The
Patterdale Terrier is a tough, active terrier and should give a
compact, well balanced image. Height should be between 10" to 13"
measured at the shoulders. Weight should be proportionate, presenting
neither a "weedy" or "clunky" image.
Scars
received while working will not be penalized and should be considered a
badge of honor. In conformation evaluation, with all things being equal
...a terrier with working scars should be given precedence over a
terrier with none.
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. Two types of head may be prevalent; a Bull terrier
influence or a Lakeland terrier influence.
The
muzzle should not appear snippy.
TEETH
The
teeth should meet in a scissors 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" or "Rough".
Both types should be dense and coarse.
COLOR
Colors
include: Black, Red, Chocolate, or Black and Tan.
Chocolate-colored
dogs may have a liver-colored nose.
(Officially called a "red" nose)
Some
white on chest and feet is acceptable.
HEIGHT
AND WEIGHT
Height
may range from 10 to 13 inches.
Weight should be proportionate to the terrier's height.
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
(Neutered
dogs or spayed bitches are not prohibited from conformation, as it does
not affect their ability to work).
(2)
Shyness or viciousness
Terriers
with these disqualifications should not be bred.