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 unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
General appearance
Active and lively, bone and strength in small compass, never cloddy or coarse. Neither leggy nor too short in the leg, standing like a well made, short-backed hunter, covering a lot of ground.
Characteristics
Alert, quick of movement, keen of expression, on tiptoe of expectation.
Temperament
Friendly, forthcoming and fearless.
Head and skull
Skull flat, moderately narrow, gradually decreasing in width to eyes. A little stop apparent, cheeks never full, jaws, upper and lower, strong and muscular, falling away only slightly below eyes. This portion of foreface moderately chiselled out, so as not to go down in a straight line like a wedge. Nose black.
Eyes
Dark, moderately small, as near as possible circular in shape but not prominent. Expression bright and intelligent.
Ears
Small, V-shaped and dropping forward close to cheek, not hanging by side of head. Fold of ear above level of skull. Leather of moderate thickness.
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
Clean and muscular, without throatiness, of fair length and gradually widening to shoulders.
Forequarters
Shoulders long and sloping, well laid back, fine at points, cleanly cut at withers. Legs from any angle must be straight showing little or no appearance of an ankle in front. They should be strong in bone throughout.
Body
Chest deep, not broad. Back short, level and strong without slackness. Loin powerful, very slightly arched. Foreribs moderately sprung, back ribs deep.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular, quite free from droop or crouch; thighs long and powerful, hocks well let down, good turn of stifle.
Feet
Small, round and compact. Soles hard and tough, toes moderately arched, and turning neither in nor out.
Tail
Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Set on rather high and carried gaily but not over back or curled. Of good strength.
Undocked: Set on rather high and carried gaily but not over back. As straight as possible. Tail of moderate length to give balance to the dog.
Gait/movement
Fore- and hindlegs carried straight forward and parallel. Elbows move perpendicular to body, working free of sides, stifles neither turning in nor out and hocks not close. Good drive coming from well-flexing hindquarters.
Coat
Straight, flat, smooth, hard, dense and abundant. Belly and underside of thighs not bare.
Colour
White should predominate, all white, white with tan, black and tan or black markings. Brindle, red or liver markings highly undesirable.
Size
Height at withers not exceeding 39 cms (15 ½ ins) in dogs, bitches slightly less.
Weight: dogs 7.5-8 kgs (16-18 lbs), bitches 7-7.5 kgs (15-17 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.