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INTERIM (Breed Standard under review until June 2009)
General Appearance
Decidedly
square and cobby, it is ‘multum in parvo’ shown in compactness of form, well
knit proportions and hardness of muscle, but never to appear low on legs.
Characteristics
Great charm,
dignity and intelligence.
Temperament
Even-tempered,
happy and lively disposition.
Head and Skull
Head relatively
large, round, not apple-headed, with no indentation of skull. Muzzle relatively
short, blunt, square, not upfaced. Nose fairly large with well open nostrils.
Wrinkles on forehead clearly defined without exaggeration. Eyes or nose never
adversely affected or obscured by over nose wrinkle. Pinched nostrils and heavy
over nose wrinkle is unacceptable and should be heavily penalised.
Eyes
Dark, not too large, round
in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited,
full of fire. Never protruding, exaggerated or showing white. Free from obvious
eye problems.
Ears
Thin, small, soft like
black velvet. Two kinds – ‘Rose ear’ – small drop-ear which folds over and back
to reveal the burr. ‘Button ear’ – ear flap folding forward, tip lying close to
skull to cover opening. Preference given to latter.
Mouth
Slightly undershot. Wry
mouth, teeth or tongue showing all highly undesirable. Wide lower jaw with
incisors almost in a straight line.
Neck
Slightly arched to
resemble a crest, strong, thick with enough length to carry head proudly.
Forequarters
Legs very strong,
straight, of moderate length, and well under body. Shoulders well sloped.
Body
Short and cobby, wide in
chest and well ribbed. Ribs well sprung and carried well back. Topline level
neither roached nor dipping.
Hindquarters
Legs very strong,
of moderate length, with good turn of stifle, well under body, straight and
parallel when viewed from rear.
Feet
Neither so long as the
foot of the hare, nor so round as that of the cat; well split up toes; the nails
black.
Tail
High-set, curled tightly
over hip. Double curl highly desirable.
Gait/Movement
Viewed from in
front should rise and fall with legs well under shoulder, feet keeping directly
to front, not turning in or out. From behind action just as true. Using forelegs
strongly putting them well forward with hindlegs moving freely and using stifles
well. A slight unexaggerated roll of hindquarters typifies gait.
Coat
Fine, smooth, soft, short
and glossy, neither harsh, off-standing nor woolly.
Colour
Silver, apricot, fawn or
black. Each clearly defined, to make contrast complete between colour, trace
(black line extending from occiput to tail) and mask. Markings clearly defined.
Muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb mark or diamond on forehead and
trace as black as possible.
Size
Ideal weight 6.3-8.1 kgs
(14-18 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.
Note
Male animals should have
two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
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