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The
AKC Russell Terrier
BRIEF
HISTORY
The Russell Terrier originated in England with Australia being
designated as the country of development for the breed. The breed
was established for use in the sport of fox hunting, from Reverend
John Russell's original fox working terriers in the early part
of the nineteenth century.. The small size of the breed made them
ideal to be carried on horseback in terrier bags, a requisite
for certain terrain. The nose to locate and the voice to bolt
the fox were far more important than speed. The breed's handy
size, small flexible chest, nose, strong voice and fearless nature
made them excellent specimens to work vermin below ground.
The breed derived from the Reverend Parson's fox working terrier
strains, sharing many common characteristics of the Parson Russell
Terrier. However, it must be noted the two breeds are distinctly
different in body structure and height, 10-12 inches, and have
been maintained as separate breeds in the US and Europe. The Russell
Terrier may be described as game but not quarrelsome. The breed
is confident, highly intelligent, faithful, versatile and hardy.
They view life as a great adventure up for any task. First and
foremost, they are hardy earth working terriers.
GENERAL
APPEARANCE
The Russell Terrier is a strong, active, lithe, predominately
white bodied working Terrier of character with a flexible body
of moderate length and rectangular profile. The overall dog must
present a balanced image with no one part exaggerated over another.
The Russell Terrier is full of life, and moves with confidence
that matches his keen expression. Coat may be smooth, broken or
rough and may have tan and/or black markings with no preference
for coat type or markings. Tail docking is optional.
SIZE,
SUBSTANCE & PROPORTION
In size the Russell Terrier measures from 10"-12". Substance
and weight should be proportionate to height, being neither too
coarse nor too refined. The body is proportioned marginally longer
than tall, the silhouette representing a distinct rectangle when
measured from the point of shoulder to point of buttocks than
from the withers to the ground. The height and weight descriptions
indicate a sturdily built yet balanced dog with smooth muscle
transitions, able to traverse narrow tunnels. There may be slight
differences between males and females. Males should look masculine
while females should look feminine. However both sexes must adhere
to the breed standard. When viewed in profile the midline of the
dog is at elbow and the bottom of the brisket. Severe Fault: Any
hint of achondroplasia
Disqualification: Height under 10 inches or over 12 inches
HEAD
and NECK
The skull is flat and of moderate width gradually decreasing in
width to the eyes and then tapering to a wide muzzle, that narrows
slightly to the end maintaining very strong jaws. The stop is
well defined with minimal falling away under the eyes. The length
of muzzle is slightly shorter than the length of the skull from
the occiput to the stop. The cheek muscles are well developed.
Nose: Black and fully pigmented. Disqualification: Any color other
than black, not fully pigmented.
Ears: Small V-shaped button or dropped ears carried close to the
head of good texture and great mobility. The points of the ears
are even with corner of the eye and pointed downward. The fold
is level with the top of the skull or slightly above and forms
a straight line when alert. Disqualification: Prick or semi-prick
ears. Eyes: Dark, almond shaped with a keen expression of alertness.
Eyes must not be prominent. Eyelid rims are to be fully pigmented
black. Disqualifications: Blue eye or eyes.
Bite/Teeth: The bite is a scissor bite with comparatively large
teeth. A level bite is acceptable. Missing and broken teeth due
to terrier work should not be penalized. The lips are black and
are tight fitting. Disqualification: Over shot, under shot, wry
mouth.
NECK
A clean, strong neck tapering gradually into the withers is required
for terrier work. The neck is of sufficient length to allow the
terriers mouth to extend beyond its forepaws when working.
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulders are well laid back and not heavily loaded with muscle.
The upper arm should be equal or nearly equal to the length of
the scapula forming an approximate 90 degree angle. This assembly
allows for sufficient length of upper arm to ensure the elbows
are set under the body, with the sternum clearly in front of the
point of shoulder. Proper reach matched with equal drive allows
for efficiency of movement.
