Breed Standard

Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.

Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active.

Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.

Skull of proportionate length, slightly domed, clearly defined stop, well chiselled below eyes. Muzzle of medium length, straight, fairly square. Nostrils well developed, flesh coloured to dark.

Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, or sunken, or showing haw.

Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.

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

Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.

Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.

Not long. Strong and muscular. Deep brisket, well sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. Loin muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.

Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed with deep second thighs. Hindlegs well boned, hocks well let down, stifles moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.

Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.

Previously customarily docked.

Docked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action.

Undocked: Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action. Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.

Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.

Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.

Rich red and white only.

Approximate height: dogs: 48 cms (19 ins) at withers; bitches: 46 cms (18 ins) at withers.

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.

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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.