GENERAL APPEARANCE

Symmetrical, compact, not leggy obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.

CHARACTERISTICS

Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active.

TEMPERAMENT

Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.

HEAD & SKULL

Skull of proportinate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes. Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, brown to dark.

EYES

Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, nor sunken, nor showing haw.

EARS

Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.

MOUTH

Jaws stong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

NECK

Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.

FOREQUARTERS

Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.

BODY

Not long, strong and muscular. Deep bisket, well sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. Loin muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.

HINDQUARTERS

Stong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.

FEET

Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat like, not large or spreading.

TAIL

Customarily docked.

Docked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action.

Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Feathered. In balance with the rest of thedog.

GAIT/MOVEMENT

Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.

COAT

Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.

Colour

Rich red and white only

SIZE

Approximate height: Dogs 48 cms (19 ins) at withers. Bitches 46 cms (18 ins) at withers.

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 is degree.

NOTE

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

(Approved by the General Assembly on the 23th and 24th June 1987)

Tail undocked: The Kennel Club 2001