
The standard of one breed is a definition of the ideal characteristics of the breed, which compares all the dogs of the breed.
ESTANDARD F.C.I. 345 / 08.06.2001 / GB
Date of publication of the original standard valid: 25/10/2000
Source: England - Rating: 9 Group Dogs Company. Section 2 Molosoides small class without proof of work.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
A strong, active, lithe working Terrier of great character with flexible body of medium length. His smart movement matches his keen expression. Tail docking is optional and the coat may be smooth, rough or broken.
UTILIZATION
A good working Terrier with ability to go to ground. An excellent companion dog.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS
The overall dog is longer than high.
The depth of the body from the withers to the brisket should equal the length of foreleg from elbows to the ground.
The girth behind the elbows should be about 40 to 43 cm..
TEMPERAMENT
A lively, alert and active Terrier with a keen, intelligent expression. Bold and fearless, friendly but quietly confident.
HEAD
Large, round, should not be in the form of apple.
CRANIAL REGION
Skull: The skull should be flat and of moderate width gradually decreasing in width to the eyes and tapering to a wide muzzle.
Stop : Well defined but not over pronounced.
FACIAL REGION
Nose: Black.
Muzzle: The length from the stop to the nose should be slightly shorter than from the stop to the occiput.
Lips: Tight-fitting and pigmented black.
Jaws/Teeth: Very strong, deep, wide and powerful. Strong teeth closing to a scissor bite.
Eyes: Small dark and with keen expression. MUST not be prominent and eyelids should fit closely. The eyelid rims should be pigmented black. Almond shape.
Ears: Button or dropped of good texture and great mobility.
Cheeks: The cheek muscles should be well developed.
NECK
Strong and clean allowing head to be carried with poise.
BODY
General: Rectangular.
Back: Level. The length from the withers to the root of tail slightly greater than the height from the withers to the ground.
Loin: The loins should be short, strong and deeply muscled.
Chest: Chest deep rather than wide, with good clearance from the ground, enabling the brisket to be located at the height mid-way between the ground and the withers. Ribs should be well sprung from the spine, flattening on the sides so that the girth behind the elbows can be spanned by two hands - about 40 cm to 43 cm.
Sternum: Point of sternum clearly in front of the point of shoulder.
LIMBS:
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulders: Well sloped back and not heavily loaded with muscle.
Upper arm: Of sufficient length and angulation to ensure elbows are set under the body.
Forelegs: Straight in bone from the elbows to the toes whether viewed from the front or the side.
HINDQUARTERS
Strong and muscular, balanced in proportion to the shoulder.
Stifles: Well angulated.
Hock joints: Low set.
Rear pastern(Metatarsus): Parallel when viewed from behind while in free standing position.
TAIL
May droop at rest. When moving should be erect and if docked the tip should be on the same level as ears.
FEET
Round, hard, padded, not large, toes moderately arched, turned neither in nor out.
GAIT/MOVEMENT
True, free and springy.
COAT
Hair: May be smooth, broken or rough. Must be weatherproof. Coats should not be altered (stripped out) to appear smooth or broken.
Colour: White MUST predominate with black or tan markings. The tan markings can be from the lightest tan to the richest tan (chestnut).
SIZE
Ideal Height: 25 cm (10 ins) to 30 cm (12 ins).
Weight: Being the equivalent of 1 kg to each 5 cm in height, i.e. a 25 cm high dog should weigh approximately 5 kg and a 30 cm high dog should weigh 6 kg.
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. However, the following weaknesses should be particularly penalised:
· Lack of true Terrier characteristics:
· Lack of balance. I.E. over exaggeration of any points.
· Sluggish or unsound movement.
· Faulty mouth.
NOTE
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.