11-13 lbs
12-15"
United Kingdom
The Patterdale Terrier has a small compact body that is covered with short smooth or rough coat that comes in black about 95% of the time but can occur in red, brown and black and tan. They are a typical Terrier in that they have a feisty spirit, large personality, and are tough and dependable. But that is not all; they are also friendly, protective and affectionate. While the Patterdale Terrier is cute and cuddly, they have a ton of energy to burn! They were originally bred as hunting dogs for small game such as rats, foxes and rabbits. Quick and curious, they love to roam in the outdoors and enjoy plenty of room to explore and get into mischief. For this reason, the Patterdale Terrier is not suited to an apartment; they need at least a home with a secure yard, or ideally a place in the country. They get on well with children although can compete with them for attention. And because of their hunting instincts, they should not be trusted around small pets at home. Small, tough but very friendly, the Patterdale is a working dog by nature, but is an ideal companion if you have an active life and can keep up with this little turbo charged dog.
The Patterdale Terrier originated from Great Britain. At the time, there were many breeds or types of Terriers, with each district having a different strain of the dog. These dogs were bred to withstand the harsh climate of Northern England and more for their working ability rather than their looks. The Patterdale Terrier origins started in the Lake District area, where Joe Bowman - a Master of Foxhounds - worked to perfect the breed into a feisty, courageous dog capable of taking on fox hunts with a build allowing them to pursue the fox into its burrow. The Patterdale Terrier was small enough to access the fox burrow (and tough enough to do so), which was something the larger Foxhounds couldn't manage. The Patterdale has been developed to withstand squeezing through very small tunnels to follow the quarry, namely the fox or rabbit. They have a strong neck and powerful jaws for a small dog, designed to suit their profession as a hunter. Known to be very courageous, they are descendants of the Black Smooth-Coated Fell Terrier. The Patterdale takes their name from the town where they were first developed and is bred not for appearance and form, but more for their 'tough as nails' attitude and ability. However, due to modern day development, the result of which has seen a reduction in the use of the hunting Patterdale, and it has become an affectionate, loving domestic pet. A new avenue has developed for their talents in that they excel at canine sports such as agility and flyball.
Although small in stature, the Patterdale Terrier has a strong and powerful head that is wedge shaped. The eyes are set wide apart, rounded in shape, and don't protrude which is important for an earth working terrier. Their ears are triangular and fold over but are held out from the head, giving a neat alert appearance to the dog. The neck of the Patterdale is solid for their size, well muscled and blends smoothly into the dogs shoulders. The body is well proportioned for their size, and the legs are powerful and straight. It is the chest of this breed that is its strong point; it is firm yet flexible allowing for movement within tight narrow spaces such as a burrow. The tail is set high and is long and thick, and has been used to pull this enthusiastic dog out of the burrow. While the coat is short in length, it can vary from smooth to broken coated. A broken coated dog may have some feathering around their face which exaggerates their eyebrows, moustache or forms a beard. Perfectly designed, the Patterdale Terrier has the energy to burn, willingness to please, and is a devoted and dedicated small dog.
The Patterdale Terrier is a low maintenance dog in that their short dense fur just requires a good brushing once a week to keep them looking good. They are always busy and being inquisitive and intelligent, they often find themselves in the thick of things. Therefore, exercise is a primary consideration for this dog. But appearance wise, a good brushing and a cuddle and that's it. Rarely do they need a bath, maybe just a good towelling off after a walk in the rain. If you do have to bathe them, use a gentle dog shampoo to protect the natural oils in your dog's coat. These vital oils are what protects them from extreme weather. While you have your Patterdale Terrier sitting in one place for their brushing, take this opportunity to check their ears and eyes for any infection or injury. As well, remember to brush their teeth at least twice a week for good oral hygiene. You probably won't have to cut their toenails, as this active pooch will probably wear them down naturally.
Like most Terrier types of dogs, the Patterdale Terrier has the outgoing, larger than life personality. Confident and lively, they enjoy playing, running and are supreme at hunting out a hidden toy or ball. Because of their energy, this dog is best in a home with plenty of room to roam. They need to burn off that energy or a bored, restless Patterdale can get into trouble. If they can't burn off their energy, they just might rearrange your garden, add some 'design' features to your furniture with their teeth, or chomp up whatever they can find. For the Patterdale puppy, it is important to socialise them well and start training early. As a working dog, they are well adapted, willing to please and have a toughness that ensures they survive a harsh climate. As a family pet, they are adorable, lovable, funny and will be your children's best friend. Like most Terrier breeds, there is a hint of stubbornness which can be overcome by socialising and training. But the instinct to hunt is very strong, so keep your dog in a secure yard, or they will be gone with the wind, chasing down anything that dares to move.
Like a cat on a hot tin roof, this dog is always hopping from foot to foot, eager to get out the door and investigate life! They were born to hunt, and their instincts are very strong. Your Patterdale Terrier will love living on a farm, all those nooks and crannies to patrol and leaves to chase in the breeze. If you are in the town, walk this dog on a leash, as they can be gone in a flash if they catch a glimpse or sniff of something interesting. The chase is everything, and you will have to run after them to catch them. So be warned, keep your Patterdale restrained. They are affectionate family dogs, loving games and activities. Rarely are they the first to stop, unless the game gets boring. They do tend to have a short attention span, so to hold their interest, keep changing things around a bit. This active dog requires a walk or better still - two walks - per day to keep them happy. The Patterdale Terrier is a small dog with a huge personality.
Written by a Golden Labrador Retriever lover Jean Brewer
Published: 04/27/2018, edited: 08/18/2021
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