General Appearance - a solid, powerful dog of above-average height. Well proportioned and compact in build, it displays strength, suppleness, and endurance. Male dogs are bigger and heavier, with a distinctly masculine appearance.

Height - 58.4 to 68.6 cm (23 to 27 in.) for the adult dog; 53.3 to 63.5 cm (21 to 25 in.) for the bitch

Weight - under F.C.I. standards, 50 kg (110 lb). Elsewhere, not specified.

Head - medium length. Skull broad between the ears. Forehead moderately arched. Well-defined stop. Cheeks well muscled. Fairly deep muzzle. Skin on head can form wrinkles when dog is attentive but should not be loose. Wide black nose with large nostrils. Firm black flews. Powerful scissor bite.

Eyes - of medium size, rather deep-set, almond shaped, dark brown.

Ears - small, triangular, pendent, set high and wide apart. Inner edge of ear lies close to cheek.

Neck - robust, very muscular, slightly arched. No dewlap.

Body - long, sloping shoulders. Board and roomy chest with well-developed sternum. Ribs well sprung. Firm, straight back. Short, deep, and powerful loin. Wide, slightly sloping croup of medium length.

Tail - short and strong, carried horizontally. Customarily docked close to body.

Forequarters - legs straight, strongly developed, and not close together. Elbows tight.

Hindquarters - broad, well-muscled thighs. Hind legs long and robust, strong at top and sinewy lower down. Powerfully angulated hocks. Fairly well-bent stifles. No dews-claws.

Feet - round and compact. Toes well arched. Hind feet somewhat longer than the front. Hart pads. Short, dark, powerful nails.

Coat - coarse, flat, thick outer coat of medium length. Fine undercoat must not show through. Longer hair on feet, backs of legs.

Colour - black, with brown markings on cheeks, muzzle, chest, feet, over the eyes, and beneath tail.

Faults - too light or heavy. Long or curly coat. White markings. Sway or roach back. Hocks turned in or out. Abnormal hip joints. Poor bite. Missing molars or premolars. Ectropion, entropion, or slack eyelids. Eyes yellow or blue. Nervousness or viciousness.