Breed Standard

General Appearance: A dog of medium build, athletic but not racy. Slightly longer than tall (as 10 - 9), with leg length slightly longer than overall depth of body. Overall bone is neither too heavy nor too light.

Head: Not too broad, skull slightly domed. Muzzle longer than skull, strong and gently tapering. Lips close fitting and always black. Cheeks flat. Nose black (winter noses acceptable) and nostrils large. Slightly imperfect scissor bite.

Eyes: Oval, foward facing and set at a slightly oblique angle. Any colour or colour combination permitted.

Ears: Set fairly high, not too large and carried erect.

Neck: Strong and muscular with a well-defined nape.

Shoulders: Moderately sloping. Elbows fitting close to chest, which must not be too broad.

Body: Top line level, ribs well back. Loin short and deep with no exaggerated tuck up. Croup broad and fairly short but not steep. Tail set fairly high and reaching to the hock, carried down when standing, may be lifted when excited. Curly tails considered a fault. Good rear angulation. Short hocks.

Hind feet: Oval, may have five toes, dewclaws permitted.

Fore feet: Round, pasterns upright but flexible. Pads black and well cushioned with hair.

Coat: Dense double coat, slightly harsh in texture, heavy coats permitted but long flowing, silky coats considered a fault. Well defined ruff and breaches. Tail bushy.

Gait: Easy and far reaching covers the ground.

Size: Bitches 22 inches min, dogs 24 inches min. Overall balance more important than size.

Colour: Pure white or any shade of grey and sable through to pure black. White faces and dark masks are permitted but colour change should be subtle.

Temperament: Friendly and placid, never aggressive or showing any guarding tendencies. Will submit when challenged.

All males should have two fully descended testicles apparent.

Faults: Curly or grey tails, long soft/silky coats, patchy/pinto or black and tan colours. 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.