Lifespan

10 to 15 years.

 

Temperament

Friendly, Loyal, Tenacious, Devoted, Attentive, Courageous.

 

Head and Skull

The head of this breed is characteristically long, strong and deep to the end of the muzzle, appearing ovoid when viewed from the front. The surface will show no indentations or hollows. Whilst the top of the skull is virtually flat from ear to ear, the profile will curve gently down from the top of the skull to the nose tip which is black and bends downwards at the tip.

 

Eyes

The breed has distinctive narrow and triangle shaped eyes, placed obliquely. Either very dark brown in colour or black. Greater distance from nose tip to eyes than from eyes to top of skull.

 

Ears

The ears are close together, small and thin. They should be held stiff and erect and pointed upwards.

 

Neck

The neck is extremely muscular and long and arched. It will taper from shoulders to head and br free of any loose skin.

 

Forequarters

Without loading, the shoulders of this breed are strong and muscular, with wide shoulder blades which are flat and held close to the chest wall with a pronounced backward slope of front edge from bottom to top which almost forms a right angle with the upper arm.  Pasterns are upright and elbows straight and powerful. Forelegs should be perfectly parallel. Length of foreleg in adults should be approximately equal with the depth of the chest.     

 

Hindquarters

When viewed from the rear, the hindlegs will be parallel, with well muscled thighs and well developed second thighs. The stifle joint is well bent and the hock showing good angulation with bone to foot being both short and strong.

 

Body

The breed has a well-rounded body with good depth from withers to brisket whereby the brisket is nearer ground than the belly. The back will be short and strong with a backline behind the withers level that arches or roaches over broad strong loins. Underline from brisket to belly will form a graceful upward curve. When viewed from the front, the chest appears broad.

 

Feet

Well arched, round and compact toes.

 

Tail

Tail is short, set on low and will be carried horizontally. Thick at the root and tapering to a fine point.

 

Gait

When the dog is moving, it will come across as well knit, and capable of covering ground easily with smooth and free movement. When trotting, the movement should be parallel, front and back, with forelegs showing good reach and hindlegs having a smooth movement at the hip and flexing well to provide good propulsion.

 

Coat

The coat is flat, even and short whilst being harsh to the touch and showing a fine gloss. Tight fitting skin, and in winter there may be a soft, textured undercoat.

 

Colour

White or coloured, for white, pure coat preferrable, with some markings or pigmentation on the head. For coloured, brindle preferred. Black, red, fawn or tricolour acceptable.

 

Size

No limits for height or weight, desirable is the impression of maximum substance in relation to the size and sex of the dog.

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Faults

· Undershot or Overshot mouth

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Disqualifications

• Exhibiting aggression towards humans

• Failing to stand for Examination

• Males must have two normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum