General Appearance
Symmetrical and well built all over, general outline a series of graceful
curves. A strong but lissom appearance.
Characteristics
Aristocratic. Alert with appearance of strength, endurance and speed.
Temperament
Kind, even disposition.
Head and Skull
Skull of medium breadth, in proportion to length of foreface, stop well defined,
pronounced occipital bone. Nose and eye rims dark, but may be lighter in the
case of a lemon and white colored dog. Nostrils wide, soft and moist. Muzzle
somewhat concave, ending on level with nostrils, giving a slightly dish-faced
appearance. Slight depression under eyes, cheek bones not prominent, well
developed soft lip.
Eyes
Same distance from occiput as from nostrils, bright and kindly in expression.
Either hazel or brown according to color of coat. Neither bold nor staring, not
looking down the nose.
Ears
Leathers thin, set on fairly high, lying close to head, of medium length,
slightly pointed at tips.
Mouth
Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth
closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Long, muscular, slightly arched, springing cleanly from shoulders and free from
throatiness.
Forequarters
Shoulders long, sloping and well laid back. Chest just wide enough for plenty of
heart room. Brisket well let down, to level with elbows. Forelegs straight and
firm, with good oval bone, with back sinews strong and visible. Knee joint flat
with front leg and protruding very little on inside. Pasterns lengthy, strong
and resilient. Slightly sloping.
Body
Well sprung ribs carried well back gradually falling away at strong muscular and
slightly arched loins. Short-coupled. Haunch bones well spaced and prominent,
not above level of back.
Hindquarters
Very muscular. Well turned stifles. Good expanse of first and second thigh.
Hocks well let down.
Feet
Oval, well knit, arched toes, well cushioned.
Tail
Medium length, thick at root, tapering gradually to a point. Well covered with
close hair, carried on a level with back, with no upward curl. In movement, tail
should lash from side to side. (Note) Many
American gundog owners and breeders have set a standard for tail carriage to be
from ten to eleven o'clock. The tail is an extension of the dog's spine.
The tail should be straight with no curl. A twelve o'clock tail is very
unnatural.
Gait/Movement
Smooth, covering plenty of ground. Driving hind action, elbows neither in nor
out. Definitely not a hackney action.
Coat
Fine, short, hard and evenly distributed, perfectly smooth and straight with
decided sheen.
Color
Usual color are lemon and white, orange and white, liver and white, and black
and white. Self colors and tri-colors are also correct.
Size
Desirable heights at withers: dogs: (25-27 ins); bitches: (24-26 ins).
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 its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into
the scrotum
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