Short-legged, rectangular, drop-eared and long-coated. Well made and well muscled.

Very agile working terrier, hardy and tough, plenty of stamina.

Friendly and companionable. Somewhat reserved towards strangers, but neither aggressive nor of a nervous disposition.

Relatively long. Skull slightly arched; slight but distinct stop. Head forms a blunt, long but not too broad triangle when viewed from above. Nostrils large. Nose black in grey-blue dogs; liver in light brown dogs.

Medium-sized, friendly expression. In blue-grey dogs – black or brown; in light brown dogs – light to dark brown.

Medium size, triangular, high set and folded above the level of the skull. Pendulous, carried close to cheeks.

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Level bite acceptable.

Medium long, elegant but strong. Slightly loose skin at throat.

Muscular, well-laid shoulders. Elbows free moving. Forelegs straight, strong-boned.

Medium length, rising slightly to well-arched loin. Brisket more cylindrical than deep. Ribs well sprung, loin relatively long, broad and muscular. Slight tuck up.

Strong, muscular upper thighs, short lower thighs. High set, strongly developed hock. Hind legs stand parallel.

Round, arched and well padded. Forefeet larger than hindfeet.

Long, medium set. At rest hangs with tip slightly raised. Carried slightly upwards when dog is moving.

Propulsive movement. Brisk and vigorous with plenty of drive. Parallel movement fore and aft.

Slightly wavy with silky sheen. Not overabundant. Clipped except on foreface and skull (forming beard and brows), legs and belly. Eyebrows prominent. Transition between clipped and unclipped must be gradual. Hair on back and neck no more than 1.5 cm (½ in) long.

Grey-blue or light brown. Yellow and grey markings allowed on cheeks, underside of muzzle, neck, breast, lower parts of legs and under tail. White collar or tail tip permissible. Skin on grey-blue dog – grey; on light brown dog – flesh coloured. Striping, (brindling) or solid black coat is only acceptable in dogs under two years of age.

Height 25-32 cms (9¾-12½ ins). Ideal height: dogs 29 cms (11½ ins); bitches 27 cms (10½ ins). Weight 6-10 kgs (13¼-22 lbs).

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 and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

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