Breeding Standards

 

 

The Following information is provided by the United Kennel Club, Who have recognised the dog breed since January 1995. They have categorised the breed, to find out more about each category click on the link below (pictures of examples have been provided by www.patterdaleterrier.co.uk, not the United kennel Club):

 

GENERAL APPEARANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

A sturdy, tough, active, little terrier. As a working terrier, it has to be capable of squeezing through very small passages underground to follow its quarry. A big terrier can cut off its own air supply. Therefore, its chest is not too big.

The dog presents a compact, balanced image, with straight legs.

Scars resulting from wounds received while working are considered honourable and are not to be penalized.

HEAD AND SKULL

The head and muzzle are strong and powerful.

TEETH - A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a level bite. Teeth broken, or incisors lost, while working are not to be penalized.

EARS - The moderate size ears fold to the side of the cheeks.

NECK

The strong, muscular neck is of moderate length. A strong neck helps as much as a strong jaw in killing vermin.

BODY

The body conveys an active appearance. The chest is not too big, capable of being spanned behind the shoulders by average-size hands. The strong, straight back is in proportion to the height. Not too long, not too short. Too short a back in proportion to the terrier's weight makes him awkward underground.

TAIL

The tail is set high. Its length is in proportion to the body, usually about five to seven inches in length if docked, however tail docking is now not legal in the UK. The tail is sometimes the only thing by which to pull a terrier out when you have dug down to him.

COAT

The coat may be smooth or broken coated. Smooth-coated dogs have a dense coat.

A good coat is important to protect against the wet underground and briars.

  Broken coated

  Smooth-coated

COLOUR

Acceptable colours include: black, red; liver (with a red nose); grizzle, black and tan; bronze. Ninety-five percent of the breed will produce black-colour dogs, but the odd dog of all colours will come with white feet and chest. Some of the best ones are marked like this.

HEIGHT & WEIGHT

Height range is from 12 to 17 inches.

Weight ranges from 10 to 17 pounds. The dogs weigh more than they look.