Border Terrier Breed Standard

 

General Appearance – A working terrier.

Temperament – Active and game.

Head and Skull – Otter shaped head, broad skull, and short strong muzzle.

Eyes – Dark with keen expression.

Ears – Small V-shaped, quite thick, drop forward close to cheek.

Mouth – Scissor bite, level bite is expectable.  Undershot or overshot is a major fault.

Nose – Black.

Neck – Of moderate length.

Forequarters – Forelegs straight, not to heavy in bone.

Body – Deep narrow and fairly long.  Ribs carried well back, but not over sprung, 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 the back.  Carrot like in shape.

 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, blue and tan or variations of these.

Size, Weight – Dogs 5.9 -7.1kgs    Bitches 5.1 – 6.4kgs.

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, its effect on the terrier's ability to work, and the health and welfare of the dog.

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

 
Kennel Club Breed Standard, taken from the Ann Roslin Williams  
Border Terriers today ' book