The nose is black. In blue merles, a butterfly nose is tolerated, with a black nose being preferred. Nose color other than black, except for a butterfly nose on a blue merle dog. They are carried erect, sloping slightly forward when alert. When the ears are erect, the tips are slightly wide of a straight line drawn from the tip of the nose through the center of the eye.
Drop ears after six months of age.
The clean, moderately long, muscular neck is well set on, fitting into strong, well-shaped shoulders. It is in proportion to the dog's build and is well developed, especially in males. The shoulders slope down and out from the withers to accommodate the desired spring of rib. The elbows are not prominent, being parallel to the body. Overall bone is heavy for a dog of the size of this breed.