General Appearance: Small, sturdy, slightly longer in body than height at withers. Profusely coated, tail carried in plume over back. Characteristics Lively, affectionate and intelligent.
Temperament: Friendly, outgoing.
Head and Skull: Nose to stop and stop to occiput to be equal in length, skull broad, slightly rounded, moderate stop. Muzzle not snipey or blunt, cheeks flat. Nose and lips solid black, although for brown shades the pigment may be brown.
Eyes: Dark, large, almond shaped, gently expression, eye rims black. In brown shades eyes can be a slightly lighter colour, eye rims brown.
Ears: Moderately pointed and dropped, set on just above eye level, slightly raised, neither fly away nor framing the cheeks.
Mouth: Jaws strong with perfect regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck: Medium length.
Forequarters: Legs straight, medium bone. Shoulders well laid.
Body: Equal in height from withers to elbow as from elbow to ground. Slightly longer from point of shoulder to point of buttock than height at withers, level topline, slight rise over loin, well sprung ribs, with good tuck-up.
Hindquarters: Medium boned, moderate angulation.
Feet: Small, tight, hare foot.
Tail: Set high, carried over the back; profusely feathered with long silky hair.
Gait/Movement: Free with a springy step, legs moving parallel also the line of travel.
Coat: Soft, silky, wavy or slightly curled, full coated with an undercoat.
Colour: Any colour or combination of colours permissible.
Size: Ideal height 23-28cm (9-11 inches).
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