PBGV Breed Standard

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance 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 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.

Head and Skull Medium in length, not too wide, oval in shape when viewed from front. Well cut away under eyes; stop clearly defined; occipital bone well developed. Muzzle slightly shorter than from stop to occipital point. Underjaw strong and well developed. Nose black, large with wide nostrils. Eyes surmounted by long eyebrows standing forward but not to obscure eyes; lips covered with long hair forming beard and moustache.

Eyes Large, dark, showing no white, with friendly, intelligent expression. Red of lower eyelid not showing.

Ears Supple, narrow and fine, covered with long hair, folding inwards, ending in an oval shape; reaching to end of nose; set on low, not above line of eye.

Mouth Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Level bite acceptable.

Neck Long and strong, set into well laid shoulders; without throatiness; carrying head proudly.

Forequarters Shoulders clean and sloping; elbows close to body. Forelegs straight, a slight crook acceptable; thick and well boned. Pasterns strong and slightly sloping. Knuckling over highly undesirable.

Body Chest deep with prominent sternum; ribs moderately rounded extending well back. Back of medium length; level topline with slight arching over strong loins.

Hindquarters Strong and muscular with good bend of stifle. Well defined second thigh. Hocks short and well angulated.

Feet Hard, tight padded, not too long. Nails strong and short.

Tail Of medium length; set on high, strong at base, tapering regularly, well furnished with hair; carried proudly like the blade of a sabre.

Gait/Movement Free at all paces, with great drive. Front action straight and reaching well forward; hocks turning neither in nor out.

Coat Rough, long without exaggeration and harsh to the touch, with thick undercoat, never silky or woolly. Shown untrimmed.

Colour White with any combination of lemon, orange, tricolour or grizzle markings.

Size Height 33-38 cm (13-15 in.).

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.

Last Updated - July 1997