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 penalized. 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.