Breed Standard - The Border Terrier
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 with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
Last updated: 03 Aug 2008
General Appearance: Essentially a working terrier.
Characteristics: Capable of following a horse, combining activity with gameness.
Temperament: Active and game as previously stated.
Head And Skull: Head like that of an otter, moderately broad in skull, with short strong muzzle. Black nose preferable, but liver or flesh coloured one not a serious fault.
Eyes: Dark with keen expression.
Ears: Small, V-shaped; of moderate thickness, and dropping forward close to the cheek.
Mouth: Scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Level bite acceptable. Undershot or overshot a major fault and highly undesirable.
Neck: Of moderate length.
Forequarters: Forelegs straight, not too heavy in bone.
Body: Deep, narrow, fairly long. Ribs carried well back, but not oversprung, as a terrier should be capable of being spanned by both hands behind the shoulder. Loins strong.
Hindquarters: Racy.
Feet: Small with thick pads.
Tail: Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering. Set high, carried gaily, but not curled over back.
Gait/Movement: Has the soundness to follow a horse.
Coat: Harsh and dense; with close undercoat. Skin must be thick.
Colour: Red, wheaten, grizzle and tan or blue and tan.
Sizes: Weight: Dogs 6-7 kg (13-15.5 lbs). Bitches 5-6.5 kg (11.5-14 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 on the terrier's ability to work and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.