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
Well-balanced, medium-height, rough-coated hound. Slightly longer than height at withers, with straight forelegs. A friendly and intelligent looking hound with noble bearing.
Characteristics
A strong, active and courageous hound, possessing great stamina, with a good voice freely used.
Temperament
Happy and outgoing. Independent and a little stubborn, not easily agitated, yet willing to please with firm handling.
Head and skull
A noble head, carried proudly. Skull domed, without heaviness, elongated and not too wide. Well cut away under the eyes. Occipital bone well developed. Stop clearly defined. Muzzle square at its extremity, noticeably longer than from stop to occiput. Bridge of nose slightly roman. Nose protruding, well developed with wide open nostrils. Solid colour. Black except in white/lemon, white/orange coats where brown is tolerated. Lips well developed, just covering the lower jaw and giving the front of the muzzle a square shape. Well covered with long hair, forming good beard and moustache.
Eyes
Large, dark and oval, showing no white, with a friendly, intelligent expression. Haw not visible. Long eyebrows, standing forward but not obscuring eyes.
Ears
Supple, narrow and fine, covered with long hair, folding inwards, ending in an oval shape, reaching to just beyond the tip of the nose; set on low, not above the line of the eye.
Mouth
Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Long and strong, set into well-laid shoulders; thicker at the base; without dewlap.
Forequarters
Shoulders clean and well laid back; elbows close to the body, never turning out. Forelegs straight, thick and well boned. Pasterns strong and slightly sloping. Knuckling over is unacceptable.
Body
Back of good length, without exaggeration, with level topline. Slight rise over solid, well-muscled loin. Prominent forechest, brisket broad and deep. Ribs moderately rounded, well let down to elbow and extending well back. Flanks rather deep, belly never tucked up.
Hindquarters
Well boned, strong and muscular with moderate bend of stifle. Heavily muscled thighs with well defined second thigh. Hocks turning neither in nor out.
Feet
Large and tight padded. Pads firm and solid. Nails strong and short.
Tail
Rather long. Set on high, thick at the base, tapering gradually, well furnished with hair, carried proudly sabre-like or slightly curved but never too far over the back or bent at the tip.
Gait/movement
Free with great drive. Front action straight and reaching well forward; hind action easy and elastic, hocks turning neither in nor out.
Coat
Rough, of moderate length, with a flat structure, never silky or woolly, fringing not too abundant; thick undercoat. The coat may be tidied, but over-trimming or stylising should be penalised.
Colour
White, with any combination of lemon, orange, sable, grizzle or black markings. Tricolour.
Size
Height at withers: dogs 40-44 cms (15¾ -17½ ins); bitches 39-43 cms (15 ½ -17 ins). A tolerance of 1 cm (⅜ in) more or less is permissible.
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.