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GENERAL APPEARENCE:
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A dog of medium build, should be athletic but not racy. Body should be slightly longer than tall as (10 - 9) with leg length being slightly longer than overall depth of body. Oval bone is neither too heavy nor to light.
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HEAD:
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Not too broad with skull slightly domed. Muzzle slightly longer than skull, strong and gently tapering.
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MOUTH:
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Lips close fitting and always black. Cheeks flat. Scissor bite.
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NOSE:
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Black (winter noses acceptable). Nostrils large
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EYES:
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Oval, forward facing and set at a slightly oblique angle. Any colour or colour combination permitted.
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EARS:
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Set fairly high, not too large and carried erect.
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NECK:
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Strong and muscular with a well defined nape.
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SHOULDERS:
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Moderately sloping with elbows fitting close to chest, which must not be too broad.
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BODY:
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Topline level, ribs well back. Loin short and deep with no exaggerated tuck up. Croup broad and fairly short but not steep. Good rear angulation. Short hocks.
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TAIL:
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Set fairly high and reaching to the hock. Carried down when standing, may be lifted when excited.
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HIND FEET:
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Oval, may have 5 toes, dew claws are permitted.
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FORE FEET:
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Round, pasturns upright but flexible. Pads black and well cushioned with hair.
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COAT:
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Dense double coat which is slightly harsh in texture. Heavy coats permitted. Well defined ruff and breeches. Tail bushy.
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COLOURING:
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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.
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GAIT:
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Easy and far reaching, covers ground.
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SIZE:
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Bitches 22" min, Dogs 24" min. Overall balance is more important than height.
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TEMPREMENT:
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Friendly and placid, never aggressive, will submit when challenged.
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FAULTS:
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Curly tails. Long flowing soft/silky coats. Patchy/pinto or black and tan colours.
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