Standard Of The Breed

A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance 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 Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only-be present in the right measure.

General Appearance

A stylish dog, with galloping lines. Consistent with its build which can be compared to a weight carrying hunter. Symmetrical in conformation throughout.

Characteristics

Intelligent, able and dignified.

Temperament

Bold, outgoing, of a kindly even disposition.

Head And Skull

Head deep rather than broad, but broader than muzzle, showing brain room. Skull slightly rounded, broadest between ears. Clearly defined stop, length from occiput to stop slightly longer than from stop to nose. Below and above eyes, cheeks as narrow as leanness of head allows. Muzzle fairly long with almost parallel lines, neither pointy nor snipy. Flews not pendulous, clearly defined lips. Nose large, broad, nostrils open and black. Muzzle not quite as deep as it is in length.

Eyes

Dark brown, bright. Neither deep nor prominent, set sufficiently under brows, showing keen intelligent expression.

Ears

Medium size, thin. Set low, lying close to head.

Mouth

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck

Long, lean, arched, without throatiness.

Forequarters

Shoulder blades long, sloping well back, wide flat bone, close at withers, not loaded. Elbows well let down, and close to body. Forelegs flat boned, straight, strong, upright pasterns.

Body

Moderate length. Level topline, deep brisket, ribs well sprung. Back ribs deep. Loins wide, slightly arched. Chest not too broad.

Hindquarters

From hip to hock long, broad and muscular, hock to heel short, strong, stifles well bent, straight from hock joint to ground. Pelvis tending to horizontal.

Feet

Oval, close knit, well arched toes, plenty of hair between. Well padded toes, deep heel cushions.

Tail

Straight or slightly scimitar, not reaching below hocks. Carried horizontally or below line of back. Thick at root, tapering to a fine point. Feather or flag starting near root, long straight, growing shorter to a point.

Gait/Movement

Steady, free moving and true, plenty of drive behind.

Coat

On head, front of legs, tips of ears, short and fine, moderate length, flat and free from curl or wave on all other parts of body. Feather on upper portion of ears long and silky, on backs of legs long, fine, flat and straight; fringes on belly may extend to chest and throat. As free as possible from curl or wave.

Colour

Deep shining coal black without rustiness, with markings of rich chestnut red. Tan should be lustrous. Black pencilling on toes and black streak under jaw permissible. “Tan markings”: two clear spots over eyes not over 2cm(3/4 inch) in diameter. On sides of muzzle (tan not reaching above base of nose), resembling a stripe around clearly defined end of muzzle from one side to other. Also on throat, two large clear spots on chest. On inside of hind legs and inside thighs, forelegs, up to elbows behind, and to knees or a little above, in front. Around vent. Very small white spot on chest permissible. No other colour permissible.

Size

Height Weight

Dogs 66cms (26ins) Dogs 29.5kgs (65lbs)

Bitches 62cms (24 ½ ins) Bitches 25.5kgs (56lbs)

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 heath 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.

As issued by the Kennel Club and reproduced with their kind permission

2018