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 Breed Watch section of the Kennel Club website here http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/breeds/watch for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as undesirable or highly undesirable it is strongly recommended that it should not be rewarded in the show ring.

Medium-sized, lightly built, square in outline.

Keen nose, active, versatile hunting dog of great endurance.

Gentle, affectionate and even tempered.

Elongated; narrow, slightly arched skull; well defined occiput; very slight stop. Skin taught, no wrinkles. Nose black, bridge slightly curved. Nostrils wide.

Oval, large and dark. Tight lids.

Fine, low set, triangular. Length reaching to tip of nose, hanging close to cheek.

Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips black; level.

Medium length, lean, slightly arched, well set on.

Shoulders long and well laid back. Forelegs straight and powerful, pasterns slightly sloping. Elbows set close to body.

Deep chested and well let down. Ribs moderately well sprung. Back short, muscular and rising slightly over loin.

Thighs muscular and well developed. Well bent hocks. Limbs parallel when viewed from behind.

Tight, oval. Pads and nails black.

Set high, strong, thin, tapering. When moving, carried high in a sabre curve.

Straight forward, free and active.

Coarsehaired: Harsh, dense, wiry, close lying. Length: 5 cms (2 ins) maximum. Shorthaired: Smooth, thick, shiny.

Black/tan or any shade from deep red to wheaten. White markings on head, chest, feet and tip of tail permissible.

Dogs: 52-59 cms (201/2-23 ins); bitches: 48-56 cms (19-22 ins).

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.

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