U.K.C. recognized the short-legged dogs as Russell Terriers on January 1, 2001. The Russell Terrier is a small, agile, active hunting terrier, built to go to ground. The length of back from withers to set-on of tail is slightly longer than the dog's height at the withers. The body is capable of being spanned by an average man's hands placed behind the front legs. The head is moderately broad, with a flat skull, a well-defined stop, and a powerful muzzle that is slightly shorter than the skull.
Ears are button or drop, and very mobile.
The tail is straight, set high, and normally docked to a length where the tip is level with the top of the ears. The skin is thick and the coat, whether wiry or smooth, is always dense. The Russell Terrier is solid white or predominately white with black, tan or brown markings. The Russell Terrier should be evaluated as a working terrier, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work. Scars should neither be penalized nor regarded as proof of a terrier's working abilities.