*Appearance : Heavy bone, strong, large, alert with much substance.

*Temperament : Aloof & dignified, showing dominance over other dogs.

*Characteristics : Large curled tail, in balance with the head.
Broad, large head, small eyes, erect ears leaning forward in line with back of the neck.

*Head & skull : Large head, in balance with body, forms blunt triangle when looked at from above, wrinkle free.
Skull - flat. Forehead - broad, defined stop & clear furrow.
Muzzle is broad & strong. Nose - large & black. Bridge - straight. Lips - black & tight.
Flesh colour is permitted on lips & nose of white dogs.

*Mouth : Upper teeth closely overlap bottom teeth, i.e. a perfect & complete scissor bite. Jaws strong.

*Eyes : Almond shape, small, moderately set apart, dark brown, eye rims dark & tight.

*Ears : Leaning forward over eyes, in line with back of neck.
Firmly erect, not low set, relatively small, thick, triangular, moderately set apart.

*Neck : Muscular, thick, short, widens towards shoulders.

*Body : Chest is wide & deep, level back, muscular loin.

*Forequarters : Elbows tight, forelegs well boned and straight when looked at from front.
Shoulders are strong & powerful, laid back.

*Hindquarters : Strong, muscular, well developed thighs. Strong hocks with slight angulation.

*Feet : Thick knuckled, very tight. Pads & nails - hard.

*Tailset : Set high, full & large. Full or double curl dipping to or just below level of back.

*Coat : Undercoat - soft & dense. Outercoat - coarse & standing off body. Coat is approx 5cms at withers & rump.

*Colour : Any colour - pinto, brindle & white. Well defined.
Size : At withers - Dogs = 26-28 ins - Bitches = 24-26 ins.

*Movement & Gait : Hindlegs move in line with front legs,
back must remain level when single tracking. Resilient & vigourous with strides of moderate lenght.