It is carried down in repose and raised when excited. The bones of the tail are straight. The breed is double coated. The undercoat may be thick and sometimes showing. The ground color is jet black.
All markings are rich and symmetrical.
Glossy rust-red markings are found on the cheeks, over each eye, on each side of the chest, under the tail, and on all four legs. There is a white blaze and muzzle. A small white patch on the back of the neck or a collar are permitted. Rust is found between the white and the black on each leg. Any ground color other than black.