FCI Breed Standard...
 

General Appearance: Agile, alert, of workmanlike, natural appearance. Standing well forward on forepaws. Strong quarters. Deep in rib, very free in movement. Weather-resistant coat.

Characteristics: Should impress as being active, game and hardy.

Temperament: Fearless and gay disposition, assertive but not aggressive.

Head & Skull: Head small, but in proportion to body. Skull broad, a decided indentation between the eyes with a definite stop. Muzzle powerful, jaw strong but not long or heavy. Nose black. Head well furnished.

Mouth: Large teeth. Jaw strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to jaws.

Neck: Well set on, not short.

Eyes: Wide apart, medium in size, dark hazel. Slightly sunk with shaggy eyebrows.

Ears: Small, pointed, well carried and erect, not too closely set nor heavily coated.

Tail: Short, balanced, well furnished with hair but not feathery. Neither high nor low set, carried gaily but not turned down towards back.

Body: Back level, medium in length. Well sprung deep ribs, strong supple loin.

Forequarters: Sloping shoulders, medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone. Forelegs never out at elbow. Legs covered with harsh hair.
Hindquarters: Very strong muscular thighs. Good, but not excessive, bend of stifle. Hocks well let down, inclining neither in nor out when viewed from the rear.
Feet: Forefeet, larger than hind, may be slightly turned out. Pads thick and strong. Thin, narrow or spreading feet and long nails objectionable.
Coat: Very important. Weather-resistant. Must be double-coated with profuse, harsh, but not coarse. outer coat, undercoat short, soft and close. Open coats objectionable. Slight wave permissible.

Colour: Cream, wheaten, red, grey, or nearly black. Brindling in all these colours acceptable. Not solid black or white, or black and tan. Dark points such as ears and muzzle, very typical.

Weight & Size: Approximately 28 cm to 31 cm (11 to 12 inches) at withers, but in proportion to weight - ideally 6 to 7 kgs. (14-16 lbs.).

Gait: Very free-flowing stride. Forelegs reaching well forward. Hind legs giving strong propulsion. Hocks neither too close nor to wide.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
 

Home

MEET OUR CAIRNS    PLANNED LITTERS    CAIRNS AVAILABLE    BREED STANDARD
BREED HISTORY    HEALTH LINKS   SHOW LINKS  BREEDER REFERRALS
MEET OUR HANDLER      PEDIGREES