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. 

 

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 undesirable or highly undesirable it is strongly recommended that it should not be rewarded in the show ring. 

 

 

General Appearance

Low set, strong, sturdily built, alert and active, giving impression of substance and stamina in small space. 

 

Characteristics

Bold in outlook, workmanlike. 

 

Temperament

Outgoing and friendly, never nervous or aggressive. 

 

Head and Skull

Head foxy in shape and appearance, with alert, intelligent expression, skull fairly wide and flat between ears, moderate amount of stop. Length of foreface in proportion to skull 3 to 5. Muzzle slightly tapering. Nose black. 

 

Eyes

Well set, round, medium size, brown, blending with colour of coat. 

 

Ears

Pricked, medium-sized, slightly rounded. Line drawn from tip of nose through eye should, if extended, pass through, or close to tip of ear. 

 

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

Fairly long. 

 

Forequarters

Lower legs short and as straight as possible, forearm moulded round chest. Ample bone, carried right down to feet. Elbows fitting closely to sides, neither loose nor tied. Shoulders well laid, and angulated at 90 degrees to the upper arm. 

 

Body

Medium length, well sprung ribs, not short coupled, slightly tapering, when viewed from above. Level topline. Chest broad and deep, well let down between forelegs. 

 

Hindquarters

Strong and flexible, well angulated stifle. Legs short. Ample bone carried right down to feet. Hocks straight when viewed from behind. 

 

Feet

Oval, toes strong, well arched, and tight, two centre toes slightly advance of two outer, pads strong and well arched. Nails short. 

 

Tail

Short, preferably natural. 

Docked: Short. 

Undocked: Set in line with topline. Natural carriage above topline when moving or alert. 

 

Gait/Movement

Free and active, neither loose nor tied. Forelegs move well forward, without too much lift, in unison with thrusting action of hindlegs. 

 

Coat

Medium length, straight with dense undercoat, never soft, wavy or wiry. 

 

Colour

Self colours in Red, Sable, Fawn, Black and Tan, with or without white markings on legs, brisket and neck. Some white on head and foreface permissible. 

 

Size

Height: approximately 25-30 cms (10-12 ins) at shoulder. Weight: dogs: 10-12 kgs (22-26 lbs); bitches: 9-11 kgs (20-24 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.

​

Copyright - the Kennel Club