Breeds

Low set, strong, sturdily built, alert and active, giving impression of substance and stamina in small space.

Bold in outlook, workmanlike.

Outgoing and friendly, never nervous or aggressive.

Head foxy in shape and appearance, with alert, intelligent expression, skull fairly wide and flat between ears, moderate amount of stop. Length of foreface to be in proportion to skull 3 to 5. Muzzle slightly tapering. Nose black.

Well set, round, medium size, brown, blending with colour of coat

Pricked, medium sized, slightly rounded. Line drawn from tip of nose through eye should, if extended, pass through, or close to tip of ear.

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

Fairly long.

Lower legs short and as straight as possible, forearm moulded round chest. Ample bone, carried right down to feet. Elbows fitting closely to sides, neither loose nor tied. Shoulders well laid, and angulated at 90 degrees to the upper arm.

Medium length, well sprung ribs, not short coupled, slightly tapering, when viewed from above. Level topline. Chest broad and deep, well let down between forelegs.

Strong and flexible, well angulated stifle. Legs short. Ample bone carried right down to feet. Hocks straight when viewed from behind.

Oval, toes strong, well arched, and tight, two centre toes slightly advance of two outer, pads strong and well arched. Nails short.

Previously customarily docked short.

Undocked: set in line with the topline. Natural carriage above topline when moving or alert.

Natural bobtails may occur, when the tail can be of any length, carried above or below topline when moving or alert.

Free and active, neither loose nor tied. Forelegs move well forward, without too much lift, in unison with thrusting action of hindlegs.

Medium length, straight with dense undercoat, never soft, wavy or wiry.

Self colours in Red, Sable, Fawn, Black and Tan, with or without white markings on legs, brisket and neck. Some white on head and foreface permissible.

Any other colour or combination of colours unacceptable.

Height: approx. 25-30 cms (10-12 ins) at shoulder

Weight:
Dogs 10-12 kgs (22-26 lbs)
Bitches 9-11 kgs (20-24 lbs)

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.

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.