Patterdale Terrier Breed Standard

** 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 15" measured at the shoulders. Weight should be proportionate, presenting 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

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 

Button ear, with tight fold, and tips of ears meeting the skull at the corner of the eye. 

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. 

COLOR 

Colors include: Black, Red, Chocolate, or Black and Tan

(There may be some variations in the primary colors.  For instance, blacks may have some lighter hairs, red may range from tan to deep rust and some black around muzzle is not uncommon, chocolates may be a very dark chestnut, or lighter brown/chocolate (a true chocolate will have a brown/red nose) and black and tans may have more or less of these colors on each individual dog, but the only registerable colors are those listed above)  

Chocolate-colored dogs will have a brown nose.
(Officially called a "red" nose) 

Some white on chest and feet is acceptable. 

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT 

Height may range from 10 to 15 inches.
Weight should be proportionate to the terrier's height.  Twelve to twenty pounds would be average. 

A very muscular dog will weigh more than it looks. 

You should be able to feel the ribs, but not see them. 

DISQUALIFICATIONS 

(1) Cryptorchid 

(2) Shyness or viciousness 

Terriers with these disqualifications should not be bred.