Strong, rich colors and pigments are highly preferred. Small white spots on the chest, feet or tail are acceptable. Pale, washed-out colors are serious faults. The undercoat is invariably colored, except in black dogs. White, blue, or liver colored dogs or a dog with a nose that is not black must be disqualified.
Puppies change color from birth until they get their final coat.
Each single hair should stand straight and close to the body. On the head the hair is short, as also on the inside of the ear, the forward side of the legs, the paws and the toes, while on the neck the hair is longer and denser. The length of hair varies from one dog to another, and thus there are many types within the single variety. The trousers are long and dense. The tail is densely feathered with light fringe below.