A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a 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 this 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 Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as highly undesirable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.

General appearance

Strong, sturdy working dog, active, alert, well boned, of striking colour.

Characteristics

A multi-purpose farm dog capable of draught work. A kind and devoted family dog. Slow to mature.

Temperament

Self-confident, good-natured, friendly and fearless. Aggressiveness not to be tolerated.

Head and skull

Strong with flat skull, very slight furrow, well-defined stop; strong straight muzzle. Lips slightly developed.

Eyes

Dark brown, almond-shaped, well-fitting eyelids.

Ears

Medium-sized; set high, triangular-shaped, lying flat in repose, when alert brought slightly forward and raised at base.

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

Strong, muscular and medium length.

Forequarters

Shoulders long, strong and sloping, with upper arm forming a distinct angle, flat lying, well muscled. Forelegs straight from all sides. Pasterns flexing slightly.

Body

Compact rather than long. Height to length 9:10. Broad chest, good depth of brisket reaching at least to elbow. Well ribbed; strong loins. Firm, straight back. Rump smoothly rounded.

Hindquarters

Broad, strong and well muscled. Stifles well bent. Hocks strong, well let down and turning neither in nor out.

Feet

Short, round and compact.

Tail

Bushy, reaching just below hock. Raised when alert or moving but never curled or carried over back.

Gait/movement

Stride reaching out well in front, following well through behind, balanced stride in all gaits.

Coat

Soft, silky with bright natural sheen, long, slightly wavy but should not curl when mature.

Colour

Jet black, with rich reddish-brown on cheeks, over eyes, on all four legs and on chest. Slight to medium-sized symmetrical white head marking (blaze) and white chest marking (cross) are essential. Preferred but not essential, white paws, white not reaching higher than pastern, white tip to tail. A few white hairs at nape of neck, and white anal patch undesirable but tolerated.

Size

Height: dogs: 64-70 cms (25-271/2 ins); bitches: 58-66 cms (23-26 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.