Patterdale Terrier Breed Standard
The work is the standard for the patterdale terrier
PTCA Working Standard Disclaimer
As the first registry established for the Patterdale Terrier, the Patterdale Terrier Club of America recognizes a principle that we believe stands at the very foundation of this breed:
The work is the standard.
The Patterdale Terrier was developed first and foremost as a working terrier. For that reason, the PTCA believes the most meaningful measure of the breed is its ability to perform the traditional work for which it was created. Working ability, function, determination, soundness, and the traits necessary to perform that work must remain at the center of any serious effort to evaluate, preserve, or advance the Patterdale Terrier.
Appearance, size, color, build, pedigree, reputation, or popularity can never take the place of proven working ability.
The PTCA further believes that the direction, standards, infrastructure, and long-term preservation of any working breed should be heavily influenced by the men and women who actually work those dogs at their traditional purpose. Those who enter the field, observe terriers under genuine working conditions, understand the demands placed upon them, and breed from proven workers possess practical knowledge that cannot be obtained through appearance, theory, or pedigree alone.
For that reason, where standards may exist without meaningful influence from active working terriermen and women, the PTCA believes it has a responsibility to establish and preserve a working standard firmly rooted in the Patterdale Terrier's original purpose.
This standard is not intended to promote one visual type of Patterdale Terrier at the expense of another.
There shall be no inherent preference for a large terrier over a small terrier, nor for a small terrier over a large one. There shall likewise be no automatic preference for a heavier, more powerful-looking terrier over a lighter, more traditionally terrier-like individual, or vice versa.
Different sizes, builds, and physical types may serve different purposes depending upon quarry, terrain, location, and the nature of the work being performed. The question should never simply be whether a terrier fits someone's preferred look. The greater question is whether that terrier is physically capable, functionally sound, and proven in the work expected of the breed.
The PTCA believes that true preservation requires keeping the Patterdale Terrier in the hands of people who understand why the breed exists.
Our responsibility is not to reshape the breed according to changing fashions or personal preferences. Our responsibility is to protect the qualities that made the Patterdale Terrier what it is: a functional working terrier whose value is ultimately demonstrated through performance.
We therefore encourage breeders, hunters, handlers, owners, and fanciers throughout the world to support a standard that places function before fashion and proven working ability before appearance alone.
Let us preserve room within the breed for the different sizes, structures, and working styles that legitimate work may require, while remaining united around the principle that has always mattered most:
The work is the standard.
By keeping working men and women at the center of the conversation, we can help ensure that the Patterdale Terrier remains a working breed not only in history and in name, but in practice for generations to come.
General appearance
** When evaluating Patterdale Terriers, judges must always keep in mind that this breed is, first and foremost, a working terrier, specifically bred for hunting. More precisely, the Patterdale is a hunting terrier designed to confront quarry directly in tight and challenging quarters. Therefore, any signs of work, such as scars or marks, should not be penalized in any Patterdale Terrier Club of America event. When all other factors are equal, the award should favor the terrier with proven working ability.**
The Patterdale Terrier is a tough, active terrier and should give a compact, well balanced image. Height should be between 10" to 16" measured at the shoulders. Weight can be surprisingly high on some individuals, they should present neither a "weedy" or "clunky" image.
CHEST
As a working terrier, the Patterdale must be able to follow it's quarry through small tunnels.
If the chest is too big, the terrier will not be able to complete it's job efficiently.
As a general rule, you should be able to "hand span" the terrier's chest with the fingers of both hands touching.
BACK
The back should be strong and level, with length in proportion to the dogs height.
If the back is too short the terrier may not be flexible enough to move around underground.
LEGS
The legs should be straight, with good bone. The feet turning neither in or out.
The rear should have good angulation, with the hocks turning neither in or out.
HEAD AND MUZZLE
The head should give the impression of strength and be in proportion to the rest of the body. The muzzle should not appear snippy or too blocky.
EYE COLOR
Eye color should be brown/chestnut and in chocolates can be any shade of amber.
TEETH
The teeth should meet in a sissors bite, however a level bite is acceptable.
Undershot or overshot is a fault, and should be considered in the working context.
Teeth lost or broken while working will not be penalized.
EARS
Rose Ears, Half Drop, Prick ears as all seen within the type. Button ear, with tight fold, and tips of ears meeting the skull at the corner of the eye are often preferred.
NECK
The neck should be muscular and proportionate to the head and body.
TAIL
The tail should be set high on rump. It should not be carried over the back.
If you choose to dock, no more than 1/4 should be removed. As an adult, approximately a "palm's width" is preferable, should provide a good "hand-hold".
COAT
The coat may be "Smooth", "Broken" or "Rough".
All types should be dense and coarse.
Smooth: Coarse, overall very short, smooth
Broken: Coarse, longer hair on body except for head and ears which is smooth. May be some longer whiskering on muzzel and chin.
Rough: Coarse, longer hair overall, including face and ears