rianova Kennel

Country of Origin: JAPAN

General appearance and characteristics: Small-sized dog, elegant and smart, sleek and cleanly built. Toy with terrier characteristics. Alert, quick and lively temperament.

Size: Ideal height 30 cm. (10-12 inches) for dogs and bitches.

Head and skull: The skull is flat and moderately narrow. The nasal bridge and skull are equal in length. Slight stop. Fore face tapers gently to provide wedge-shaped impression. The cheeks lean and free from fullness. Top and bottom jaws held tightly together within compressed lips. Nose black.

Eyes: Dark to black, without light shading from iris. Small, oval shaped, obliquely set and sparkling.

Ears: Small and "V" shaped, carried well above top line of the head and hanging close to the head above the eyes. Leather of the ears thin. Rose ears are also permitted.

Mouth: Jaws strong, with a perfect and complete scissors bite. The upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. White teeth.

Neck: Long, graceful, slightly arched; line of neck flowing into shoulders and sloping elegantly. Free from throatiness.

Body: The withers high, short back and not too loose. The loins and croup slightly arched and powerful. A tucked-under appearance is desirable. Chest narrow and deep with ribs well-sprung.

Forequarters and hindquarters: Legs falling straight from shoulders with elbow close to chest, providing a straight front. Fine bone eminently desirable. Well- rounded loin leading to a good turn of stifle, hocks well let down, neither turning in nor out.

Feet: Dainty, compact, split tip between toes, well arched with jet black nails. Hind feet cat-like.

Gait/Movement: Nimble and quick, there should be a flowing quality to indicate true soundness. Light and agile.

Coat: Short, of I - 2 millimeters, smooth, close and glossy. Silky texture.

Color: Tri-color, black and tan in the head, white in body.

Faults: Disqualification: monorchid or crytorchid. Long hair.

Major faults: Overshot or undershot mouths.

Minor faults: Slight upper or lower prognatism.

Note: Males should have two visible testicles, fulled descended into scrotum.

• 1)Proportions of Japanese Terrier. Picture taken from I Terrier - G.A. di Somma and A. Marengoni - De Vecchi Editore - Modified by R. Verde
• 2) Correct profiles with "rose" or "V"ears. Picture taken from "The Japanese Terrier" Jun Takahara and Maria Luisa Gonzàlez de Castejón - Madrid - 1993
• 3) Undesirables profiles. Picture taken from "The Japanese Terrier" Jun Takahara e Maria Luisa Gonzàlez de Castejón - Madrid - 1993