General Appearance
Powerfully built, robust, sinewy, appearing almost square.
Imposing, with keen expression and alert attitude. Correct
conformation of the utmost importance.
Characteristics
Versatile, strong, hardy, intelligent and vigorous. Adaptable,
capable of great speed and endurance and resistant to weather.
Temperament
Bold, reliable, good-natured and composed.
Head and Skull
Head strong, of good length, narrowing from ears to eyes and
then gradually toward end of nose. The overall length (from
nose to occiput) is in proportion to the back (from withers
to set on of tail) approximately 1 : 2. Upper part of head
(occiput to base of forehead) moderately broad between ears
– with flat creaseless forehead. Well muscled but not over-developed
cheeks. Medium stop accentuated by bushy eyebrows. Powerful
muzzle ending in a moderately blunt wedge, with bristly stubby
moustache and chin whiskers. Ridge of nose straight, running
parallel to extension of forehead. Nose black with wide nostrils.
Eyes
Medium-sized, dark, oval, set forward, with lower lid fitting
closely.
Ears
Neat, V-shaped, set high and dropping forward to temple.
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. Lips black, closing tightly but not overlapping.
Neck
Moderately long, strong and slightly arched, skin close to
throat, neck set cleanly on shoulders.
Forequarters
Shoulders flat, well laid back. Forelegs straight viewed from
any angle. Muscles smooth and lithe rather than prominent,
bone strong, carried straight to feet. Elbows set close to
body and pointing directly backward.
Body
Chest moderately broad and deep, reaching at least to height
of elbow rising slightly backward to loins. Breast bone clearly
extends to beyond joint of shoulder and upper arm forming
the conspicuous forechest. Back strong and straight, slightly
higher at shoulder than at hindquarters, with short, well
developed loins. Slightly sloping croup. Ribs well sprung.
Length of body equal to height at top of withers to ground.
Hindquarters
Strongly muscled. Stifles forming a well defined angle. Upper
thighs vertical to stifle, from stifle to hock in line with
extension of upper neck line, from hock vertical to ground.
When viewed from rear, hindlegs parallel.
Feet
Pointing directly forward, short, round, compact with closely
arched toes. Deep, dark and firm pads. Dark nails.
Tail
Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Set on high and carried at an angle slightly above
topline. Customarily docked to two joints.
Undocked: Set on high and carried at an angle slightly above
topline. In balance with the rest of the dog.
Gait/Movement
Free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach of forequarters
and good driving power from hindquarters. Topline remains
level in action.
Coat
Top coat harsh and wiry, just short enough for smartness on
body. Slightly shorter on neck and shoulders, but blending
smoothly into body coat. Clean on throat, skull, ears and
under tail. Good undercoat. Harsh hair on legs.
Colour
(a) Pure black (b) Pepper and salt: Shades range from dark
iron grey to light grey; hairs banded black/light/black.
Dark facial mask essential, harmonising with corresponding
body colour. On both colours white markings on head, chest
and legs undesirable. Good pigmentation essential.
Size
Height: dogs: 65-70 cms (251/2-271/2 ins); bitches: 60-65 cms
(231/2-251/2 ins). Variations outside these limits undesirable.
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.
