BRIEF HISTORY
The Old Dominion Terrier is an American breed that has been in development by hunters and farmers since the late 1800s. They trace back to the original cross of Fox Terrier and Manchester Terrier in England. When English immigrants came to the United States, they brought these terrier crosses with them. These versatile farm dogs were crossed with other breeds such as Beagles, Whippets and many other breeds that created what was to become the Rat Terrier. Specific strains of taller standard sized Rat Terriers were bred with Basenji, Feists, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and other breeds to create what we now call the Old Dominion Terrier. Although this breed was created for hunting, it is also very people oriented and would be happy living the city life. This is a happy breed that loves its people
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Old Dominion Terrier should give the impression of a strikingly handsome dog with great strength and intelligence. He is a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful. He should be stocky and squarely built – just slightly longer than he is tall but females can be a little longer than males.
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE
Height at the withers: minimum preferred height for bitches is 18½ inches; minimum preferred height for dogs is 19½ inches. Bitches slightly shorter than the preferred minimum is acceptable as long as the bitch is proportionately built. The height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, should be an inch less than the length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh. Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to length and depth of body.
HEAD
The head is proudly carried. When viewed from the front, the head should form a triangle somewhere between an isosceles triangle and an equilateral triangle. It should neither be too narrow or too wide. Wrinkles may be present on the forehead especially when ears are erect. Wrinkles may be more pronounced in puppies. The skull should be broad and flat. The occiput is not prominent. The cheeks are well-muscled, but never bulging to form jowls. The stop is distinct and the ears are set high. Ears – Erect ears are preferred but tipped is allowed. Button ears are a serious fault and full drop ears are a disqualification. Eyes – Eyes are almond shaped and obliquely set. Eye color can vary with coat color from brown to hazel. Grey eyes are acceptable in blue or blue fawn dogs only. Muzzle – The muzzle is slightly shorter in length than the skull. It should taper along the sides of the nose without being snipey or pointed. A long, narrow muzzle giving a fox-like look is a disqualification. Nose - nose color corresponds with the body color and is entirely pigmented. Flesh-colored noses are considered a fault in apricot or fawn colorations while being a serious fault in other colorations. Dudley and Butterfly noses are a disqualification. Bite – Scissor bite is preferred but a level bite is allowed. Undershot or overshot bites are a disqualification.
NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY
The neck is of medium length, well-crested and slightly full at the base. Well set into the shoulders. Topline – Level back. Body – Balanced with a short back, short coupled and tapering to a definite waist. Ribs are well sprung, deep to elbows and oval. The chest is moderately wide and well filled with a discernible forechest. Tail – the tail is a continuation of the topline. It is traditionally docked between the 2nd and 3rd joint or left natural. The natural tail can be a tight or loose curl over the back. Natural bobtail is a serious fault. A tailless dog is a disqualification.
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulders moderately laid back. Shoulder blade and upper arm are approximately equal length. Elbows tucked firmly against brisket. The forelegs stand straight and parallel with elbows turning neither in nor out. The pasterns are slightly sloping when viewed from the side. The feet are oval in shape. Feet--Oval and compact with thick pads and well arched toes that neither turn in or out. Dewclaws are traditionally removed.
HINDQUARTERS
Broad strong and muscular, with powerful thighs and well bent stifles, giving the angulation necessary for powerful drive. Hind Legs - Stifles well bent. The stifle should not be so angulated as to place the hock joint far out behind the dog. An Old Dominion Terrier should not be condemned for straight stifle until the judge has checked the dog in motion from the side. The stifle joint should not turn out making a cowhock. Hocks, that is, the back pasterns, should be moderately short, pointing neither in nor out, perpendicular when viewed from the side. They should be firm when shaken by the judge. Feet - Same as front feet.
COAT
The coat is short, close lying, smooth and glossy. A very slight fringe along the neckline is allowed. A ruff or wave down the back is allowed but undesirable. Any kink, long hair, wirehair or curl is cause for disqualification. The skin is pliant. Whiskers must not be removed. Absence of coat (total genetic hairlessness) is a disqualification.
COLOR
The Old Dominion Terrier is a flashy dog that comes in many color combinations and patterns - the flashier, the better. Colors should be crisp and clear regardless of pattern. The acceptable colors and their patterns are as follows:
White – White dogs have light skin color. White is the base color and comes in the patterns of Blanket, Calico, Piebald and Phantom. Blanket – is a white dog with a secondary color that covers the body from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, with or without tan points. The head and tail may also be covered. Light to moderate ticking is allowed. Calico – Unlike the Tuxedo pattern, Calico is a white dog with large patches of two different colors. Traditional secondary colors are black and tan where the head is usually either tan or badger marked. Piebald – is a white dog with large patches of a secondary color. Light to moderate ticking is allowed with this pattern. Tan points are allowed. Phantom – is a white dog whose body is a solid white that is clear from any other color. The only secondary color found on this pattern is on the head as a mask or full hood. The secondary color should not extend down the neck. Tan points are allowed. Solid white is a serious fault.
