Quick Reference Guide for Revised Standard — Effective 30 April, 2026
Hallmarks of Breed Type (Always Prioritize)
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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 topline
- 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
- Height at withers: 8-10 inches
Head & Expression
- Bright, intelligent expression
- Dark eyes
- Disqualification: no 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, straight with NO undercoat
- Tail well-arched and positioned over the body
Color
- Disqualification: head without tan
- Trace amount of tan may appear at elbow, stifle or feet
- Black & white body; a solid dog of either color is undesirable
- Disqualification: Liver pigment of eye rims and nose and/or incorrect color
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
Do not ask handlers to lift dogs to check paw pads