Head
Skull: Head carried well up. Occiput bone prominent, cranium broad and full. Head in pleasing proportion to body. Ears-Of medium length set moderately low. Should hang gracefully, inside part tipping toward muzzle. Should not be too pointed at tip, but slightly round or oval, soft and velvety, hanging with a tendency to roll when head is raised. In proportion to head and body. Eyes-Moderately prominent, set well apart. Open, soft and expressive. Dark in color, brown or black. Muzzle: Medium square, rather long. Slightly tapering with flews sufficient to give a rather square appearance. Stop not too prominent, not too abrupt. Nostrils-Rather large, prominent and black. A slightly sloping nostril not objectionable. Faults-Other colors. Teeth-Should meet; not overshot or undershot. Faults-A very flat skull, narrow across the top. Excess of dome. Eyes small, sharp and terrier-like: too protruding. Muzzle long and snipy, cut away below eyes too much, or very short. Roman nosed, or upturned, giving a dish-faced expression. Ears short, set high or with a tendency to rise above the point of origin.
Body, Neck, and Throat
Neck rising free and light from the shoulders. Strong in substance yet not loaded. Of medium length. Throat should be clean and free from folds of skin. A slight wrinkle below the angle of the jaw, however, is allowable. Faults-A thick, short neck carried on a line with the top of the shoulders. Throat showing dewlaps and fold of skin. Too "throaty."
Shoulders, Chest, and Ribs
Shoulders sloping, clean, muscular. Not loaded or heavy in appearance. Conveying the idea of freedom of action, springiness, with activity and strength. Chest should be deep for lung space. Look for depth rather than width. Well spring ribs. Back ribs should extend well back, about a three-inch flank allowing springiness.. Faults-Straight, upright shoulders. Chest Disproportionately wide, or with lack of depth. Flat ribs.
Back and Loins
Back moderately long, muscular and strong. Loins broad and slightly arched. Faults-Very long, swayed or roached back. Flat, narrow loins.
Forelegs
Straight, with a fair amount of bone. Pastern short and straight.
Feet
Solid, compact, well padded, a cat-like appearance. Well-arched toes, strong nails for quick get away. Faults-Out at elbow. Knees knuckled over forward or bent backward. Forelegs crooked. Feet long, open, or spreading.
Hips, Thighs, Hindlegs, and Feet
Hips and thighs strong and well muscled, giving abundance of propelling power. Stifles strong and well let down. Hocks firm, symmetrical and moderately bent. Feet close and firm. Faults-Cowhocks, or straight hocks. Lack of muscle and propelling power. Open feet.
Tail
Set rather high. Strong at root. Tapering, moderately long without flag. Carried free, well up, saber-like. Curved gracefully up and forward. Faults-Too long. Rat-tail. Entire absence of brush.
Coat
Smooth haired. Glossy, fine, yet dense enough for protection. A close, hard, hound coat. Faults-Short, thin coat, or of soft quality.
Color
Tri-colored is preferred, white-black-tan. White may be the predominant color, with black spots and tan trim; or black may be the predominant color with white marking and tan trim, such as saddle back, or blanket back. White with tan spots or white with black spots may be accepted. Faults: Any other color combination will be penalized when shown.
Symmetry or Conformation
Of great importance. Denotes quality. Faults-Poor Conformation.
Voice
Preferably a clear, ringing, bugle voice, or a steady, clear chop. Noticeable change at tree.
Height
Slightly more at shoulders than at hips. Shoulders should measure: Males, 22" to 27", Females, 20" to 25".
Weight
Should be in proportion to dog?s height. Working dogs not to be penalized when shown if slightly under.
Qualitative Characteristics
Energetic, intelligent, active, courteous, composed, confident, fearless, kind, graceful in pose and while active. Super abundance of sense, endurance, trailing, hunting and treeing instinct and ability.
Notice
Working dogs will not be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes due to hunting injuries.
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