Patterdale Terrier

ORIGIN: England

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: The Patterdale Terrier comes to us from the hills of Fell in northern England. The breed is refereed to some times as “The Little Black Dog From England. The breed has existed for well over several centuries. This little dog has and is bred to go to ground and hunt game that can weigh as much as 3 to 4 times there own weight. The Patterdale Terrier is a EARTH DOG. The Patterdale we know today possess all traits of a true working Terrier. The little black dog from England has the heart of a lion. (The Following Breed Standard Was Provided By Carpe Diem Kennels)

GENERAL APPEARANCE: This little dog will appear lighter then their actual body weight, they are very solid. The dog should be balanced possessing a sturdy, strong and active look.

HEIGHT & WEIGHT: The height allowance is 11 to 15 inches at the withers. (12 inches is considered ideal). The dogs weight can range from 10 to 17 pounds.

HEAD: The dogs head must be strong and powerful looking. If the dog is being shown in the conformation ring the judge should never penalize a dog for scars that are apparent that have been received from working and doing their job.

EARS: The ears should be moderate in shape and size. The ear should not be to long or short. A fold provides a reversed triangle and should lay flat against the dogs cheeks.

TEETH: A scissor bite is preferred, a level bite is acceptable and an undershot bite should be tolerated.

NECK: The neck should be strong, muscular and moderate in size.

BODY: The body should possess a balance with looking at the length; from the front of the chest to the back of the rear area to height; from the bottom of the dogs chest to the top of the withers.

LEGS: Both front and back legs should be straight.

TAIL: The tail is always docked to the length of 5 to 7 inches. This length is usually the width of your hand which enables you to pull the dog out of a hole if need be.

COAT: There are two basic coats smooth and broken (wire). The smooth coat on this breed is thick not smooth like the Doberman Pincher. The smooth coated dog can even poses fringe or whiskers so to speak on the muzzle. The broken coat should not be to long and should have a good under coat.

COLORS: Black makes up 90% of the breeds color. Chocolate and Red make up about 9%, Black with tan markings make up about 1%. White markings are permitted on the chest & feet area.

DISQUALIFICATION’S: The absence of a or both testicles fully descended. A timid temperament.