Hallmarks of Breed Type (Always Prioritize)

Head

  • Color: Tri-colored head with noticeable tan
  • Head fall: Simple single head fall presentation
  • Expression: Engaging
  • Carriage: alert and confident

Temperament

  • Confident
  • Eager

Silhouette

  • Shape: Slightly longer-than-tall
  • Neck: Refined & elegant
  • Coat: Silky, straight, floor length
  • Body Color: Black or Blue & White
  • Topline: Level
  • Tail: Carried high and well-arched
  • Muzzle: Parallel skull & muzzle planes

General Appearance & Size

Tri-colored: black & white body
Visible tan only on head
Level topline
Serious fault: Incorrect topline
Height at withers: 8-10 inches
Serious fault: Over 11 inches 

Head & Expression

Bright, intelligent expression
Dark Eyes
Disqualification: Blue eyes or blue flecks
Parallel skull & muzzle planes
Eliminating fault: Excessive grooming

Structure & Movement

Balanced angulation
Equal shoulder & upper arm
Smooth, efficient movement

Coat & Presentation

Long & flowing, hanging close to the ground
Silky and straight with NO undercoat
Tail well-arched and positioned over the body

Color

Disqualification: Head without tan
Black & white body; a solid dog of either color is undesirable
Disqualification: Incorrect color
Trace amount of tan may appear at elbow, stifle or feet
Disqualification: Liver pigment of eye rims and nose

Fault Structure

Serious Faults:

  • Height over 11 inches
  • Incorrect topline
  • Incomplete pigment
  • Ears not standing erect
  • Hackneyed gait

Eliminating Faults: 

  • Artificial grooming (ratting, teasing, rollovers)

Disqualifying Faults:

  • Head without tan
  • Incorrect color
  • Blue eyes/flecks
  • Liver pigment: eye rims and nose