CHARACTERISTICS:
The Border Terrier is essentially a working Terrier. It should be able to follow a horse and must combine activity with gameness.

Head and Skull:
Head like that of an otter, moderately broad in skull, with a short strong muzzle; a black nose is preferable but a liver or flesh-coloured one is not a serious fault.

Eyes:
Dark, with keen expression.

Ears:
Small, V-shaped, of moderate thickness and dropping forward close to the cheek.

Mouth:
Teeth should have a scissor-like grip, with the top teeth slightly in front of the lower, but level mouth is quite acceptable. An undershot or overshot mouth is a major fault and highly undesirable.

Neck:
Of moderate length.

Forequarters:
Forelegs straight and not too heavy in bone.

Body:
Deep and narrow and fairly long; ribs carried well back, but not oversprung, as a terrier should be capable of being spanned by both hands behind the shoulder.

Hindquarters:
Racy. Loin strong.

Feet:
Small with thick pads.

Tail:
Moderately short and fairly thick at the base, then tapering, set high and carried gaily but not curled over the back.

Coat:
Harsh and dense with close undercoat. The skin must be thick.

Colour:
Red, wheaten, grizzle and tan or blue and tan.

Weight:
Dogs between 13-15.5 lbs (5.8-7 kg); Bitches between 11.5-14 lbs (5.2-6.3 kg).

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