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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. 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.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

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, pendulous, carried close to cheeks.

Mouth
Perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

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. Clipped except on foreface and skull (forming brows and beard), legs and belly. Eyebrows prominent. Transition between clipped and unclipped must be gradual. Hair on back and neck should be 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.

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.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - October 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

CESKY TERRIER CLUB. Sec: Mrs S Brown. Tel No: 01526 869001 

Date page created:

Categories:

Terrier Group 

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