RKC Interim Breed Standard

 

What Is A Breed Standard?

A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance 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 section of the Kennel Club website here http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/breeds/ watch 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 undesirable or highly undesirable it is strongly recommended that it should not be rewarded in the show ring.

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General Appearance

Slightly longer than tall, with moderate bone and in proportion to body size, height without extremes. Movement smooth, easy and balanced. Exceptional agility combined with strength and stamina for working over a variety of terrains. Superior intelligence and willingness to please. Loyal, biddable worker with watchful expression. Double coat of medium length and coarseness. May be solid colour or merle, with or without white and/or tan markings. Traditionally docked or natural bobtail.

 

Important Proportions

Measuring from point of shoulder to point of buttocks and from highest point of shoulder blade to ground, slightly longer than tall. Substance: Solidly-built with moderate bone in proportion to body height and size. Structure reflects masculinity without coarseness. Females appear feminine without slight of bone. Overall structure gives an impression of depth and strength without bulkiness.

 

Temperament

Intelligent, primarily working dog with a strong herding instinct. May show initial reserve, never shy or aggressive. Protective of family, good natured, devoted and loyal.

 

Head And Skull

In proportion to body. Clean cut and dry. Skull slightly rounded, approximately equal in length and width. Muzzle equal to, or slightly shorter than length of skull. Medium width and depth, tapering gradually to a rounded end. Moderate, well-defined stop. Nose and eye rims: black in blue merles and blacks; brown tones in reds and red merles. Poor pigmentation undesirable over one year of age.

 

Eyes

Expressive, almond shaped, set obliquely with tight fitting rims. Brown, blue or amber, or combination including flecks and marbling. May express a reserved look or be watchful of strangers.

 

Ears

Triangular, of moderate size with slightly rounded tip. Set high on the head. When alert, brought forward and carried semi-erect, with half to three quarters of the ear breaking forward or to the side as a rose ear. Never pricked. 

 

Mouth

Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth, set square to the jaws.

 

Neck

Clean, without throatiness. Moderate length, strong, slightly arched; fitting smoothly into shoulders.

 

Forequarters

Shoulder blades long and flat, well laid back. Upperarm of comparable length and angulation. Height to elbow is half the height of the dog at the withers. Forearms straight from all sides with moderate oval bone. Elbows close to ribs without looseness. Short, thick strong pasterns, flexible and slightly angled when viewed from the side.

 

Body

Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at the withers. Strong, firm level topline. Chest deep with moderate width, brisket reaching to elbow. Well sprung ribs carried well back. Broad, strong loin. Moderately sloping croup. Moderate tuck-up.

 

Hindquarters

Approximately equal in width to forequarters at shoulder. Angulation of pelvis and upper thighs reflects that between shoulder and upper arm. Moderately angled stifles. Low set hocks with rear pasterns perpendicular to the ground, parallel when viewed from rear. 

 

Feet

Oval, compact with well-arched toes. Thick pads. Short, strong nails which may be any colour.

 

Tail

Undocked; set on following the line of the croup. Moderate length not kinked. In balance with the overall outline of the dog. Moderately feathered. May be naturally bobbed.

 

Gait/movement

Agile, smooth, free and easy, with ground-covering stride. Fore and rear limbs move straight and true but should converge with speed. Topline remains firm and level. 

 

Coat

In moderation and preferably shown in natural coat. Medium length and texture, straight to slight wave, weather resistant with undercoat. Short hair on head, ears, front of forelegs and below hock joints. Back of legs, moderately feathered. Moderate mane, more pronounced on males that females.

 

Colour

Blue merle, black, red merle, red, all with or without tan points. All colours strong, clear and rich. White should not dominate head. On all colours, areas covering and surrounding ears and eyes are dominated by coat colour other than white. 

May have white as follows:

• Full or part collar, not extending beyond point of withers at skin.

• Chest

• Muzzle

• Moderate blaze

• Underparts

• Fore legs

• Hindlegs, preferably not extending above hock joint

 

Any other colour or combination of colours unacceptable.

 

Size

Males: 35-46cms (13¾-18 ins) at withers; Females: 33-43cms (13-17 ins) at withers.

 

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.

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