General Appearance   

Elegant and aristocratic, smart, compact, with profuse coat.

Characteristics

Intelligent, happy, lively little dog who has a look of astonishment, peculiar to this breed.

Temperament

Gay, happy, gentle and good-natured.

Head and Skull

Large in proportion to the size of dog, broad skull,rounded in front, and between ears, but never domed. Nostrils large, black, except in red and whites where the colour can be appropriate to markings. Muzzle very short, wide and well-cushioned, i.e. upper lips rounded on each side of nostrils, jaws level.

Eyes

Large, dark, set far apart. Most desirable that white shows in the inner corners, giving characteristic look of astonishment (wrongly called squint), which should on no account be lost.

Ears

Small, set wide apart,high on head, carried slightly forward, V-shaped, well feathered.

Mouth

Bite preferably level or slightly undershot; wry mouth or tongue showing highly undesirable.

Neck

Moderate length, carried proudly.

Forequarters

Legs straight, fine bone, giving slender appearance, well feathered down to the feet.

Body

Square and compactly built, wide in chest, "cobby". Length of body equal to height at withers.

Hindquarters

Straight, viewed from behind, good turn of stifle, preferably feathered from the back of thighs.

Feet

Slender, harefooted,feathered at tips, pointing neither in  nor out.

Tail

Set high on level back, profusly feathered, closely curbed or plumed over back.

Gait/Movement

Stylish, straight inmovement, lifting the feet high when in motion, no plaiting, and showing no weakness in hind movement.

Coat

Profuse, long, soft, straight, of silky texture. Absolutely free from curl or wave, not too flat, having atendency to stand out especially at frill of neck.

Colour

Black and white or red and white. Never tricolour. Red includes all shades of sable, l the betteremon or orange. The brighter and clearer the red. Colour evenly distributed on cheeks and ears and as patches on body. White should be clear, not flecked.

Size

Daintier the better, providing type, quality and soundness are not sacrificed. ideal weight 1.8-3.2 kg (4-7lb).

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered afault 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.

 copyright; The Kennel Club