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.

Complete or almost complete lack of hair, with a smooth and soft skin. Body slightly longer than high. Females may be slightly longer than males.

A quiet and tranquil dog.

Happy, alert and intelligent, a good companion. Aloof with strangers.

Viewed from above the skull is wide, strong and clean with a slightly defined occipital crest. Slight but definite stop and tapering straight muzzle with moderately developed cheeks. Nose dark in dark coloured dogs, brown or rose in blonde and bronze coloured dogs and spotted in spotted dogs. Lips tight.

Medium sized and almond shaped. Colour varies according to skin colour, ranging from black, through shades of brown, to amber and yellow, but as dark as possible preferred.

Always erect, carried obliquely. Long, large, of delicate texture and very elegant.

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

Rather long, slightly arched and very elegant. Skin tight and firm.

Shoulders well laid back with flat muscles. Good angulation between shoulder and upper arm. Elbows strong and held close to the chest, never turning outward. Straight legs of good length.

Strong build. Back level and perfectly straight with strong, well muscled loin. Chest deep and long reaching to the elbows. Moderately arched ribs carried well back. Gentle tuck up.

Sloping croup with rounded rump which is solid and muscular. Well angulated. Hindlegs well muscled and straight, set apart.

Long and compact with tufted hair. Pads strong and resilient. Nails black in black dogs, lighter coloured in bronze or blonde dogs.

Long, thin and tapering from the base to the tip. When moving, held in a curve but never touching the back. At rest, hangs with a hook at the end.

Moves with long, free and elegant strides. At a fast trot, the head and tail held high.

Hairless although there are some tufts of harsh hair on the forehead and back of the neck that may be any colour but should not reach great length. It is common to find hairs on the feet and end of the tail.

Solid, uniform and dark colours are preferable. Black, dark grey, red, liver, bronze and blonde. There are also spotted dogs of any colour including white spots.

Intermediate: 36-45cms (14.25-17.75ins)

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.