NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL BREED STANDARD
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Should be of a symmetrical, active, powerful dog, a good level mover, sound and well put together, with a kindly expression, not clumsy nor long in the leg.
Head and Skull:
Broad-skull, well set on a clean and muscular neck, muzzle powerful and wide, not weak-jawed, good stop.
Eyes:
Dark and set well apart, very kindly in expression, with dark rims.
Ears:
Well proportioned, of moderate size and well set on.
Mouth:
Teeth should be sound and strong. Neither overshot nor undershot, the lower teeth just behind but touching the upper.
Neck:
The neck should be clean and muscular.
Forequarters:
The forelegs should be straight with good bone. Shoulders should be well laid back and long in blade.
Body:
Well-balanced, short coupled and deep through the heart. Ribs deep and well sprung.
Hindquarters:
The loins and legs should be strong and muscular, with good second thighs and well bent stifles. Hocks well let down, not cow-hocked.
Feet:
Round and cat-like, not open or splay.
Tail:
Should not be carried too gay or curled at the tip.
Coat:
Should be flat or wavy with good feathering and dense, water-resisting undercoat.
Colour:
Any shade of gold or cream, but neither red nor mahogany. The presence of a few white hairs on chest permissible. White collar, feet, toes or blaze should be penalised. Nose should be black.
Weight and Size:
The average weight in good hard condition should be: Dogs: 32 - 37 kg (70 - 80 lb) Bitches: 27 - 32 kg (60 - 70 LB).
Height at shoulder:
Dogs: 56 - 61 cm (22 - 24 in) Bitches: 51 - 56 cm (20 - 22 in).
Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
