The Patterdale Terrier Club of America*

The Patterdale Terrier Club of America was formed in 1993 as a non-profit organization existing for the sole purpose of promoting and developing the Patterdale as a working dog and for gaining recognition as a viable breed. At all times, the PTCA upholds the ideals of honesty and integrity in all Patterdale affairs. We now have 189 members in 27 states, Canada, Great Britain and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The club is non-politically oriented, having no officers, boards or committees. A result, no political infighting is necessary, nor are there time-consuming elections, meetings or seemingly endless debates.

The PTCA holds one annual event each year at a different location, in conjunction with a national hunt No judging of the dogs is evident in the national hunt, but one may be designated as "outstanding" from his/her performance prior to the show.

The PTCA had open registration until September, 1996 at which time it was suggested that an owner should send a 2 generation pedigree and a photograph of any terrier submitted for a registration number. Exceptions are regularly made to this suggestion in an effort to broaden the availability of eligible dogs, however. We now have registered over 630 terriers in 37 states and 7 foreign countries.

Litters are not registered with the PTCA, but an important aspect on a member's application to the club is the indication that they work/hunt their Patterdales or support the concept of working/hunting. We register only Patterdales from work/hunt enthusiasts.

The membership year runs from the date of the application to one year later for all members and the dues are $15.00 per year for an individual and $20.00 for a family. "The Black Dog" newsletter is sent every three months and the prospect of a Yearbook is in the formulative stage. "The Black Dog" features articles on Patterdales, terrier work, and available terriers when members notify the club (all advertising is free).

The Patterdale Terrier has a historical background dating back some 75 years in the Lakes Region of Northern England. These small terriers are used primarily for ground dwelling quarry. Some have been used in wild boar and raccoon hunting. The Patterdale has also gained recognition as an excellent companion for many people by being a very laid-back and quiet terrier.

The Patterdale is a premier working terrier known for its courage and tenacity. Stories abound relating to the willingness of the terrier to work endlessly while in the earth. The bonding traits of the Patterdale give them an overwhelming desire to please their owners while working.

The outstanding trait of the Patterdale is found in its excellence as a earth working terrier. They possess the ability to use the senses of smell, feel and hearing in the pursuit of quarry and it is for these reasons that the Patterdale is fast becoming the most sought after working terrier with many true terriermen; considered by many to be the "Elite of the working terriers".

* NOTE: This information has been contributed by, and is property of The Patterdale Terrier Club of America, and is gratefully used here with permission.

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