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
Strongly built, muscular, rough coated, active hound suited to hunting difficult terrain. Body slightly longer than height at withers.
Characteristics
A brave hunter, adaptable and obedient, with strong scenting ability. Possessing good voice, freely used.
Temperament
Gentle, sociable, affectionate and friendly.
Head and skull
Skull rather long and not too broad. Frontal bones slightly raised. Slight stop. Nose black or dark brown with wide open nostrils.
Eyes
Slightly oval, neither deep set nor prominent. Dark brown. Lively expression. Not showing haw.
Ears
Set on level with the eye, reaching the nose when drawn forward. Folding inwards, ending in a point. Covered with finer and shorter hair than on the body.
Mouth
Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Moderately short, muscular.
Forequarters
Shoulders sloping, elbows set well under. Forearms straight, slight slope to pasterns. Strong bone.
Body
Length of body being measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock exceeds height at withers at a ratio of 10:9. Chest fairly wide and deep reaching to elbow. Ribs well sprung and carried well back. Back short and broad. Loin muscular. Level topline. Underline rises only slightly towards rear.
Hindquarters
Moderately angulated with long, well-muscled first and second thighs. Legs parallel when viewed from behind.
Feet
Compact, well arched with strong nails. Pads firm and hard.
Tail
Set on high. Medium length, thick at the base tapering to the tip. On the move, tail is active and carried in a gentle sickle curve above the line of the back.
Gait/movement
Sound, supple, easy and active.
Coat
Rough, harsh, rather short, never woolly or curly. Furnishings on eyebrows and muzzle not too dense. No obvious signs of trimming.
Colour
From golden to red wheaten.
Size
48-56 cms (19-22 ins), with a tolerance of 2 cms (¾ in).
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.