Breed Standard

 

A Breed Standard is the guidline which describes the ideal chracteristics, 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. However if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring

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General Appearance: Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong, short back, good substance and bone. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear permissible.

Characteristics: One of smallest of terriers, a 'demon'' for its size. Lovable disposition, not Quarrelsome, hardy constitution.

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Temperament: Alert and fearless

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Head and skull: Skull broad, only slightly rounded with goodwidth between ears. Muzzle wedge-shaped and strong: length of muzzle about one third less than measurement from occiput to bottom of well defined stop

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Eyes: Oval-shaped dark brown or black. Expression alert, keen and intelligent

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Ears: Medium size, V-shaped, slightly rounded at tip, dropping forward close to cheek



Mouth: Tight-lipped, strong jaw, teeth strong and rather large: perfect scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

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Neck: Strong and of medium length

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Forequarters: Clean, well laid back shoulder blade, approximating in length to upper arm. Front legs short, powerful and straight.

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Body: Compact, short back, level topline, well sprung ribs.

Hindquarters: Well muscled, good turn of stiffe, hocks well let down and straight when viewed from rear; great propulsion.

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Feet: Round with thick pads.

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Tail: Docking of tail previously optional. (a) Medium docked, set level with topline and carried errect. (b) Tail of moderate length to give a general balance to the dog, thick at the root and tapering towards the tip, as straight as possible, caried jauntily, but not excessively gay.

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Gait/Movement: True, low and driving. Moving straight forward from shoulder. Good rear angulation showing great power of propulsion. Hindleg follow track of forelegs, moving smoothly from hips. Flexing well at stifle and hock. Topline remaining level.

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Coat: Hard, wiry, straight, lying close to body. Longer and rougher on neck and shoulders. Hair on head and ears short and smooth, except for slight whiskers and eyebrows. Excessive trimming undesirable.

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

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Size: Ideal height at withers 25cm (10 ins).

 

Faults: Any departure from 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.

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Note: male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into therotum.

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