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Russell Terrier — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

companion_breed_standard_russell_terrier_dog

companion-breed-standard en 2026-08-02

Russell Terrier — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

  • *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The breed was developed in Great Britain as a small, active, predominantly white working terrier built to go to ground.
  • *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Under FCI it is placed in Group 3 (Terriers); the FCI standard reproduced in the source is number 339 (there titled Parson Russell Terrier), with utilization given as a working terrier able to go to ground, shown with an optional working trial.
  • *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat may be smooth, broken or rough, all weatherproof with a harsh outer layer over an undercoat; no coat type is preferred.
  • *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Colour is predominantly white with black and/or tan markings, and the dog must stay at least 51 percent white; tan ranges from lemon to mahogany.
  • *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The standard describes the temperament as alert, lively, active and keen, a spirited and game hunter that is playful, curious, loyal and affectionate; sparring is not acceptable.
  • *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Height is set at 10 to 12 inches; a dog under 10 or over 12 inches is disqualified.
  • *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Disqualifying faults also include a nose of any colour but black, prick or semi-prick ears, blue eyes, and an overshot, undershot or wry mouth.
  • *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Further disqualifications are a coat with less than 51 percent white, brindle colouring, or any colour outside those listed, as well as any dog showing clear physical or behavioural abnormality.

Sources

Russell Terrier — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)
Source document: AKC (American Kennel Club) & FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale)
AKC (American Kennel Club) & FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale)Official breed standards (factual data points + section outline extracted verbatim)retrieved 2026-08-02

Verification file: pdf-raw/breed-standard/russell_terrier_combined.txt