Patterdale Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

4.9-5.8 kg

Height

25-40 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Patterdale Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Also known as the Black Fell Terrier, the Patterdale Terrier was originally bred to hunt foxes. Patterdale terriers bark less than other English Northern terrier breeds but are energetic dogs and maintain a strong chase instinct.

This dog does well in obedience programs and trains easier than other terriers though they still pack plenty of energy, so make sure you have the time and attention to offer this lively and loyal dog.

What is the history & origin of the Patterdale Terrier?

Breeding of Patterdale terriers began in the early 20th Century in the harsh and wet environment of the Lake District in Northern England.

Here they were used for hunting small animals and also for protecting sheep from would-be predators.

What is a Patterdale Terrier breed?

The Patterdale is a hunting dog breed as well as one that protects livestock. This shows us it’s a loyal, protective dog but one with a keen chase instinct that is easily put into chase mode by smaller animals.

Their protective instinct makes them effective guard dogs and will develop these behaviours with or without training, displaying an intuitive sense of telling an intruder from a guest.

They benefit from at least 30 minutes of exercise and should be kept on a lead due to their strong chase instincts. Also, be wary of leaving them alone in the garden as they’re liable to dig their way out!

Who is a Patterdale Terrier best for?

Patterdales make good family pets and also enjoy dog sports, though there are a few caveats.

They are best suited for families with older children simply because their energy could lead them to bump very small children over or display behaviour that could be seen as threatening. Patterdales are just naturally lively dogs with a strong protective instinct that, if it isn’t properly socialised, can lead to them appearing antisocial.

They do well around poultry and livestock due to their in-built history of protecting these animals, but their prey drive can make it difficult if you own any other smaller pets like cats. If they are raised with a cat, they are generally well behaved but may chase cats they don’t know.

If these dogs are raised and trained properly, they make loyal companions who are friendly with people they know and strangers alike.

Patterdale Terrier Grooming & Shedding

This small dog breed can either have a smooth coat or a wiry, rough coat. Either way, the fur will be dense to protect their bodies from poor weather conditions and predators.

The smooth coat will be dense and coarse, while the wiry coat’s hairs tend to stick up and is generally a messier look. Either way, Patterdales are generally black but can be shades of brown and sometimes have white patches on their paws and chest. They also have a little beard and moustache.

They will need to be brushed 1-2 times a week to help them shed their dense undercoat, you can get a groomer to do this, but it’s easy enough to do yourself. Their nails should also be clipped once or twice a month; you’ll know they’re too long if you hear them tapping the floor.

Try and instigate a grooming routine as early as possible in your dogs’ life, so they get used to the ritual, making it much easier for both of you.

Do Patterdale Terriers bark a lot?

Patterdale Terriers have a keen instinct to bark, as they were bred partly for protection, so when they bark, they’re simply trying to alert you to something and not be aggressive.

This is one of the reasons they make such good guard dogs for families and livestock.

This breed trains especially well, so if barking is something you’re conscious they are easily conditioned not to fall back on this hardwired instinct. Their sense of friend or foe is so strong that they will still bark if they’re alerting you to an unexpected guest.

What is the average weight & height of a Patterdale Terrier dog?

Patterdale terriers are small dogs but have sturdy, muscular builds. They tend to stand between 25-40cm tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 4.9-5.8kgs once fully grown.

They have a small wedge-shaped head to help them fit into small spaces and a design of their hunting background to allow them to fit into animal burrows.

Are Patterdale Terriers easy to train?

While Patterdales are easier to train than most terriers, they can still be stubborn learners.

Once Patterdales have learned a lesson, they will remember it for life, but the initial teaching process can be difficult as they have short attention spans, and it can be tricky to get their attention back once it’s gone.

You can fix this by keeping your training sessions brief and fun. Another trick is to have a good supply of treats on hand; Patterdales are very food-focused, so incorporating food into your training will speed up the process, plus it will help train them to hand-feed.

How do Patterdale Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

This working dog’s background makes it a stubborn, driven dog that gets bored easily. This combination can make for a difficult dog to raise at times, making them difficult to recommend to first-time owners.

If their needs are not met, such as not receiving a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise in a day, or if they are left to their own devices, boredom will set in, which can manifest as aggressive or destructive behaviour.

They can be trusted around other dogs and small children with effective training and socialisation in early life. This means it’s important to teach them boundaries as puppies, especially as chasing small dogs or children while at play can activate their strong chase instinct.

Does the Patterdale Terrier have any common health issues?

Patterdales rarely suffer from congenital health defects and are generally healthy dogs, enjoying a good lease on life over their average 15-year lifespans.

However, it’s always important to keep an eye out for certain potential issues. They can suffer from more joint issues than larger dogs because of their high energy output and energetic lifestyles.

They can also suffer from glaucoma or cataracts more than other dogs. Most dogs can live a full life without vision issues, but keep an eye out for the following symptoms just in case –

Eye Conditions: They are prone to glaucoma and cataracts. Watch for symptoms such as:

Cloudy eyes
Squinting
Watery eyes
Eye redness
Eye itching

What is the lifespan of a Patterdale Terrier?

The average life expectancy of a Patterdale is between 12 and 15 years.

How much does a Patterdale Terrier need to be fed?

Patterdales require two cups of nutritious, high-quality food every day. It should have a good spread of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This will vary depending on their age, size, and levels of activity. If you’re buying from a breeder, they will provide you with a feeding guide.

If you’re feeding your Patterdale good quality food, it will require less in general to meet their daily requirements. Always keep track of what they eat and don’t leave food out for them as they won’t be able to stop themselves.

How much can you expect to pay for a Patterdale Terrier in Australia?

Purebred Patterdales can be bought from breeders for between $700-$1000.

Patterdale Terrier FAQs

Is a Patterdale Terrier ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Patterdales aren’t recommended for first-time owners. Because of their working dog background, Patterdales have high levels of energy and stubbornness, which can make them tricky for first-time owners to manage.

Though, with the right amount of dedication and training, they can be effectively socialized into loyal, loving dogs.

Do Patterdale Terriers suffer from separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety can be a big issue with Patterdales. This dog has high energy levels, which require plenty of exercise and good mental stimulation. If they are left alone with no outlet for this energy, it can express itself as troubling, anxious behaviour.

Separation anxiety can lead to chewing furniture, excessive barking, or urinating in the home. You can fix this by gradually increasing the time you need to take away from them so they can adjust to it and also by leaving them with enough chews and toys to keep them occupied.

Are Patterdale Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Unfortunately, this dog has a double coat, which it sheds throughout the year, so it is not hypoallergenic.

Will a Patterdale Terrier need professional grooming?

A Patterdale requires straightforward brushing twice a week and monthly nail clipping. They will also need their coat stripped a few times a year to help shed their undercoat. These are straightforward jobs which you can do by yourself or with a professional.