A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.
Docked
Undocked
General Appearance
A sturdy low-set dog rather long in proportion to height. Untrimmed, harsh
coat with definite ruff around neck extending to breastbone, assists hard
bitten and rugged appearance.
Characteristics
Strong terrier character; alertness, activity and soundness. Essentially a
working terrier, it is equally suited as a companion dog owing to its loyalty
and even disposition.
Temperament
Friendly, extrovert, obedient and anxious to please. Lives happily in town
or country. Not aggressive but courageous if attacked.
Head and Skull
Head long with flat skull of moderate width, full between eyes, with
slight but definite stop. Muzzle strong but powerful, of equal length to that
of skull, which should be covered with a soft, silky ‘top-knot’. Nose black,
of moderate size, leather extending to bridge of muzzle.
Eyes
Relatively small with keen expression and of dark brown colour, set well
apart and not prominent.
Ears
Small, erect, pointed, well carried, set on moderately wide, free from
long hair and sensitive in their use (puppies under six months excepted).
Mouth
Jaws strong and punishing, scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely
overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Long, slightly arched, shapely and strong, blending into long, well laid
shoulders.
Forequarters
Forelegs well boned and perfectly straight, parallel when viewed from
front. Pasterns strong without slope, slightly feathered to knee.
Body
Long in proportion to height, strongly constructed, with well sprung ribs
and chest of moderate depth and width. Level topline. Loins strong. Flanks
deep.
Hindquarters
Moderate length of quarters, broad with strong muscular thighs, stifles
well turned and hocks well bent and let down. Viewed from behind, parallel,
neither too wide nor too close.
Feet
Small, well padded, toes closely knit and moderately arched, turned
neither in nor out, with strong black or dark toenails.
Tail
Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Set high and carried erect but not over back.
Undocked: Set high and carried upright as straight as possible, giving good
overall balance.
Gait/Movement
Free, springy and forceful. When viewed from front, forelegs move truly
without looseness of shoulder, elbows or pasterns. Hindquarters have drive and
power, with free movement of stifles and hocks. Seen from rear, legs from
hocks to ground parallel, neither too close nor too wide.
Coat
Body coat consists of harsh straight dense top coat, approximately 6.35
cms (21/2 ins) long with short, soft-textured undercoat. Muzzle, lower legs
and feet free from long hair.
Colour
(a) Blue, steel blue or dark grey blue, with rich tan (not sandy) on face,
ears, under body, lower legs and feet and around the vent (puppies excepted).
The richer the colour and more clearly defined the better. ‘Top-knot’ blue or
silver of a lighter shade than head colour.
(b) Clear sandy or red, smuttiness or dark shading undesirable. ‘Top-knot’ a
lighter shade.
Size
Height: approximately 25.5 cms (10 ins) at withers. Weight: approximately
6.5kgs (14 lbs).
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.
