The Border Terrier Breed Standard

Revised by The Kennel Club September 2000

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 a 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 the back.

Gait: 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.

Size: Dogs 5.9 - 7.1 kg (13-15½ lb.); Bitches 5.1- 6.4 kg (11½ - 14 lb.).

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.

Reproduced by kind permission of The Kennel Club