Patterdale Terrier: Your Complete Guide

Patterdale terriers, originally named after the English village of Patterdale, are dogs that were bred for hunting. They love to keep foxes away and hunt vermin. Patterdale Terriers have a strong prey drive and are known for their exceptional tenacity, intelligence, and versatility.

In this article, we will cover all the characteristics of the Patterdale terrier, including their height, weight, grooming needs, energy levels as well as their temperament and social needs.

Whether you already own a Patterdale or want to own one in the future, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and information.

Quick Look at the Patterdale Terrier

Here’s a quick look at the Patterdale Terrier in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Patterdale Terriers?

Patterdale terriers originated from England, and they are famously named after the village of Patterdale. They were a popular breed among farmers who mainly bred them for hunting vermin and keeping away foxes from their herd. Due to their small size, they are agile and nimble and great for catching rats and rabbits that damage crops.

They are also very similar to other terrier breeds, such as the Lakeland terrier and border terrier. Valued for their high prey drive, tenacity, and determination, they have earned recognition as both effective pest control dogs and affectionate family pets since the 18th century.

What Do Patterdale Terriers Look Like?

One of the most prominent and defining features of Patterdale terriers is their weather-resistant coat, which comes in a variety of textures ranging from coarse to smooth and anything in between.

Patterdale terriers lean toward the smaller end of the spectrum when it comes to dog sizes. They have a muscular build and a square-shaped body with broad shoulders and the head tucked back. Their ears are clean, v-shaped, and neatly fold forward.

What Size Is a Patterdale Terrier?

Patterdale terriers typically weigh between 11 and 30 lbs and stand 10 to 15 inches tall. Aside from rare outliers, most Patterdale terriers fall within these size ranges and are categorized as small to medium-sized dogs.

What Is a Patterdale Terrier’s Coat Type and Length?

Patterdale terriers come in a variety of coat types. While all of them are short coats, they can vary in texture and pattern.

Some Patterdale terriers have a smooth coat, which is soft and sleek to the touch, allowing fingers to slide off easily. This type of coat requires minimal maintenance and isn’t prone to matting problems.

Another common coat type is the rough coat. This is the most weather-resistant coat of the three types, but it also requires the highest amount of attention and care. It often ends up matting, because of which it requires proper grooming of the dog.

Other Patterdale Terriers may have a patchy coat, which is essentially a combination of both smooth and rough textures appearing in random patches. It requires a moderate amount of maintenance.

What Is a Patterdale Terrier’s Temperament?

Patterdale terriers are extremely energetic dogs who absolutely love to play and run. Patterdale terriers have the most energetic zoomies, requiring regular physical and mental exercise to stay happy. These dogs seldom rest. On top of that, they are a very smart breed and are quick learners. They also have excellent problem-solving skills. These traits make them highly receptive to training.

They can be excellent watchdogs due to their alert nature, quickly identifying threats and alerting their owner. This, coupled with their fearless attitude (despite their small size), makes them excellent dogs to rely on for guarding either your house or your herd.

Are Patterdale Terriers Good With Kids?

While Patterdale terriers are very intelligent and affectionate dogs, they aren’t the best at tolerating children, especially younger kids who may not understand how to play gently with dogs.

Their energetic nature may lead them to overreact to any form of play the child may engage in. To avoid this, you should always keep both under supervision, even when the breed is gentler and better with children.

Much of this can also be mitigated if they are socialized with children from a young age, helping them develop a better understanding and restraint of children’s habits. They can socialize perfectly well with older children who understand how to play gently with dogs.

Are Patterdale Terriers Good With Other Animals?

Patterdale terriers are not the best dogs when it comes to socializing with other animals. Their high energy, coupled with their strong prey drive, can lead to challenges in social interactions. They often chase cats unless trained otherwise.

Their training isn’t particularly hard, but it is something that needs to be done if you want to keep both pets in peace. They also tend to run after small pets like hamsters or rabbits as well as wild animals such as squirrels. Their prey drive can be suppressed through training, however.

Patterdale Terriers have a tendency to act standoffish and may try to assert their dominance over other dogs, particularly when encountering dogs of the same sex.

Are Patterdale Terriers Aggressive?

Patterdale Terriers are not inherently aggressive, but they do have the potential to display aggression under certain circumstances. They can be very territorial and display aggressive behavior, such as snapping or growling at dogs who come into their space.

They can also be a bit overprotective of their possessions. They don’t like having their toys, food, or resting areas touched by other dogs.

Their prey drive can lead them to behave aggressively towards smaller animals. Their high energy can act as a catalyst for such behavior, and it can worsen if the pup has not been properly socialized during their growth. If you want to make sure your Patterdale behaves well, then you’ll need to train it properly.

Do Patterdale Terriers Bark?

Patterdale terriers are high-energy, vocal dogs who tend to bark a lot, sometimes without any reason. They have a strong instinct to alert their owner to perceived threats. Their pointless barking generally stems from excessive boredom and frustration due to inadequate exercise or mental stimulation.

They are not particularly well-suited for apartment living as their excessive barking may frustrate your neighbors.

Are Patterdale Terriers Affectionate?

Patterdale terriers are great at forming strong bonds with their owners. Each dog may show affection differently, but they love nothing more than giving and receiving love.

They’re not very good at being lap dogs, though, but it’s not because they lack affection. Patterdale terriers simply don’t have the patience to sit in one place for too long due to their high-energy persona.

Are Patterdale Terriers Intelligent?

