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, medium sized, white shepherd dog. Body slightly long in comparison to height, with medium bone and erect ears. Balanced, and elegant in outline, with head carried moderately high. Gives the impression of soundness and capability to work. Covers the ground easily.
Characteristics
Versatile working, companion dog. Attentive, alert, resilient.
Temperament
Lively and friendly temperament, never shy or aggressive. Can be reserved. Easily trained.
Head and skull
Proportionate in size to body. Clean cut, finely chiselled, wedge shaped when viewed from above and the side. Almost flat skull, parallel to muzzle. Slight but clearly perceptible stop. Foreface slightly longer than skull. Lips dry, close fitting and black.
Eyes
Brown to dark brown. Medium size, almond shaped, set slightly obliquely. Eyelids close fitting. Black rims desirable.
Ears
Elongated triangular ears with slightly rounded tips. Erect, set high, parallel and directed forward.
Mouth
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to jaws.
Nose
Black. Snow nose and lighter nose colour acceptable but not desirable.
Neck
Moderately long, well arched and without dewlap. Strong and well muscled, flowing smoothly into withers.
Forequarters
Shoulders sloping well back with good return of upper arm. Well-muscled front with prominent forechest. Moderately broad between elbows which are close fitting. Forearms straight and long with medium bone. Pasterns firm and set slightly oblique.
Body
Topline strong and muscular with pronounced withers. Back level and firm with long, gently sloping croup to set on of tail. Chest of medium width reaching to the elbows, approximately 50% of the height at the withers. Ribcage oval and carried well back to strongly muscled loin. Flanks firm with underline moderately tucked up.
Hindquarters
Strong, fairly broad and well muscled, sinewy with medium bone. Well angulated without exaggeration. Viewed from the rear, hind legs straight and parallel with strong, firm hocks. Pasterns vertical and strong.
Feet
Oval, with toes tight and well arched. Hind feet slightly longer. Black pads. Dark nails preferable.
Tail
Sabre tail, thickly coated, set on low, reaching at least to the hock. Carried low when at rest. In action higher, but never above the topline.
Gait/movement
Even, rhythmical gait, with forelegs extending well. Good drive from the rear. Covers the ground easily.
Coat
Two varieties of coat: Medium and Long.
Both have dense double coats with thick, abundant undercoat and hard, straight guard hairs. Hair on head, face, ears and legs shorter. At the neck and the back of the legs the coat is slightly longer. Slightly wavy, hard hair is allowed.
In long coats, the hair at the neck forms a distinct mane, and at the back of the hindlegs forms trousers. The tail is bushy. Coat length never exaggerated.
Colour
White. Dark skin desirable.
Fawn colour on ear tips, back and upper part of tail undesirable.
Size
Height at withers: Dogs 58-66 cm (23-26 ins); Bitches 53-61 cm (20¾-24 ins)
Weight: Dogs 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs); Bitches 25-35 kg (55-77 lbs).
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.