The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage.
Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. A graceful, alert, swift-moving compact little dog with saucy expression, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament. Expression β Saucy. Eyes β Full, round, but not protruding, balanced, set well apart-luminous dark or luminous ruby. Light eyes in blond or white-colored dogs permissible. Blue eyes or a difference in the color of the iris in the two eyes, or two different colors within one iris should be considered a serious fault.
Ears β Large, erect type ears, held more upright when alert, but flaring to the sides at a 45 degree angle when in repose, giving breadth between the ears. Stop β Well defined. When viewed in profile, it forms a near 90 degree angle where muzzle joins skull. Neck, Topline, Body : Neck β Slightly arched, gracefully sloping into lean shoulders. Topline β Level. Tail β Moderately long, carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back with tip just touching the back.
Never tucked between legs. Disqualifications β Docked tail, bobtail. Forequarters : Shoulders β Lean, sloping into a slightly broadening support above straight forelegs that set well under, giving free movement at the elbows.
Shoulders should be well up, giving balance and soundness, sloping into a level back never down or low. This gives a well developed chest and strength of forequarters. Feet β A small, dainty foot with toes well split up but not spread, pads cushioned. Neither the hare nor the cat foot.
