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.
From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. 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 highly undesirable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
General appearance
Short-legged, rough-coated hound of moderate length.
Characteristics
Courageous, hardy, possessing good nose. Very nimble in movement.
Temperament
Lively, friendly and amenable.
Head and skull
Medium in length, well balanced. Skull moderately domed, fair width; occipital point well defined. Foreface of medium length, slightly arched; moderate stop. Underjaw strong and well developed. Nose black or very dark. Nostrils wide open.
Eyes
Slightly oval, neither too deep set nor too prominent. Dark, hazel, no haw apparent. Lively expression.
Ears
Set on level with eye, extending to the nose when drawn forward, folding inwards ending in a point. Covered with finer, darker and softer hair than body.
Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Rather short, muscular.
Forequarters
Forelegs straight; slight crook acceptable; well boned with strong pasterns. Feet turning neither in nor out. Shoulders slightly sloping.
Body
Chest wide and deep. Sternum prominent. Ribs well rounded, carried well back. Level topline; strong loin.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular. Stifles well bent, hocks well let down with good angulation, turning neither in nor out; just under body when standing naturally.
Feet
Tight, pads firm and hard. Short nails.
Tail
Set on high, thick at the base, tapering to a point, reaching slightly beyond the hock when lowered, carried like a sickle when moving.
Gait/movement
Quick, striding out well.
Coat
Very harsh, dense and flat. Never long or woolly.
Colour
Fawn, gold wheaten or red wheaten. White spot on chest permissible.
Size
Height at withers 32-38 cms (12½-15 ins).
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.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.