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
Tall, narrow, finely built, large erect ears.
Characteristics
Agile, tireless, controlled hunter. Retrieves to hand, has ability to jump great heights without take-off run.
Temperament
Reserved with strangers, not nervous or aggressive. Dignified, intelligent and independent.
Head and skull
Fine, long, flat skull with prominent occipital bone. Stop not well defined, slightly convex muzzle, length of which from eyes to tip of nose equals length from eyes to occiput. Nose flesh coloured, should protrude beyond teeth, jaws very strong and lean.
Eyes
Clear amber, expressive. Almond-shaped; not prominent, large or round.
Ears
Large, thin, stiff, highly mobile, erect when dog is alert, in a continuous line with arch of neck when viewed in profile; base set on level with eyes. Drop ears unacceptable.
Mouth
Perfectly even white teeth; scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Thin lips with no dewlap.
Neck
Very lean, long, muscular and slightly arched.
Forequarters
Rather steep, short shoulder blades, long straight legs, erect pasterns of good length.
Body
Level back sloping slightly from the pin bones to rump. Long, flat ribcage. Short coupled with well-tucked-up waist, breast bone very prominent. Depth measured between bottom of ribcage and elbow 7-8 cms (2¾-3 ins).
Hindquarters
Long, strong, straight and lean, no great angulation, long second thigh, turning neither in nor out.
Feet
Well-arched toes, thick pads, light coloured claws. Front feet may turn slightly outwards.
Tail
Long, thin, low set, reaching well below the hock; when passed between legs and round flank reaches spine; may be carried high when excited, but not curled within itself or low over back.
Gait/movement
A suspended trot, which is a long far-reaching stride, with a slight hover before placing foot to ground.
Coat
Smooth or rough always hard, close, dense. Longer under tail and at back of legs. Hunting scars should not be penalised.
Colour
White, chestnut or lion solid colour, or any combination of these.
Size
In country of origin varies between 56 and 74 cms (22-29 ins), but balance is overriding factor.
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.