General Appearance
Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong with good substance and bone. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear not to be unduly penalised.

Characteristics
One of the smallest of the terriers. Lovable disposition, not quarrelsome, tremendously active with hardy constitution.

Temperament
Gay and fearless.

Head and Skull
Muzzle wedge-shaped and strong. In length two-thirds of measurement from occiput to bottom of well defined stop. Slightly rounded, wide skull, good width between ears.

Eyes
Small, oval-shaped, dark, full of expression, bright and keen.

Ears
Erect, set well apart on top of skull. Medium size with pointed tips. Perfectly erect when aroused, can be laid back when not at attention.

Mouth
Tight-lipped, jaws clean and strong. Rather large, strong teeth with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Strong of good length, commensurate with correct overall balance, flowing into well laid shoulders.

Forequarters
Legs short, powerful and straight; elbows close to body. Pasterns firm and upright.

Body
Short back, compact with good depth. Ribcage long and well sprung with short loin. Level topline.

Hindquarters
Broad, strong and muscular, well turned stifle. Low-set hock with great propulsion.

Feet
Rounded, well padded and cat-like. Pointing straight forward standing and moving.

Tail
Docking previously optional.
(a) Medium docked. Set high, completing perfectly level topline. Carried erect.
(b) Tail of moderate length to give a general balance to dog, thick at root and tapering towards tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily, not excessively gay, completing perfectly level topline.

Gait/Movement
Forelegs should move straight forward when travelling; hind legs follow in their track; hocks parallel and flexing to show pads.

Coat
Hard, wiry, straight, lying close to body, thick undercoat. Longer and rougher on neck forming a ruff to frame face. Hair on head and ears short and smooth, except for slight whiskers and eyebrows.

Colour
All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle. White marks or patches are undesirable.

Size
Ideal height at withers 25 cms (10 ins).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - December 2007

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•     The Terrier Group Breed Standards

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