Black – Black dogs have a darker skin pigment than white dogs. Black may be jet black or seal black. Seal Black gives off a reddish-brown color when seen in certain light but it is still black. Seal Black is not a Sable. Sable is allowed but not preferred. Black comes in the patterns of Tuxedo or Pinto. Tuxedo – Tuxedo is a black dog with white socks or stockings, white underside, white chest and white on the front of the neck. White may also be on the muzzle and forehead. Tuxedo must have tan points above the eyes, on the cheeks, outlining the legs or stockings, and outlining the back of the tail. Without tan points, it is a Pinto. Pinto – This is a black dog with white patches. Patches should be large and look like a Piebald in reverse. Pinto can also have a minimum of white that would be limited to the paws and chest, also known as Irish marked, but it must be more than 10% of the overall appearance. There is to be no tan markings in this pattern.
"Tan Points" should be appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat and forechest, on all legs and feet, and below tail. Tan points vary in shades of cream to rust
Acceptable colors in place of black include Chocolate, Red, Apricot, Blue, Brindle, Fawn or Blue Fawn and Isabella, also known as Pearl. Extreme Dilute color such as Lemon and Light Silver are discouraged and faulted. Solid colored dogs and sable are a serious fault while merle dogs are disqualified.
GAIT
Free, balanced, and vigorous, with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting, there is strong rear-action drive. Back remains strong and firm. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog will single-track.
TEMPERAMENT
The Old Dominion Terrier is keenly observant, devoted, full of energy, yet easily trained and obedient. Unlike other terriers, this is a non-sparring breed and generally friendly with other dogs, but may be reserved with strangers. Submissiveness is not a fault. Overt aggression and excessive shyness should be penalized.
The Old Dominion Terrier is an American breed that has been in development by hunters and farmers since the late 1800s. They trace back to the original cross of Fox Terrier and Manchester Terrier in England. When English immigrants came to the United States, they brought these terrier crosses with them. These versatile farm dogs were crossed with other breeds such as Beagles, Whippets and many other breeds that created what was to become the Rat Terrier. Specific strains of taller standard sized Rat Terriers were bred with Basenji, Feists, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and other breeds to create what we now call the Old Dominion Terrier. Although this breed was created for hunting, it is also very people oriented and would be happy living the city life. This is a happy breed that loves its people
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Old Dominion Terrier should give the impression of a strikingly handsome dog with great strength and intelligence. He is a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful. He should be stocky and squarely built – just slightly longer than he is tall but females can be a little longer than males.
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE
Height at the withers: minimum preferred height for bitches is 18½ inches; minimum preferred height for dogs is 19½ inches. Bitches slightly shorter than the preferred minimum is acceptable as long as the bitch is proportionately built. The height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, should be an inch less than the length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh. Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to length and depth of body.
HEAD
The head is proudly carried. When viewed from the front, the head should form a triangle somewhere between an isosceles triangle and an equilateral triangle. It should neither be too narrow or too wide. Wrinkles may be present on the forehead especially when ears are erect. Wrinkles may be more pronounced in puppies. The skull should be broad and flat. The occiput is not prominent. The cheeks are well-muscled, but never bulging to form jowls. The stop is distinct and the ears are set high. Ears – Erect ears are preferred but tipped is allowed. Button ears are a serious fault and full drop ears are a disqualification. Eyes – Eyes are almond shaped and obliquely set. Eye color can vary with coat color from brown to hazel. Grey eyes are acceptable in blue or blue fawn dogs only. Muzzle – The muzzle is slightly shorter in length than the skull. It should taper along the sides of the nose without being snipey or pointed. A long, narrow muzzle giving a fox-like look is a disqualification. Nose - nose color corresponds with the body color and is entirely pigmented. Flesh-colored noses are considered a fault in apricot or fawn colorations while being a serious fault in other colorations. Dudley and Butterfly noses are a disqualification. Bite – Scissor bite is preferred but a level bite is allowed. Undershot or overshot bites are a disqualification.
NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY
The neck is of medium length, well-crested and slightly full at the base. Well set into the shoulders. Topline – Level back. Body – Balanced with a short back, short coupled and tapering to a definite waist. Ribs are well sprung, deep to elbows and oval. The chest is moderately wide and well filled with a discernible forechest. Tail – the tail is a continuation of the topline. It is traditionally docked between the 2nd and 3rd joint or left natural. The natural tail can be a tight or loose curl over the back. Natural bobtail is a serious fault. A tailless dog is a disqualification.
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulders moderately laid back. Shoulder blade and upper arm are approximately equal length. Elbows tucked firmly against brisket. The forelegs stand straight and parallel with elbows turning neither in nor out. The pasterns are slightly sloping when viewed from the side. The feet are oval in shape. Feet--Oval and compact with thick pads and well arched toes that neither turn in or out. Dewclaws are traditionally removed.
