Eyes: The almond-shaped eyes are brown, amber, or yellow in color . They are set at a slight angle so that the outer edge of the eye is usually higher than the inner edge of the eye. Eye rims are black and unbroken and give the appearance of eyeliner. Overall expression is one of softness and intelligence, but highly cautious. Disqualifying Fault: Blue eyes. Fault: Eyes any color other than brown, amber, or yellow. Nose: The nose is robust, black, and has large and well-opened nostrils in dogs of almost all coat colors. Some of the lighter-colored dogs, may have the pigment of the nose vary seasonally. Such fading of the nose color, especially with age, is not desirable but should not be penalized. Fault: Butterfly nose . Ears: The ears are mobile and expressive. They are slightly rounded at the tip and fine in texture. The ears are somewhat refined and triangular with a wide base. As the ears ascend, they taper elegantly, and they are carried upright when the dog is alert but can be rotated backwards to be carried along the of the back of the head and neck. The ears are set well on top of the head, often leaning forward and slightly outward. It is preferable that they be pointed slightly forward and set correctly on the head. Such ears are considered “hooded.” A characteristic position is often for one ear to be firmly pricked, and the other to rotate sensitively listening to the surrounding environment. Ears should be erect. Semi-prick ears and natural ears occasionally occur in the breed but are not preferred and are considered a fault to the extent that they may drop down in the conformation ring or otherwise occlude the entry of sound into the ear canal. Particularly with light-eyed dogs, elongated or “hooded” ears help shade the eyes from exposure to full sun. Dogs with semi-prick (upright base but folded over in any manner) ears should be penalized to the degree of deviation. Disqualifying Fault: Ears which fold over and occlude part, or all, of the opening of the ear canal. Neck, Topline, and Body Neck: The neck is notable in its strength and development. It is strongly crested, elegant, fitting well into the shoulders, thus accentuating the crest to give the head a lofty carriage. The neck is graceful, yet muscular and well-arched, providing the animal with a means of making rapid and effective downward stabbing movements with the head when hunting in tall grass. Fault: Short neck. Thick/stocky/throaty neck. Topline: The topline is level, horizontal, or may rise slightly at the top of the loin, as in some sighthounds. Body: The rectangular body is medium in length, sleek and consistent with a sighthound. There is a definite waist with a well-defined tuck-up. The back is strong, straight, and horizontal. There may be a slight rise over the loin. The back may be moderately long but must have no suggestion of slackness.
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