A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour 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 Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as highly undesirable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
General appearance
Short-legged, rectangular, drop-eared and long-coated. Well made and well muscled.
Characteristics
Very agile working terrier, hardy and tough, plenty of stamina.
Temperament
Friendly and companionable. Somewhat reserved towards strangers, but neither aggressive nor of a nervous disposition.
Head and skull
Relatively long. Skull slightly arched; slight but distinct stop. Head forms a blunt, long but not too broad triangle when viewed from above. Nostrils large. Nose black in grey-blue dogs; liver in light brown dogs.
Eyes
Medium-sized, friendly expression. In blue-grey dogs – black or brown; in light brown dogs – light to dark brown.
Ears
Medium size, triangular, high set and folded above the level of the skull. Pendulous, carried close to cheeks.
Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Level bite acceptable.
Neck
Medium long, elegant but strong. Slightly loose skin at throat.
Forequarters
Muscular, well-laid shoulders. Elbows free moving. Forelegs straight, strong-boned.
Body
Medium length, rising slightly to well-arched loin. Brisket more cylindrical than deep. Ribs well sprung, loin relatively long, broad and muscular. Slight tuck up.
Hindquarters
Strong, muscular upper thighs, short lower thighs. High set, strongly developed hock. Hind legs stand parallel.
Feet
Round, arched and well padded. Forefeet larger than hindfeet.
Tail
Long, medium set. At rest hangs with tip slightly raised. Carried slightly upwards when dog is moving.
Gait/movement
Propulsive movement. Brisk and vigorous with plenty of drive. Parallel movement fore and aft.
Coat
Slightly wavy with silky sheen. Not overabundant. Clipped except on foreface and skull (forming beard and brows), legs and belly. Eyebrows prominent. Transition between clipped and unclipped must be gradual. Hair on back and neck no more than 1.5 cm (½ in) long.
Colour
Grey-blue or light brown. Yellow and grey markings allowed on cheeks, underside of muzzle, neck, breast, lower parts of legs and under tail. White collar or tail tip permissible. Skin on grey-blue dog – grey; on light brown dog – flesh coloured. Striping, (brindling) or solid black coat is only acceptable in dogs under two years of age.
Size
Height 25-32 cms (9¾-12½ ins). Ideal height: dogs 29 cms (11½ ins); bitches 27 cms (10½ ins). Weight 6-10 kgs (13¼-22 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 and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.