HINDQUARTERS
Broad strong and muscular, with powerful thighs and well bent stifles, giving the angulation necessary for powerful drive. Hind Legs - Stifles well bent. The stifle should not be so angulated as to place the hock joint far out behind the dog. An Old Dominion Terrier should not be condemned for straight stifle until the judge has checked the dog in motion from the side. The stifle joint should not turn out making a cowhock. Hocks, that is, the back pasterns, should be moderately short, pointing neither in nor out, perpendicular when viewed from the side. They should be firm when shaken by the judge. Feet - Same as front feet.
COAT
The coat is short, close lying, smooth and glossy. A very slight fringe along the neckline is allowed. A ruff or wave down the back is allowed but undesirable. Any kink, long hair, wirehair or curl is cause for disqualification. The skin is pliant. Whiskers must not be removed. Absence of coat (total genetic hairlessness) is a disqualification.
COLOR
The Old Dominion Terrier is a flashy dog that comes in many color combinations and patterns - the flashier, the better. Colors should be crisp and clear regardless of pattern. The acceptable colors and their patterns are as follows:
White – White dogs have light skin color. White is the base color and comes in the patterns of Blanket, Calico, Piebald and Phantom. Blanket – is a white dog with a secondary color that covers the body from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, with or without tan points. The head and tail may also be covered. Light to moderate ticking is allowed. Calico – Unlike the Tuxedo pattern, Calico is a white dog with large patches of two different colors. Traditional secondary colors are black and tan where the head is usually either tan or badger marked. Piebald – is a white dog with large patches of a secondary color. Light to moderate ticking is allowed with this pattern. Tan points are allowed. Phantom – is a white dog whose body is a solid white that is clear from any other color. The only secondary color found on this pattern is on the head as a mask or full hood. The secondary color should not extend down the neck. Tan points are allowed. Solid white is a serious fault.
Black – Black dogs have a darker skin pigment than white dogs. Black may be jet black or seal black. Seal Black gives off a reddish-brown color when seen in certain light but it is still black. Seal Black is not a Sable. Sable is allowed but not preferred. Black comes in the patterns of Tuxedo or Pinto. Tuxedo – Tuxedo is a black dog with white socks or stockings, white underside, white chest and white on the front of the neck. White may also be on the muzzle and forehead. Tuxedo must have tan points above the eyes, on the cheeks, outlining the legs or stockings, and outlining the back of the tail. Without tan points, it is a Pinto. Pinto – This is a black dog with white patches. Patches should be large and look like a Piebald in reverse. Pinto can also have a minimum of white that would be limited to the paws and chest, also known as Irish marked, but it must be more than 10% of the overall appearance. There is to be no tan markings in this pattern.
"Tan Points" should be appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat and forechest, on all legs and feet, and below tail. Tan points vary in shades of cream to rust
Acceptable colors in place of black include Chocolate, Red, Apricot, Blue, Brindle, Fawn or Blue Fawn and Isabella, also known as Pearl. Extreme Dilute color such as Lemon and Light Silver are discouraged and faulted. Solid colored dogs and sable are a serious fault while merle dogs are disqualified.
GAIT
Free, balanced, and vigorous, with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting, there is strong rear-action drive. Back remains strong and firm. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog will single-track.
TEMPERAMENT
The Old Dominion Terrier is keenly observant, devoted, full of energy, yet easily trained and obedient. Unlike other terriers, this is a non-sparring breed and generally friendly with other dogs, but may be reserved with strangers. Submissiveness is not a fault. Overt aggression and excessive shyness should be penalized.
** NOTE **
This is the original and true standard for the Old Dominion Terrier. The standard was changed on July 8, 2018 without merit when a conversation took place in a Facebook Message which was unlawfully turned into a Club Meeting. Not only was the meeting unannounced but the club Vice-President was not present. Fanatics who were given positions in the club voted to change the standard to a smaller dog, basically making them sub par and equal to the Standard Rat Terrier. This change makes the movement to be a separate breed moot and useless. The key to the Old Dominion Terrier is not just the addition of Basenji blood, but the size and temperament of the Bull and Terrier strains. The Basenji is a smaller breed with smaller neck and narrower chest. The Basenji temperament is also one of an independent hunter and not the velcro type of temperament that bull breeds have. This kennel originated this standard and will breed to this original standard only.
This is the original and true standard for the Old Dominion Terrier. The standard was changed on July 8, 2018 without merit when a conversation took place in a Facebook Message which was unlawfully turned into a Club Meeting. Not only was the meeting unannounced but the club Vice-President was not present. Fanatics who were given positions in the club voted to change the standard to a smaller dog, basically making them sub par and equal to the Standard Rat Terrier. This change makes the movement to be a separate breed moot and useless. The key to the Old Dominion Terrier is not just the addition of Basenji blood, but the size and temperament of the Bull and Terrier strains. The Basenji is a smaller breed with smaller neck and narrower chest. The Basenji temperament is also one of an independent hunter and not the velcro type of temperament that bull breeds have. This kennel originated this standard and will breed to this original standard only.
