Lifespan

10 to 12 years.

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Temperament

Friendly, loyal and inquisitive.

 

Head and Skull

The dog’s head should appear square shaped and proportionate to the body. The skin on the skull and forehead will be supple enough to show fine wrinkles, especially when the dog is alert. The skull lies almost flat between the ears with a domed forehead. Muzzle has good definition, is broad and deep being well set back and the cheek muscles noticeable well developed. The breed has a clearly defined stop and a deep lower jaw which is a little undershot and upturned. Lips should also be black, completely hiding the dog’s teeth.

 

Eyes

Of moderate size, round and ideally dark and perfectly matched. When the dog looks straight ahead there should be no white showing and the eyes should be level with the stop.

Muzzle

 

Ears

Wide at the base and rounded at the apex, carried upright and parallel and set high. There should be a noticeable skull width preventing the ears from being too close together. Ear canal opening should be wide and open, with the skin soft and fine.

 

Nose

The nose should be black and wide with short, open nostrils with a well-defined line between them.

 

Neck

The neck of this breed should be of moderate length, thick and well arched showing great power.

 

Forequarters

The front legs are short but strong and muscular, being set wide apart.

 

Hindquarters

Hind legs are longer than the forelegs showing moderate angulation. Hocks well let down and legs strong and well-muscled.

 

Body

The breed has a deep and wide brisket with well sprung ribs. The body is wide, muscular throughout and well rounded. The back is strong and gently roached. Whilst broader at the shoulders, the body will narrow slightly past the ribs giving definition to the strong loin.

 

Feet

Pasterns should be sound, rear feet longer than fore feet, feet are small and placed in continuation of the legs. Well knuckled toes with short thick nails that are preferably black.

 

Tail

Thick at the root, with a quick taper to the tip. Straight, without curling over the back. Undocked, set low, thick at root, tapering quickly towards tip, preferably straight, and long enough to cover anus. Never curling over back nor carried gaily.

 

Gait

Flowing freely and easily, with a sound movement.

 

Coat

All coat types welcome.

 

Colour

All coat colours welcome.

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Size

Preferred weight for males is 12.5 kilos, for females 11 kilos. 

Around 12 inches to the shoulder. 

Under 11 inches can be classed as micro.

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