General Appearance
Agile, alert, of workmanlike, natural appearance.
Standing well forward on forepaws. Strong quarters. Deep
in rib, very free in movement. Weather-resistant coat.
Characteristics
Should impress as being active, game and hardy.
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 powerful, 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 nor heavily coated.
Mouth
Large teeth. Jaws strong with perfect, regular and
complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely
overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Well set on, not short.
Forequarters
Sloping shoulders, medium length of leg, good but not
too heavy bone. Forelegs never out at elbow. Legs
covered with harsh hair.
Body
Back level, medium length. Well sprung deep ribs; strong
supple loin.
Hindquarters
Very strong muscular thighs. Good, but not excessive,
bend of stifle. Hocks well let down inclining neither in
nor out when viewed from the rear.
Feet
Forefeet larger than 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 nor low set, carried gaily but
not turned down towards back.
Gait/Movement
Very free-flowing stride. Forelegs reaching well
forward. Hindlegs giving strong propulsion. Hocks
neither too close nor too wide.
Coat
Very important. Weather-resistant. Must be double-coated,
with profuse, harsh, but not coarse, outer coat;
undercoat short, soft and close. Open coats
objectionable. Slight wave permissible.
Colour
Cream, wheaten, red, grey or nearly black. Brindling in
all these colours acceptable. Not solid black, or white,
or black and tan. Dark points, such as ears and muzzle,
very typical.
Size
Approximately 28-31 cms (11-12 ins) at withers, but in
proportion to weight – ideally 6-7.5 kgs (14-16 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.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles
fully descended into the scrotum.