Smart, upstanding, strongly built, compact, enduring, versatile gundog for all types of shooting, particularly in wild fowling. Initially aloof, staunch and affectionate, with an endearing sense of humour and a stable disposition.
On body the coat has dense, tight crisp ringlets, free from wooliness. Hair having natural oiliness. Forelegs covered down to feet with curls or ringlets. Abundant all round, though shorter in front. Below hocks, hindlegs should be smooth in front and with curls or ringlets behind down to feet. On skull covering of long curls forming a pronounced ‘top-knot’, growing in a well defined peak to a point between the eyes. Ears covered with long twisted curls. Neck covered with curls similar o those on body. Throat smooth, the smooth hair forming a V shaped patch from back of lower jaw to breast bone.
Rich, dark liver colour with a purplish tint or bloom peculiar to the breed and sometimes referred to as liver-puce.
Height: dogs 53-58 cms (21-23 ins), bitches 51-56 cms (20-22 ins).