Russell Terrier Breed Magazine - Showsight

shape nor is it compressible, it is, however, useful for compar- ing your hand size to the 14"-15" or smaller size requirement, when placing your hands around it. A 2 liter soda bottle is also the incorrect shape as it is also round but it has a circum- ference of approximately 13 ½ ". Th e process is pictured in the diagrams to the left. Proportion also defines the Russell. In profile, the silhouette represents a distinct rectangle when measured from the point of shoulder to the point of hip. Russells are slightly longer than tall, but not excessive long bodied. In height, the dog must maintain a 50/50 proportion. From the ground to elbow is equal to the distance from the bottom of the brisket to the top of the withers. Simply, the midline of the dog is where the elbow and the bot- tom of the brisket meet. Th e Russell terrier is not a short legged or a deep chested, square or thick bodied terrier. Russells pres- ent no hint of achondroplasia (dwarf characteristics): no benched fronts or Queen Ann legs, enlarged head or any deviation of the required 50/50 height proportion. Again, the chest must never hang below the elbow. Th e above deviations from the standard are very serious faults representing a lack of breed type. Th is is a lithe, slimly built terrier with smooth muscle transitions, moder- ate bone, angulation fore to aft and a moderate tuck up. Th e head shape is blunted wedge when viewed from front or side, having parallel planes in profile. Th e muzzle is slightly shorter than the back scull when measured from nose to stop and then from stop to the occiput. Th e stop is well defined with minimal falling away under the eyes. Th e nose is black. DQ: Any color other than black, lack of pigment. Th e eyes are dark brown; almond shaped having tight fitting dark rims and good width between eyes. Eyes are never close set, light, yellow or blue. DQ: Blue eye or eyes. Th e correct bite is scissors with level being acceptable. DQ: under shot, over shot or wry bites. Ears are small and are dropped, the ear set is level with the top of the scull and tips hang close to the head and measure to the outer edge of the eye. DQ: Prick or semi-prick ears. Russells may be smooth, broken or rough, with no prefer- ence. Coats must be weatherproof: all coat types have an under- coat and a harsh outer coat. No preference is given to markings. Markings may be tan, black or tri colored with no preference to color or placement of markings as long as the dog remains 51% white. 51% white equals white belly, legs, chest and white on the body. Blankets are not acceptable. DQ: Less than 51% white, brindle, any other color than listed. Th e Russell Terrier gait is lively and purposeful. Movement must be unrestricted and e ff ortless, while exhibiting an attitude of confidence. He is a horizontal moving dog and should always be exhibited on a loose lead. Th e Russells’ lateral movement is balanced fore to aft having equal reach to equal drive. His double tracking coming and going movement converges to the centerline as his speed increases. Russells are not a sparring breed; they are pack dogs and must be amenable to other dogs at all times, as traditionally they lived and worked with the fox hounds. Th ey are an alert, lively, active, keen terrier with a very intelligent expression. Th eir intensity for

While on the table move the rear of the dog toward you so the tail-end is closest to you.

Slide your hands around the chest, thumbs meeting over the withers and fingers meeting at the mid-line.

Raise the dog onto the back legs and then exert slight pressure on the rib cage top to bottom.

220 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , M ARCH 2014

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