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
Medium sized, of noble bearing with clean-cut lines. Graceful yet powerful. Very fast with free easy movement and alert expression.
Characteristics
An alert keen hunter, hunting by scent and sight using its ears to a marked degree when working close.
Temperament
Alert, intelligent, friendly, affectionate and playful.
Head and skull
Skull long, lean and well-chiselled. Foreface slightly longer than skull. Only slight stop. Top of skull parallel with foreface, whole head representing a blunt wedge when viewed in profile and from above.
Eyes
Amber coloured, blending with coat; oval, moderately deep set, with keen, intelligent expression.
Ears
Medium high set; carried erect when alert, but very mobile; broad at base, fine and large.
Mouth
Powerful jaws with strong teeth. Scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Nose
Flesh-coloured only, blending with coat.
Neck
Long, lean, muscular and slightly arched. Clean throat line.
Forequarters
Shoulders strong, long and well laid back. Forelegs straight and parallel. Elbows well tucked in. Pasterns strong.
Body
Lithe with almost straight topline. Slight slope down from croup to root of tail. Deep brisket extending down to point of elbow. Ribs well sprung. Moderate cut up. Length of body from breast to haunch bone slightly longer than height at withers.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular. Moderate bend of stifle. Well-developed second thigh. Limbs parallel when viewed from behind.
Feet
Strong, well knuckled and firm, turning neither in nor out. Paws well padded.
Tail
Medium set – fairly thick at base and tapering (whip-like), reaching just below point of hock in repose. Carried high and curved when dog is in action. Tail should not be tucked between legs. A screw tail undesirable.
Gait/movement
Free and flowing; head held fairly high and dog should cover ground well without any apparent effort. Legs and feet should move in line with body; any tendency to throw feet sideways, or high stepping ‘hackney’ action highly undesirable.
Coat
Short and glossy, ranging from fine and close to slightly harsh; no feathering.
Colour
Tan or rich tan with white markings allowed as follows: White tip on tail strongly desired. White on chest (called ‘The Star’). White on toes. Slim white blaze on centre line of face permissible. Flecking or white other than above undesirable.
Size
Dogs: 56-63 cms (22-25 ins); bitches: 53-61 cms (21-24 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.