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
Polar spitz dog with thick neck and broad chest, well-boned legs of medium length. Majestic and powerful physique that is built for hard work, not speed.
Characteristics
Sled dog capable of surviving the harshest of Arctic environments and pulling loads over long distances day after day in a freighting or draft team. Will hunt if given the opportunity
Temperament
Reflects tough, hard working function. When mature, affectionate, enjoying attention. Pack orientated with extremely rapid response to outside stimulus.
Head and skull
Large, well proportioned, broad and wedge shaped. Tapered muzzle of medium length. Females have much narrower skull than males.
Eyes
Never round or bulging. Widely spaced, obliquely set. Generally dark but hazel and yellow occur, depending on pigmentation. Never blue.
Ears
Short thick and triangular with slightly rounded tips. Carried erect, facing forwards, covered with dense short hair inside and out.
Mouth
Powerful jaws with large teeth. Perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips close fitting.
Neck
Short, straight, thick and very muscular.
Forequarters
Broad shoulders, well laid back. Well muscled. Forelegs straight but well developed. Dew claws permitted.
Body
Should accentuate overall power and endurance. Deep, wide well-developed chest, moderately sprung ribs and well-developed loin. Level back, well muscled throughout. Only slight tuck up. Skin thick and tough.
Hindquarters
Powerful with well-muscled thighs and a good turn of stifle. The rear pastern is vertical and strong. When viewed from the rear the legs are straight; hocks turning neither in nor out.
Feet
Large, almost round, well arched. Thick pads with hair between the toes.
Tail
Large, bushy, set moderately high. When moving, the tail is normally carried up or over the back, but when standing can hang down.
Gait/movement
Powerful, brisk trot with rear legs moving in line with front legs. Those with heavily muscled thighs may appear to move wide behind.
Coat
Thick, dense undercoat with hard stiff guard hairs. Outer coat 8-15 cms (3-6 ins). In males, a mane over shoulders and neck giving appearance of greater height and bulk than actually exists. Females have shorter coat overall.
Colour
All colours and markings are acceptable including solid colours and uneven mantling. No colour or marking pattern should be considered more preferable than another. Pigmentation from black to light brown. A snow nose is acceptable.
Size
Height: dogs 58-70 cms (23-27½ ins), bitches 50-60 cms (19½-23½ ins).
Weight: dogs 30-40 kgs (66-88lbs), bitches 18-30 kgs (40-66 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.