WHAT IS THE “DUDLEY NOSE?

by Anne Gendron

In the Toy Fox Terrier, the “Dudley Nose” is considered a disqualification. The AKC Standard of Perfection for our breed specifically says: “Nose: Black only with the exception of self-colored in chocolate dogs. Disqualification: Dudley nose.” That certainly is explicit now isn’t it? But what is the “Dudley Nose”?

Frank Jackson in his "Dictionary of Canine Terms" published by Crowood Press of Wiltshire England (1995), p. 81, animals with flesh color noses and light eyes came from a town named Dudley in the "Black Country".
*According to the British Tourist Authority, the term "Black Country" refers to the West Midlands, Dudley is near Newcastle.

The Dudley Nose is a recessive trait and is a “depigmentation” of color and is hereditary. Also known as the “Winter Nose,”, the Dudley Nose has white or pinkish (flesh) coloration and can even be chocolate in color. However, It is important to note that in Toy Fox Terriers, a chocolate nose is the only allowed pigment for a White, Chocolate and Tan-colored dog. All other color variations require a black nose only. The Dudley Nose is inclusive of pigmentation of entire nose or just a portion of it. Sometimes it can show as a line down the middle of the nose.

Let us remember that The Dudley Nose is a disqualifying, major fault. It should never be included in a breeding program. If a dog has a Dudley nose a reputable breed will spay/neuter the dog and place it in a loving home.