The standard of the breeder/owner/handler

General Characteristics:

The ideal is an energetic, far-sighted creature with the courage and perseverance of a hound and natural antipathy for losing.

He should appear neither clumsy nor awkward, as a certain amount of speed and agility is essential while doing his thing.

He is usually found in packs at dog shows.

 

Size:

Overall balance (mental and physical) is of more value than absolute size.

 

Head:

The width between the ears varies with wins and losses.

Surmounted by a topknot of long or short hair, either flat, wavy or rather curly, on occasion may be thinning at the top or completely bald, but the latter is rare in females.

The male is sometimes bearded - again, this is rare in female but not unheard of.

Nose:

A pinkish tinge during the summer months. This should not be penalized on an otherwise good specimen.

 

Ears:

In proportion to the head.

Ability to listen while in the company of elder and wiser breeders is greatly desired.

 

Mouths:

Large enough to put foot in.

A slight bulge in the jaw denotes a liver bait.

 

Body:

Short-coupled variety, usually plump and well padded in hindquarters, flabbiness to be penalized.

Long-coupled variety: lean and sinewy.

Extra size being no disadvantage in either variety provided it does not interfere with freedom of action.

 

Shoulders:

Never drooping. Broad enough for slapping or crying on.

 

Back:

Muscular and strong-however, occasional stiffness due to leaning over large dogs or crouching behind small dogs is permissible.

 

Chest:

Plenty of room for heart

 

Forearms:

Flexible and well-muscled, caused by lifting crates, putting up tents, carrying dogs and much grooming

 

Hands:

Working specimen will have short, chewed nails-signs of length of loss shall be penalized accordingly.

 

Legs and Feet:

Very muscular and flexible.

Endurance is not of great importance.

Knees well bent and pitted by small stones from kneeling outdoors.

 

Color:

Immaterial.

Green color denoting envy or red color denoting rage is a disqualification

 

Temperament:

Aloof and dignified, even elegant while working.

A cheerful, spirited and tractable disposition desired when in the company of the pack.

Shyness among strangers is not considered a fault, however, rumor mongering and viciousness in any degree is a disqualification.

 

General Faults:

Over-grooming; tardiness in arriving for ring call; bad sportsmanship and backbiting.

 

(Author unknown)