fat. In males may appear shorter due to dense ruff.
Forequarters
Strong and straight.
Body
Almost square in outline. Back straight and strong. Chest deep. Belly slightly drawn up.
Hindquarters
Strong. Moderate turn of stifle. Hock of medium angulation.
Feet
Preferably round.
Tail
Plumed, curves vigorously from its root in an arch, forward downward and backward, then pressing down against thigh, with its tip extending to middle part of thigh. Extended, the bone of tail usually reaches to hock joint.
Gait/movement
Light and springy, quick and graceful, with drive.
Coat
On head and front of legs short and close, on body and back of legs longish, semi-erect, stiffer on neck and back. Outer coat on shoulders considerably longer and coarser, particularly in males. On back of thighs and on tail, hair longer and denser. No trimming allowed, not even of whiskers. Undercoat short, soft and dense.
Colour
On back reddish brown or red gold, preferably bright. Hairs on inner sides of ears, cheeks, under muzzle, on breast, abdomen, behind shoulders, inside legs, back of thighs, underside of tail, of lighter shades. Undercoat also a lighter colour, making whole coat glow. Narrow white stripe not exceeding one and half centimetres in width on breast permitted. Black hairs on lips and sparse separate black pointed hairs on back and tail permitted. Puppies may have black hairs which decrease with age, black on tail persisting longer.
Size
Height at withers: dogs: 43-50 cms (17-20 ins); bitches: 39-45 cms (15½-18 ins). Weight: 14-16 kgs (31-35 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 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.