The outer coat is short or half-long and dense. The undercoat is thick. The coat is longer and thicker at the neck, shoulders and thighs. It tends to be longer in winter. There are great variations in length, influenced by climate.
All colors are acceptable.
Pacing is acceptable at slow speed. Extreme viciousness or shyness. A very short, smooth coat. A coat totally devoid of undercoat. A dog incapable of guarding livestock.