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
Smart, workmanlike, well balanced and compact.
Characteristics
Gay, fearless demeanour, keen of expression, quick of movement, on the tip-toe of expectation.
Temperament
Bold, friendly and self-confident.
Head and skull
Well balanced. Skull flat and refined. Jaws powerful and muzzle broad but not too long. Length of head from stop to tip of nose not exceeding that from occiput to stop. Nose black, except in liver-coated dogs when the nose will be liver.
Eyes
Dark or hazel, moderately small, keen expression. Large, round, protruding or light eyes undesirable.
Ears
Moderately small, V-shaped and carried alertly. Set neither too high nor too low on head.
Mouth
Teeth even with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Reachy, slightly arched, free from throatiness.
Forequarters
Shoulders well laid back. Forelegs straight, well boned.
Body
Chest reasonably narrow. Back strong, moderately short and well coupled.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular. Thighs long and powerful with well-turned stifles. Hocks low to ground and straight.
Feet
Small, compact, round and well padded.
Tail
Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Well set on, carried gaily but not over back or curled.
Undocked: Well set on, carried gaily but not over back or curled. In overall balance with the rest of dog.
Gait/movement
Fore- and hindlegs carried straight forward and parallel. Elbows move perpendicular to body, working free of sides, stifles turning neither in nor out. Good drive coming from well-flexing hindquarters.
Coat
Dense, harsh and weather-resisting with good undercoat.
Colour
Black and tan, blue and tan, red, wheaten, red grizzle, liver, blue or black. Small tips of white on feet and chest undesirable but permissible. Mahogany or deep tan not typical.
Size
Height not exceeding 37 cms (14½ ins) at shoulder. Average weight: dogs: 8 kgs (17 lbs); bitches: 7 kgs (15 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.