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Breed Standard
A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal
characteristics, temperament and appearance of the breed and ensures
that the breed is fit for function.Absolute soundness is essential.
Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious
conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to
the health, welfare or soundness of the breed.From time to time certain
conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to
affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are
requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such
current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be
present in the right measure.
General Appearance
Symmetrical, balanced, active, powerful, level mover; sound with kindly expression.
Characteristics
Biddable, intelligent and possessing natural working ability.
Temperament
Kindly, friendly and confident.
Head and Skull
Balanced and well chiseled, skull broad without coarseness; well set on neck, muzzle powerful, wide and deep. Length of fore-face approximately equals length from well defined stop to occiput. Nose preferably black.
Eyes
Dark brown, set well apart, dark rims.
Ears
Moderate size, set on approximate level with eyes.
Mouth
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Good length, clean and muscular.Forequarters
Forelegs straight with good bone, shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arm of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows close fitting.
Balanced and well chiseled, skull broad without coarseness; well set on neck, muzzle powerful, wide and deep. Length of fore-face approximately equals length from well defined stop to occiput. Nose preferably black.
Eyes
Dark brown, set well apart, dark rims.
Ears
Moderate size, set on approximate level with eyes.
Mouth
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Good length, clean and muscular.Forequarters
Forelegs straight with good bone, shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arm of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows close fitting.
Forequarters
Forelegs straight with good bone, shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arm of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows close fitting.
Body
Balanced, short-coupled, deep through heart. Ribs deep, well sprung. Level top-line.
Hindquarters
Loin and legs strong and muscular, good second thighs, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down, straight when viewed from rear, neither turning in nor out. Cow-hocks highly undesirable.
Feet
Round and cat-like.
Tail
Set on and carried level with back, reaching to hocks, without curl at tip.
Gait/Movement
Powerful with good drive. Straight and true in front and rear. Stride long and free with no sign of hackney action in front.
Coat
Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense water-resisting undercoat.
Colour
Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. A few white hairs on chest only, permissible.
Size
Height at withers: dogs: 56-61 cm (22-24 ins); bitches: 51-56 cm (20-22 ins).
Forelegs straight with good bone, shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arm of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows close fitting.
Body
Balanced, short-coupled, deep through heart. Ribs deep, well sprung. Level top-line.
Hindquarters
Loin and legs strong and muscular, good second thighs, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down, straight when viewed from rear, neither turning in nor out. Cow-hocks highly undesirable.
Feet
Round and cat-like.
Tail
Set on and carried level with back, reaching to hocks, without curl at tip.
Gait/Movement
Powerful with good drive. Straight and true in front and rear. Stride long and free with no sign of hackney action in front.
Coat
Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense water-resisting undercoat.
Colour
Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. A few white hairs on chest only, permissible.
Size
Height at withers: dogs: 56-61 cm (22-24 ins); bitches: 51-56 cm (20-22 ins).
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, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Last Updated - April 2011
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.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Last Updated - April 2011
