VOTED AND PASSED BY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

(Amended to: 23 September 1996)

Body Proportion - Length of back from point of withers to base of tail not to exceed the height at the withers.

Ears - Small, V-shaped, slightly rounded at the tip. Short, smooth hair on outer ear is soft like velvet. Longer hair of ear tufts not to exceed 1/2 height of ear. Prick ears. Expressive: when happily alerted carried perfectly erect; when wary or not attentive may be laid back.

Tail - Set high, base level with topline. (Note: in different locales show rules and/or authorities may declare docking required / forbidden / optional). Docking Optional: if docked, tail is carried erect and has length sufficient to grasp and lift dog by and to give a balanced outline. If not docked, tail is straight as possible and tapers from base to tip, has length to give balance, and is carried up and curving forward jauntily but not excessively gay.

Temperament - Active and alert. Happy and spirited, ready to play. A natural lover of all humans; not aggressive toward people. May be wary in unfamiliar situations; fearlessness is obtained through exposure and socialization. Generally friendly with other pets, but may be quarrelsome if in jealous competition for a possible mate or vying for attention from a human. Hardy descendent of ratting companions, eager to go to ground, and hunt small vermin, working alone or with a pack; may be untrustworthy off lead.

General Characteristics - One of the smallest terriers. Small, low, stocky, compact, free-moving and strong. In the show ring, honorable scars are acceptable on this hunting terrier and fit working condition is a prime consideration.

Head and Skull - Wide, slightly rounded skull with good width between the ears. Strong, wedge-shaped muzzle with well defined stop. Muzzle length is two thirds the length from occiput to bottom of stop. Black nose and lips.

Eyes - Small, dark brown or black, oval shaped, black rims, deep set, set well apart, intensely expressive, sparkling, bright, keen and intelligent expression.

Mouth - Tight lipped. Clean, strong jaws. Large, strong teeth. Scissor bite, i.e. incisors set square to jaws with upper incisors closely overlapping lower incisors. Each side on top has 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars and 2 molars; each side on bottom has 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars and 3 molars.

Neck - Strong, with medium length correct for balance.

Body - Compact and deep with good bone and substance. Short back and body. Good width of chest. Ribcage long and well sprung with short strong loins. Level topline. Ideal height is 25 to 26 centimeters at withers. Height and weight should be in proportion and the primary consideration is the individual dog's structure, balance, and ability to hunt. Bitches tend to be smaller than dogs.

Forequarters - Powerful, straight, short legs. Elbows close to ribs. Firm, upright pasterns. Shoulder blades well laid back and same length as upper arm.

Hindquarters - Broad. Well muscled. Well turned stifle. Low-set parallel hocks.

Feet - Round, small, well padded and cat-like. Point forward standing or moving. Black, strong nails.

Testicles - Males should have two fully descended normal testicles.

Coat - Almost weatherproof. Outercoat is hard, wiry, straight, 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches long and lying close to the body with a thick undercoat. Longer mane on neck and shoulders forms ruff at the base of the ears and the throat which frames face. Longer furnishings on chest, underneath, and along sides from front to rear legs. Moderate furnishings of harsh texture on legs. Slight eyebrows and whiskers. Short, smooth hair on head. Color includes all shades of red, wheaten, black-and-tan, or grizzle. Dark points permissible; white mark only permitted on chest and not desirable.

Movement - Purposeful, low driving action, level topline. Legs move parallel, extending forward. Forelegs extend straight forward from the shoulder with good reach. Elbows close to the body. Feet converge slightly with increased pace. Viewed from the side, hind legs follow in track of forelegs, moving smoothly from the hip, flexing well at stifle and hock with great propulsion.. Hocks parallel. Hind pads showing. Good rear angulation with great propulsion.

Faults - Any departure from the foregoing should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded is in exact proportion to its degree.

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