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
Typical Spitz dog. Of medium size and rectangular shape.
Characteristics
Intelligent, quick to learn and patient.
Temperament
Kind, friendly, devoted, lively and alert.
Head and skull
Wedge shaped, slightly longer than broad, fairly prominent occiput. Stop well defined, muzzle a little more than one third length of head. Foreface strong with no suggestion of snipiness. Nose dark, preferably black, bridge straight.
Eyes
Set well apart, round, dark brown and full of expression. Rims well pigmented.
Ears
Set well apart, short, erect, pointed and very mobile. Broad and slightly rounded at base. Tipped or dropped ears highly undesirable.
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. Close fitting lips. Lips and palate strongly pigmented.
Neck
Powerful, medium length without dewlap.
Forequarters
Forelegs straight, elbows fitting close to chest, shoulders sloping and well laid back.
Body
Slightly longer than height at withers. Chest rather deep reaching to elbow, forechest well developed. Back straight and muscular. Loins short and broad. Croup long and broad, well muscled and slightly sloping. Ribcage long and oval.
Hindquarters
Strong, good width, moderate turn of stifle and hocks which are low set.
Feet
Strong, oval and compact with firm pads. Nails and pads black.
Tail
High set, reaching to hock when extended. Bushy, long, dense hair. Carried curled over back when moving, may drop when at rest.
Gait/movement
Light and springy covering ground with drive.
Coat
Weather resistant. Hair standing straight out from body. Short on head and front of legs. Longer on brisket, thighs and tail. Forming a ruff round neck. Undercoat dense and finely curled.
Colour
Bear-brown, black, brown, a combination of black and brown, solid colours preferred. White mark on chest, white feet and white tip of tail acceptable. More white markings objectionable.
Size
Height: dogs: 45-51 cms (18-20 ins), ideal height 48 cms (19 ins); bitches: 40-46 cms (16-18 ins), ideal 43 cms (17 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 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.