Skull: the skull is flat between the ears but slightly rounded when seen from the side. Forehead: wrinkles when the dog is attentive. Stop: clearly defined, but moderate. Eyes: medium size and almond shaped. The eye colour is dark brown. In blues, amber-coloured eyes are permitted. Ears: set on sides of the skull. Medium sized, triangular, inclining forward and firmly pricked. Not cropped. Nose: black. In blue dogs, the nose is bluish. Nasal bridge: straight and long. Mouth: black marking on the tongue is preferable. Lips: tight with good pigmentation. Teeth: white and strong with scissors bite. Jaws: upper and lower jaws are strong. Muzzle: wedge-shaped, slightly shorter than skull. Neck: medium length, strong, muscular, slightly arched and holding head high.
Back: strong and level. Loin: strong and broad. Croup: moderately sloping. Chest: deep enough to reach the elbows. The ribs are well sprung, but not barrel-shaped. Lower line: the belly is well tucked up.
Forequarters: Shoulder: well laid back. Forearm: straight. Pastern: straight when seen from the front and very slightly sloping when seen from the side. Feet: oval Nails: black but can be lighter depending on coat colour. Hindquarters: Thighs: well developed with well bent stifles. Hocks: strong and well let down. Rear Pastern: straight and parallel when seen from the rear. Feet: oval.
Thick at base with gradual tapering toward the tip. The tip can reach hock joints. Carried vertically and slightly curved.
Skin: soft, fine and tight. Throat – no dewlap. Hair: short and smooth. The ridge on the top region is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. It should be clearly defined from other parts of the back. There are various shapes and lengths of ridge, but must be symmetrical on either side of the backbone and within the width of the back. Crowns or whirls at the head of the ridge are acceptable. Colour: solid colour – red, black, blue and very light fawn (isabella). Black mask is preferable in reds.
Reachy stride with no pitching nor rolling of the body. Parallel tracking at normal speed. When viewed from the front, the forelegs move up and down in straight lines so that the shoulder, elbow and pastern joints are approximately in line with each other. When viewed from the rear, the stifle and hip joints are approximately in line. Movement in a straight line forward without throwing the feet in or out; thus enabling the stride to be long and drive powerful. The overall appearance of the moving dog is one of smooth flowing and well balanced rhythm.
Height — 53-61 cm.
