Breed Standard
General Appearance
A dog of medium build, athletic but not racy. Slightly longer than tall (as 10-9), with leg length slightly longer than overall depth of body. Oval bone is neither too heavy nor too light.
Head
Not too broad, skull slightly domed. Muzzle slightly longer than skull, strong and gentle tapering. Lips close fitting and always black. Cheeks flat. Nose black (winter/snow noses acceptable) and nostrils large. Scissor bite.
Eyes
Oval, forward facing and set at a slightly oblique angle. Any colour or colour combination acceptable.
Ears
Set fairly high, not too large and carried erect.
Neck
Strong and muscular with a well defined nape.
Shoulders
Moderately sloping. Elbows fitting close to chest, which must not be too broad.
Body
Top line level, ribs well back. Loin short and deep with no exaggerated tuck up. Croup broad and fairly short but not steep. Tail set fairly high and reaching to the hock, carried down when standing, may be lifted when excited. Curly tails considered a fault. Good rear angulations. Short hocks.
Hind Feet
Oval and may have five toes, dewclaws permitted.
Fore Feet
Round, pasterns upright but flexible. Pads black and well cushioned with hair
.Coat
Dense double coat, slightly harsh in texture, heavy coats permitted but long, flowing and silky coats considered a fault. Well-defined ruff and breaches. Tail bushy.
Gait
Easy and far reaching covers the ground.
Size
Bitches 22 inches min., dogs 24 inches min. - overall balance more important than size.
Colour
Pure white or any shade of grey and sable through to pure black. White faces and dark masks are permitted but any colour change should be subtle.
Temperament
Friendly and placid, never aggressive or showing any guarding tendencies. Will submit when challenged.
Faults
Gay tails (curly). Long, soft, silky coats. Patchy/pinto or black and tan colours.
