The tail, which is of great help when swimming and diving, is not docked and has a medium setting. Thick at the base, it tapers down to, but does not reach below, the hock. When at attention, the tail is held in a ring, the front of which should not reach beyond the forward line of the hips.

The round feet are rather flat, with toes that are not too knuckled up nor too long. The webbing, made up of soft skin reaching to the tip of the toes, is well-covered with hair. The nails are held up slightly off the ground. Black nails are preferred, but white, brown or striped nails, in harmony with coat color, are acceptable. The center pad of the foot is very thick, while the others are normal.

Color -

Acceptable coat colors include: black; white; various shades of brown; and combinations of black or brown with white. The nose, mouth and eyelid pigment must be black in a white dog. The skin is decidedly bluish in dogs with black, white, or black and white coats.

Height and Weight -

Height ranges are as follows: males, between 20 and 23 inches; bitches, between 17 and 21 inches.

Weight ranges are as follows: males, between 42 and 60 pounds; bitches, between 35 and 50 pounds.

Gait -

At a walk, steps are short and lively. At a trot, movement is well balanced and forward-striding.

Disqualifications -

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.