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 body and heavy coat, striking appearance. Marked contrast in size between dogs and bitches.
Characteristics
A working sledge dog, primarily assessed for freighting capacity in Arctic conditions, adaptable, distinctly independent, alert and bold. Bitches more amenable.
Temperament
Sound, dignified, intelligent, good-natured, affectionate.
Head and skull
Head well proportioned, broad and wedge shaped with moderate stop. Skull strong and flat; powerful jaws. Nose and lips black or brown. Muzzle medium length, gently tapering to nose.
Eyes
Dark brown or tawny. Placed slightly obliquely, neither prominent nor too deep set. Expression alert and fearless.
Ears
Short and firm, well set apart. Carried shapely erect and facing forward. Internally protected by fur.
Mouth
Teeth large, strong and uncrowded. Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaw.
Neck
Rather short, heavy and muscular, with loose skin.
Forequarters
Shoulders broad, big boned and muscular. Forelegs perfectly straight and vertical in stance, powerful and heavy-boned.
Body
Chest deep and broad with well-sprung ribs. Body strong and well muscled, with level back, presenting a well balanced and compact appearance. Length of body slightly greater than height at shoulder.
Hindquarters
Thighs broad, strong and heavily muscled. Stifles well bent, hocks well let down. Heavy bone. Legs straight when viewed from rear.
Feet
Rather large and strong, with strong nails. Thick pads with protective growth of fur between toes.
Tail
Large and bushy. Set high, curled loosely over back and falling either side.
Gait/movement
Strong drive, limbs moving parallel, back held level.
Coat
Thick double coat consisting of an impenetrable undercoat 2.5-5 cms (1-2 ins) long, uniform over body, with well protruding outer coat of coarser longer hair, which is quite straight. Outer coat at its longest on neck and withers, breeches and underside of tail. Underbelly also well covered. Hair on head and legs rather short.
Colour
All known dog colours, or combinations of these colours. Merle is not acceptable.
Size
Height: dogs: 58-68 cms (23-27 ins) at shoulder; bitches: 51-61 cms (20-24 ins) at shoulder. Weight: dogs: 34-47.5 kgs (75-105 lbs), bitches: 27-41 kgs (60-90 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.