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[Reproduced
with kind permission of the KC]
General
Appearance
Small, active and alert. Well balanced in general outline, slightly longer
in body than height at withers.
Characteristics
Gay and assertive, highly intelligent, aloof with strangers.
Temperament
Alert, loyal but independent.
Head
and Skull
Small in proportion to body, carried proudly. Masculine in dogs but free
from coarseness. Skull slightly domed, moderate width and length. Stop
slight but defined. Medium length of muzzle, blunt with cushioning, free
from wrinkle. Chin showing some depth and width. Nose: black preferred.
Eyes
Dark brown, oval, bright and expressive, medium size, set fairly well
apart but forward looking. Rims black.
Ears
Medium size, pendant, well feathered in adults, set fairly high. Slight
lift from the skull desirable but must not fly. Large, heavy, low set
ears untypical.
Mouth
Slightly undershot. Teeth evenly placed and the lower jaw wide between
the canine teeth. Full dentition desirable. Teeth and tongue not showing
when mouth closed.
Neck
Moderately short, strong and well set on. Covered with a mane or ‘shawl’
of longer hair, more pronounced in dogs than bitches.
Forequarters
Moderate bone. Forelegs slightly bowed but firm at shoulder. Shoulder
well laid.
Body
Slightly longer from withers to root of tail than the height at withers,
good spring of rib, level back.
Hindquarters
Well made and strong, hocks well let down, straight when viewed from behind.
Moderate turn of stifle.
Feet
Harefoot. Small and neat with feathering between toes often extending
beyond the feet. Round cat-feet undesirable.
Tail
Set high, richly plumed and carried in gay curl over back when moving.
(Not to be penalised for dropping tail when standing.)
Gait/Movement
Quick-moving, straight, free, positive.
Coat
Top coat silky in texture, smooth on face and front of legs, of moderate
length on body, but lying rather flat. Undercoat fine and dense. Ears
and back of forelegs nicely feathered, tail and buttocks well furnished
with longer hair. Not overcoated, bitches tend to carry less coat and
mane than dogs.
Colour
All colours and mixture of colours permissible.
Size
Height about 25 cms (10 ins). Ideal weight: 4-7 kgs (9-15 lbs).
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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