FORELEGS
Forelegs are straight in bone from the elbows to the toes whether
viewed from the front or the side with a slight angle to the pastern
from the side. Legs are moderately well boned. The depth of the
body from the withers to the brisket should equal the length of
foreleg from elbows to the ground.
Severe Faults: Benched or bent legs, leg length either less/more
than the depth of body.
BODY
The body of the Russell Terrier is proportioned marginally longer
than tall, measuring slightly longer from the withers to the root
of the tail than from the withers to the ground. The overall presentation
is a compact, harmonious rectangular silhouette, in sound athletic
condition. From the withers to the bottom of the brisket should
represent 50% of the distance from the withers to the ground.
The brisket should never fall below the elbow. The loins are short,
strong and well muscled. The tuck up may be described as moderate.
Scars incurred while hunting are not to be penalized. Top line:
Level while in motion. There is a slight arch of loin, from muscling
that is felt rather than seen. Chest: The small oval shaped, compressible
chest is the hallmark of the breed and is the single most important
attribute the Russell Terrier must have allowing it to work efficiently
below ground. It must be compressible and small enough to be spanned
by an average size mans hands, approximately 14"-15"
at the top set. Ribs are to be well sprung from the spine, tapering
on the sides forming an oval shape so that average-size hands
of an adult can span the girth behind the elbows. The chest must
never fall below the elbow. Severe Faults: Incorrectly shaped,
unspannable, uncompressible chest falling below the elbow.
HINDQUARTERS
Muscular and strong; when looking down on the dog, the width of
the hindquarters is equal to the width of the shoulders. Angles
are equal and balanced front to rear. The hind legs, when viewed
from a rear standing position, are parallel. The stifles and low-set
hocks are well angulated, allowing for good driving action.
FEET
Both front and hind are moderate in size, oval shaped, hard padded
with toes moderately arched, turning neither in nor out.
TAIL
The tail is set high enough so that the spine does not slope down
to the base of the tail. Customarily, if docked, the tip of the
tail should be level with the top of the ears. When moving or
alert, the tail may be straight or with a slight curve forward
and is carried erect or gaily. When the dog is at rest, the tail
may drop.
MOVEMENT
Movement must be unrestricted and effortless, while exhibiting
an attitude of confidence. The dog must always be exhibited and
gaited on a "loose" lead. On the lateral, the dog must
exhibit equal reach and equal drive. When moving down and back
at slower speeds the dog must parallel track. As speed increases,
feet tend to converge toward a centerline of balance.
COAT
May be smooth, broken or rough. Must be weatherproof: all coat
types have an undercoat and a harsh outer coat. Coats are preferably
natural and unaltered. The conformation underneath is the same
with no preference being given to any particular coat type. The
belly and underside should be well covered. The terrier is shown
in its natural coat with minimal grooming. Sculpted furnishings
are to be severely penalized.
Smooth- A dense short, coarse smooth hair with an undercoat.
Broken- Intermediate length hair, between smooth and rough, usually
with facial furnishings and possibly a slight ridge down the back.
Rough- Harsh and dense hair with an undercoat. Not thin, woolly,
curly or silky.
COLOR
White is predominate with black and/or tan markings. There is
no preference to markings so long as the dog remains 51% white.
Tan can vary from lemon to mahogany. Ticking is acceptable. Disqualification:
Less than 51% white, brindle coloring, any other color than listed
above.
TEMPERAMENT
An alert, lively, active, keen terrier with a very intelligent
expression. The sporting character of the Russell Terrier is that
of a spirited and game hunter. Their intensity for life is one
of their most endearing traits. They are playful, curious, loyal
and affectionate. Sparring is not acceptable.
Faults:
The foregoing description is that of the ideal Russell Terrier.
Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to
the extent of the deviation.
DISQUALIFICATIONS:
Height under 10 inches or over 12 inches
Prick or semi- prick ears
Blue eye or eyes
Over shot, under shot, wry mouth.
Nose: Any color other than black, lack of pigment
Less than 51% white, brindle coloring, any other color than listed
above
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