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
Powerful; compact body; square outline and proud carriage; coat close and abundant but not open; upstanding pointed ears; tail tightly curled over back.
Characteristics
A hardy hunting Spitz with a bold energetic disposition.
Temperament
Friendly, intelligent and independent without any sign of nervousness.
Head and skull
Wedge-shaped, comparatively broad between ears; stop, not large, forehead and back of head slightly arched; foreface broad at root (not pinched in), evenly tapering whether seen from above or side, never pointed; bridge of nose straight and approximately the length of forehead; tight-fitting skin on head, no wrinkle.
Eyes
Not prominent, slightly oval, medium size, dark brown, giving frank, fearless and friendly expression.
Ears
Set high, small, firm and erect, pointed and very mobile; slightly taller than width at base; when alert, outer edge should be vertical.
Mouth
Jaws strong with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Medium length, powerful, carrying the head high; a rich ruff on close-fitting skin but no dewlap.
Forequarters
Legs straight with good, not coarse, bone and strong pasterns; shoulders sloping; elbows closely set in.
Body
Powerful; short, strong back; loin short and wide with very little tuck-up; chest deep and broad; well-curved ribs; topline straight and level; distance from brisket to ground not less than half the height at withers.
Hindquarters
Legs firm, strong and powerful; little but definite bend at stifle and hock; straight when viewed from behind.
Feet
Comparatively small, slightly oval; tightly closed, well-arched toes with protective hair between thick pads; turning neither in nor out. Nails firm and strong.
Tail
Strong, set on high; thickly coated without plume; tightly curled, preferably over the centre line of back.
Gait/movement
Demonstrates agility and endurance; stride at the trot even and effortless, back remaining level; as speed of trot increases, front and rear legs converge equally in straight lines towards a centre line beneath body.
Coat
Close, abundant, weather resistant; soft, dense, woolly undercoat and coarse, straight outer coat; short and smooth on head and front of legs, slightly longer on back of front legs, longest on neck, back of thighs and tail; not trimmed.
Colour
Grey of various shades, with black tips to outer coat; lighter on chest, stomach, legs, underside of tail, buttocks and in a harness mark; ears and foreface dark; a dark line from eye to ear desirable; undercoat pure pale grey. Any pronounced variation from the grey colour, sooty colour on lower legs, spectacles or white markings undesirable.
Size
Ideal height at shoulder: dogs: 52 cms (20½ ins); bitches: 49 cms (19½ ins). Weight approximately 23 kgs (51 lbs) and 20 kgs (44 lbs) respectively.
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.