Dogs In Review Magazine March 2017 | Page 88

MISCELLANEOUS BREEDS
both eyes must be of the same color . The color of the eye rims may go from black to pink in subjects with a light colored face . The light pink colors are permitted but not sought after . Ears - The ears must be pricked when the dog is attentive , whereas at rest , they are laid towards the back . The ears are of medium length ; broad at the base , tapering progressively towards their tip , ending almost pointed . The ear set starts on the upper part of the skull to end laterally and obliquely . In erect position , the axes of the ears form a variable angle near 90 degrees . In the coated variety the ears are semi-prick when the dog is attentive , and can be laid back when relaxed .
Neck : Upper line - Curved ( convex ). Length - Approximately the same length as the head . Shape - Near to a truncated cone shape , supple , with good musculature . Skin - Fine , smooth and elastic . Really close to the subcutaneous tissues . No dewlap .
Body : Mesomorph . Topline - Straight , although certain subjects show a dorsal-lumbar convexity that disappears at croup level . Withers - Barely accentuated . Back - Topline straight , with well-developed back muscles often forming all along the back a muscular bi-convexity that extends to the lumbar region . Lumbar region - Strong and well muscled . Its length reaches approximately one-fifth of the height at the withers . Croup - Its upper profile is slightly convex . Its slant compared with the horizontal is about 40 degrees . Its solid and well muscled conformation assures a good impulsion . Chest - Seen from the front , the chest must have a good amplitude , but without excess ; it comes down almost to the elbow . The ribs must be lightly sprung , never flat . The girth of the chest , measured behind the elbows , must exceed by about 18 percent the height at the withers . Underline and Belly - The lower profile draws an elegant and well-marked line that goes from the lower part of the chest and rises along the belly , which must be well tucked up , but without excess . Tail : The tail is set on low . Of good thickness at its root , it tapers towards its tip . When excited , the dog can carry the tail raised in a round curve above the backline , but never as curved as being rolled up . At rest , it hangs with a slight upward hook at the tip , sometimes carried tucked in towards the abdomen . In length it almost reaches the hock . The tail must not be docked .
Forequarters : Well united with the body . Seen from the front , they are perfectly vertical and the elbows are not turned out . The angle at the shoulders joint varies between 100 and 120 degrees . Seen in profile , the angle formed by the pastern and the vertical will be from 15 to 20 degrees . Forefeet - They are semi-long and look like hare-feet . The pads are strong and heat-resistant . The interdigital membranes are well developed . The black dogs have preferably black nails and the lighter dogs light nails .
Hindquarters : The muscles are rounded and elastic . The curve of the buttocks is well marked . The coxalfemoral angle varies between 120 and 130 degrees , and the femoral-tibial angle must be of 140 degrees . Seen from behind , the hindquarters must be vertical . Dewclaws must be eliminated . Hind feet - As the forefeet . Gait / Movement - Given the structure and angulations of the above mentioned quarters , these dogs move with a rather short step , but fast and at the same time quite soft and flexible .
Skin : The skin must be smooth and elastic all over the body , but can form a few rounded almost concentric lines on the head and round the eyes and the cheeks .
Coat : The hairless examples must have exposed skin in the place of the coat ( hair ). Short hair on the head and vestiges of hair on the lower tail and feet are acceptable . A few hairs may appear on the face and body . Shaving or any other form of hair removal is not permitted . In the coated variety the coat may be short or medium length with feathering present at the neck , ears and body .
Color : In the hairless variety the skin can be of any color and can either be uniform or with unpigmented areas . In the coated variety all colors are accepted .
Size and Weight : There are three sizes in the males and females . Small - from 9 3 ⁄ 4 to 15 3 ⁄ 4 inches ( 25 to 40 centimeters ). Medium - from 15 3 ⁄ 4 to 19 3 ⁄ 4 inches ( 40 to 50 centimeters ). Large - from 19 3 ⁄ 4 to 25 3 ⁄ 4 inches ( 50 to 65 centimeters ). The weight is in relation to the size of the males and females . Small - from 8 1 ⁄ 2 to 17 1 ⁄ 2 pounds ( 4 to 8 kilograms ). Medium - from 17 1 ⁄ 2 to 26 1 ⁄ 2 pounds ( 8 to 12 kilograms ). Large - from 26 1 ⁄ 2 to 55 pounds ( 12 to 25 kilograms ).
Faults : Deviated jaw . Albinism . Aggressiveness . Presence of dewclaws on the hindquarters .
N . B .: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum .
Note of interest : It has been checked that the internal and external temperature of these dogs is exactly the same as that of other breeds . The absence of hair leads to an immediate and direct emanation of heat , different from the hairy subjects , where the heat filters through the coat ( hair ) by natural ventilation .
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