The Breed Standard
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Characteristics: Should impress as being active, game and hardy. General Appearance: Agile, alert, of workmanlike natural appearance. Standing well foreward on forepaws. Strong quaters. Deep in rib, very free in movement. Weather-resistant coat. Temperament: Fearless and gay disposition, assertive but not aggressive. Head and Skull: Head small, but in proportion to body. Skull broad, a decided indentation between the eyes with a definite stop. Muzzle powerfull, jaw strong but not long or heavy. Nose black. Head well furnished. Eyes: Wide apart, medium in size, dark hazel. Slightly sunk with shaggy eyebrows. Ears: Small pointed, well carried and erect, not too closely set or heavily coated. Mouth: Large teeth. Jaw strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaw. Neck: Well set on, not short. Forequaters: Slopping shoulders, medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone. Forelegs never out at elbow. Legs well covered with harsh hair. Body: Back level, medium in length. Well sprung deep ribs, strong supple loin. Hindquaters: Very strong muscular thighs. Good but not excessive bend of stifle. Hocks well let down, inclining neither in or out when viewed from the rear. Feet: Forefeet, larger that hind, may be slightly turned out. Pads thick and strong. Thin, narrow or spreading feet and long nails objectionable. Tail: Short, balanced, well furnished with hair but not feathery. Neither high or low set, carried gaily but not turned towards the back. Gait / Movement: Very free-flowing stride. Forelegs reaching well foreward. Hindlegs giving strong propulsion. Hocks neither too close or too wide. Coat: Very impotant. Weather resistant. Must be double-coated, with profuse, harsh, but not coarse outercoat, undercoat short, soft and close. Open coats objectionable. Slight wave permissible. Colour: Cream, wheaten, red, grey, or nearly black. Brindling in all these colours accepable. Not solid black or white, or black and tan. Dark points such as ears and muzzle very typical. Size: Approximately 28cm to 31cm (11" to 12") at withers, but in proportion to weight - ideally 6 to 7,5kg´s (14 to 16 lbs). Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree. Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles full descended into the scrotum. | ||