A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour 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 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 unacceptable it must not be rewarded in the showring.
General Appearance
Rough-coated, sturdy in build with a mischievous monkey-like expression. Although small, not delicate in any way.
Characteristics
Lively and self-confident, carrying itself with a comic seriousness.
Temperament
Loyal and loving companion; watchful of strangers and fearless toward aggressors.
Head and Skull
Fairly small in proportion to body; domed forehead, broad brow and marked stop which is not indented. Muzzle blunt and short but not flattened sufficiently to cause difficulty in breathing or wrinkling of skin. Wide open nostrils. Chin prominent with good turn up. Distance between dark eyes and black nose forming an equal sided triangle.
Eyes
Round, very dark and sparkling. Medium in size and not protruding.
Ears
Small, set high, forward facing. Symmetrical, either semi-erect,drop or erect.
Mouth
Slightly undershot. Broad lower jaw with incisors in a straight line. Teeth or tongue not showing when the mouth is closed.
Neck
Short and straight. Skin of throat tight and unwrinkled.
Forequarters
Front legs straight, elbows neither in nor out, carried close to sides.
Body
Back short and straight. Height at withers about equal to length of body measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock. Well sprung ribs with chest not too deep, combined with only a slight tuck-up at loin giving a sturdy appearance. Croup falls away very slightly to the tail set.
Hindquarters
Hindlegs well set under body without excessive angulation.
Feet
Small, round and compact turning neither in nor out. Pads and nails dark.
Tail
Set high and carried high, left a natural length to curve gently over back when moving.
Gait/Movement
A lively, strutting movement. Lifting feet high when in motion, with no hint of hackneyed action or plaiting.
Coat
Correct coat needs no trimming, rough and harsh in texture, short and dense on some parts of body and shaggy on others. In particular, longer on shoulders, neck and head where loose shaggy hair stands away from skull framing eyes, nose and chin giving desired monkey-like appearance.
Colour
Black. Grey shading occurs. Any other colour or combination of colours unacceptable.
Size
Height 24-28 cms (9 ½ -11 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.
Reproduced by kind permission of The Royal Kennel Club – 2025 Revn.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – the Kennel Club Breed Standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the Size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the Size measurements stated in the Breed Standard.