Introduction:

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 Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

Mouth: Powerful jaws with strong teeth. Scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Nose: Flesh-coloured only, blending with coat.

Neck: Long, lean, muscular and slightly arched. Clean throat line.

General Appearance: Medium-sized, of noble bearing  with clean cut lines. Graceful yet powerful. Very fast with  free, easy movement and alert expression

Characteristics: An alert keen hunter, hunting by scent and sight using it's ears to a marked degree when working close.

Temperament: Alert, intelligent, friendly, affectionate and  Playful.

Head and Skull: Skull long, lean and well chiselled Fore face slightly longer than skull. Only slight stop. Top of skull parallel with  fore face, whole head representing a blunt  wedge when viewed in profile and from above.

Eyes: Amber-coloured, blending with the coat; oval,  moderately deep set, with keen, intelligent expression.

Ears: Medium high set; carried erect when alert, but very  mobile; broad at base, fine and large

Forequarters: Shoulders strong, long and well laid back. Forelegs straight and parallel. Elbows well tucked in. Pasterns strong.

Hindquarters: Strong and muscular. Moderate bend of stifle. Well developed second thigh. Limbs parallel when viewed from behind.

©The kennel Club

Feet: Strong, well knuckled and firm, turning neither in nor out. Paws well padded.

Body: Lithe with almost straight top line. Slight slope down from croup to root of tail. Deep brisket extending down to point of elbow. Ribs well sprung. Moderate cut up. Length of body from breast to haunch bone slightly longer than height at withers.

Tail: Medium set - fairly thick at the base and tapering (whip-like), reaching just below the point of hock in repose. Carried high and curved when dog is in action. Tail should not be tucked between the legs. A screw tail is undesirable.

Gait/Movement: Free and flowing; head held fairly high and dog should cover the ground with no apparent effort. Legs and feet should move in line with the body; any tendency to throw feet sideways, or high stepping 'hackney' action highly undesirable.

Colour: Tan or rich tan with white markings allowed as follows: white tip on tail strongly desired. White on chest (called 'The Star'). White on toes. Slim white blaze on centre line of face permissible. Flecking or white other than above undesirable.

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 it's degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Coat: Short and glossy, ranging from fine and close to slightly harsh; no feathering.

Size: Height: dogs: ideally 56 cms - 63 cms( 22 - 25 ins); bitches: ideally 53 cms - 61 cms(21 - 24 ins).

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum

Breed Standard