Patterdale terriers are undoubtedly intelligent. They love to explore and often find creative solutions to challenges, delighting in playful exploration and mischief. As mentioned before, they are very easy to train because they are quick learners who can grasp what their owner wants them to do (especially if there’s a treat involved!).

These dogs are often described as street-smart due to their exceptional problem-solving skills. They can find creative ways to navigate rough terrain, a skill honed since they were bred for hunting purposes.

Are Patterdale Terriers Energetic?

Patterdale terriers are high-energy dogs. They need a lot of attention and playtime and thrive during walks or exercise sessions. They require sufficient mental and physical stimulation to remain happy (which requires time and effort).

Are Patterdale Terriers Easy to Train?

Patterdale terriers are a smart breed and can be easily trained due to their superior intellect. This means that even inexperienced dog owners can easily train them. They not only pick up training quickly but also retain it for longer periods.

Are Patterdale Terriers Good Watch Dogs?

Patterdale Terriers are renowned for having one of the best, if not the best, sets of traits for serving as watchdogs. Their inherent energy levels keep them consistently vigilant, primed to detect any potential threats.

Despite their small size, Patterdale terriers are a completely fearless breed and do not hesitate to confront any threat that comes near their loved ones. They are intelligent dogs and will quickly alert their owners to any threats by barking. While they may bark out of boredom at times, their alert barking in response to a threat is distinct in tone and volume.

Are Patterdale Terriers Good Service Dogs?

While Patterdale terriers are excellent watchdogs, their traits don’t help them when it comes to working as service dogs. It is possible, but it might not necessarily be the best option.

Service dogs need to be calm, patient, and highly focused. Patterdale terriers, on the other hand, are quite the opposite. With their high prey drive, they easily get distracted, and their boundless energy prevents them from staying calm.

How to Care for a Patterdale Terrier?

It is absolutely crucial for Patterdale terrier owners to regularly take their dogs on walks and engage them in frequent exercise. Provide them with an adequate amount of toys and engage in playtime activities, including puzzles, to fulfill both their mental and physical stimulation needs. Regular training sessions can also contribute to meeting these requirements.

Depending on the individual dog’s coat type, they may need regular grooming from their owner. The patchy and rough coats require regular brushing and grooming to maintain their good condition and prevent matting.

Provide the dog with proper nutrition and monitor their food intake carefully to avoid overfeeding, as obesity can be particularly harmful to energetic dogs like the Patterdale terrier.

Do You Need to Groom a Patterdale Terrier?

Grooming requirements for Patterdale Terriers can vary. They have short, dense coats that can be either smooth or rough. Smooth coat terriers are generally low-maintenance and require little to no grooming. A quick brush once or twice a week to remove dust will usually suffice.

Patterdale Terriers with rough coats have wiry fur that can easily tangle. These types need more grooming attention, or they’ll end up matting. Regular brushing keeps their coat healthy and helps make brushing easier.

Do Patterdale Terriers Shed?

Patterdale terriers have a short dense coat and shed minimally throughout the year. They may shed more heavily during the winter season. They are not considered hypoallergenic dogs.

What Health Problems Do Patterdale Terriers Have?

Patterdale Terriers are generally robust and healthy dogs, but just like every other breed, they can be prone to certain health problems.

Patellar Luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position. It can cause lameness or limping in the affected leg.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This is a condition where there is a reduction in blood supply to the femoral head, leading to degeneration of the hip joint. It can cause pain and lameness in the affected leg. Treatment may involve pain management, physical therapy, or surgery in severe cases.

Eye Problems: Patterdale terriers may be prone to various eye issues such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma.

Dental Problems: Like many small breeds, Patterdale Terriers can be prone to dental issues such as tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Allergies: Patterdale terriers may develop allergies to environmental allergens, food ingredients, or flea bites. Keeping your dog’s environment clean, feeding them a high-quality diet, and using flea prevention measures can help minimize the risk of allergies.

How Long Do Patterdale Terriers Live?

The average lifespan of a Patterdale terrier is about 12 to 15 years. Keep in mind, though, that individual lifespan often varies.

What Should a Patterdale Terrier Eat?

Whenever possible, they should be fed high-quality dog food. This aims to provide them with essential vitamins and an adequate amount of protein. They are active and energetic, so it’s recommended to include animal protein directly in their diet as well.

Try to avoid feeding your dog table scraps, as any food containing excess salt and sugar can be harmful to their health. These ingredients can contribute to obesity, greatly increasing the dog’s risk of developing diseases. Try to always keep a source of fresh water for the dog so it can stay hydrated and healthy.

Is a Patterdale Terrier the Right Dog for Me?

Deciding whether a Patterdale terrier is the right dog for you requires careful consideration of your lifestyle, preferences, and ability to meet the needs of this breed.

Patterdale terriers are energetic and lively dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy activities such as hiking, running, and playing fetch. They are social dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship.

They may not do well if left alone for long periods of time and may become bored or destructive if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. If you lead an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor adventures, a Patterdale terrier may be a great companion to join you on your adventures.

They respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods but may exhibit stubborn or strong-willed behavior at times. Consistent training and socialization from an early age are essential to help them become well-behaved companions.

To maintain their overall health and hygiene, you’ll need to regularly brush them, trim their nails, and clean their ears. If you prefer a low-maintenance grooming routine, a Patterdale Terrier may be a good choice for you.

While Patterdale Terriers are not considered hypoallergenic, their moderate shedding and short coat may be more manageable for some allergy sufferers compared to breeds with longer or denser coats.