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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

INTERIM (pending review)

General Appearance
Small, low, keen dog, compact and strong with good substance and bone. Honourable scars from fair wear and tear not to be unduly penalised.

Characteristics
One of the smallest of the terriers. Lovable disposition, not quarrelsome, tremendously active with hardy constitution.

Temperament
Gay and fearless.

Head and Skull
Muzzle wedge-shaped and strong. In length two-thirds of measurement from occiput to bottom of well defined stop. Slightly rounded, wide skull, good width between ears.

Eyes
Relatively small, oval-shaped, dark, full of expression, bright and keen.

Ears
Erect, set well apart on top of skull. Medium size with pointed tips. Perfectly erect when aroused, can be laid back when not at attention.

Mouth
Tight-lipped, jaws clean and strong. Rather large, strong teeth with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Strong of good length, commensurate with correct overall balance, flowing into well laid shoulders.

Forequarters
Legs short, powerful and straight; elbows close to body. Pasterns firm and upright.

Body
Short back, compact with good depth. Ribcage long and well sprung with short loin. Level topline.

Hindquarters
Broad, strong and muscular, well turned stifle. Low-set hock with great propulsion.

Feet
Rounded, well padded and cat-like. Pointing straight forward standing and moving.

Tail
Docking previously optional.
(a) Medium docked. Set high, completing perfectly level topline. Carried erect.
(b) Tail of moderate length to give a general balance to dog, thick at root and tapering towards tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily, not excessively gay, completing perfectly level topline.

Gait/Movement
Forelegs should move straight forward when travelling; hind legs follow in their track; hocks parallel and flexing to show pads.

Coat
Hard, wiry, straight, lying close to body, thick undercoat. Longer and rougher on neck forming a ruff to frame face. Hair on head and ears short and smooth, except for slight whiskers and eyebrows.

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

Size
Ideal height at withers 25 cms (10 ins).

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 - January 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only 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.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• NORWICH TERRIER CLUB. Sec. Mrs B Watkins. Tel No: 01708 473897 (evenings and weekends)

This breed of dog is a 'Vulnerable Native Breed'.

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Categories:

Terrier Group 

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