The Patterdale Terrier has a historical background dating back some 75 years in the Lakes Region of Northern England. There 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 premiere working terrier known for its courage and tenacity. Stories abound relating to its willingness to work endlessly while in the earth. The bonding traits of the Patterdale give them an overwhelming desire to please their owners while working. An outstanding trait of the Patterdale is its excellence as a "go-to-ground" 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" and is considered to be the "elite" of the working terriers.

The Patterdale Terrier Club of America (PTCA) was founded in June 1993 by Robert H. Burns to preserve, encourage and promote the working ability of the Patterdale. Working is the foremost consideration. Nothing, absolutely nothing , takes precedence over this concept. The ownership, working, and breeding of Patterdales with the correct size, character, and attitude to perform is utmost.

Since its initial 11 members in 1993 the club has grown to almost 200 members (in 1997) in 28 states and four countries. The PTCA issues certificates for Terrier Work (the TC or Terrier Certificate); the McNab Certificate (earned by hunting 3 different quarry in one day); the Terrierman Certificate (for continuous excellent work ), the PTCA Hall of Fame (for great contributions to the PTCA and development of the breed), as well as the Hall of Fame (HOF) for outstanding terriers which have greatly influenced the breed in America. These certificates are designed to require the most demanding criteria in the world and should be considered the penultimate in recognition. The program sets the standard for the rest of the terrier world and are not given out arbitrarily.

The PTCA issues a quarterly newsletter "THE BLACK DOG" . Members are encouraged to write about working experiences and to furnish information and photographs about their experiences with the Patterdale. Issues include the names of members that are willing to have other members join them in their respective areas for terrier work. It also publishes information on upcoming events such as the Annual "Patterdale Nationals" show and hunt. The PTCA is a non-profit, non-political organization having no officers, boards, or committes. As a result, there is no political fighting; nor are there time consuming elections, meetings, or seemingly endless debates.

 The PTCA hopes that by promoting the use of the Patterdale for their true intended purpose, it will encourage breeders to retain their most important characteristic: their working ability. If the unique working instinct is lost, then we have truly lost a rare and unique terrier.

THE PTCA is currently undergoing some re-organization.  Join the pattlist on-line discussion for the most recent communication-- or check back here on occasion and I will update the links.