Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier is a small sized breed of dog that originated in the Lake District of North West England, traditionally used for hunting and ratting.
It is known for its high energy levels, strong prey drive and loyalty to its family.


Patterdale Terrier Breed overview
Patterdale Terriers are high-energy working dogs that require experienced and attentive owners. They have a strong prey drive, which makes them excellent hunting companions, watchdogs, and outdoor companions. However, they can be stubborn and territorial, requiring consistent socialization and training. They thrive in homes where they have plenty of space to run around and play, receive adequate mental and physical stimulation, and get plenty of attention and affection from their owners.
What To Expect When Caring For a Patterdale Terrier
Exercise
As a highly active breed, the Patterdale Terrier requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep it happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and training sessions are important to help the breed burn off excess energy and maintain its physical and mental well-being. They also enjoy and excel in activities such as agility, tracking, and obedience competitions.
Health
Patterdale Terriers are generally a healthy breed with few genetic health problems. However, some may be prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are important to maintain the breed's health.
Nutrition
As an active breed, Patterdale Terriers require a balanced diet that is high in protein and other essential nutrients. Feeding a high-quality commercial dog food is recommended, with occasional treats and supplements to keep the breed healthy. It is important to monitor their weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly to prevent obesity or other health problems.
Grooming
The Patterdale Terrier has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are sufficient to keep the coat clean and healthy. They do require regular nail trimming and teeth brushing to maintain good oral hygiene.
Training
Patterdale Terriers are known for their intelligence and can be easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Early and consistent training and socialization are important to help the breed develop into well-behaved and well-rounded adults. Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise are highly recommended for this breed.
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Patterdale Terrier Traits & Characteristics
The Patterdale Terrier has a square, muscular body with a broad chest and short, dense coat. It has a broad head, powerful jaws and a strong, muscular neck. The tail is traditionally docked, but can also be left natural. The breed's height standards are typically between 10 and 13 inches at the shoulder.
They have a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Patterdale Terrier tends to be reserved at first meeting, but once they get to know their owners and family they bond closely with them.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Patterdale Terriers are highly energetic and may be too boisterous for young children. However, they can do well in a family with well-behaved and respectful children.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Patterdale Terriers can be territorial and may not readily accept new dogs, especially those of the same sex. Early socialization and training can help them get along better with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Patterdale Terriers are wary of strangers and may bark or be territorial. Early socialization can help them become more comfortable with unfamiliar people.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Patterdale Terriers are highly energetic and love to play, especially fetch and tug of war. They require plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Patterdale Terriers are highly alert and make excellent watchdogs. Their sharp senses and keen awareness make them capable of performing well in various tasks.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Patterdale Terriers may struggle with adapting to new environments and people, so they require patient training and exposure to new places.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Patterdale Terriers have a short and thick coat that sheds moderately. Regular brushing and grooming can help control shedding and remove loose hair.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Patterdale Terriers have a short and easy to care for coat that requires little grooming. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and teeth cleaning are recommended.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Patterdale Terriers are not prone to excessive drooling.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Patterdale Terriers are a small breed that typically weigh between 11 and 13 pounds.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Patterdale Terriers are highly energetic and require ample exercise to stay healthy and content. They enjoy long walks, playtime, and rigorous activities.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Patterdale Terriers require plenty of exercise and physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, rigorous exercises, and playtime with their owners.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Patterdale Terriers are working dogs that excel in various tasks, such as hunting, herding, and guarding. They have a strong prey drive and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay engaged and content.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Patterdale Terriers are natural hunting dogs that excel in pursuing small animals. They have a strong sense of smell and keen awareness that make them excellent hunting companions.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Patterdale Terriers have high levels of energy and physical stamina to perform various tasks and rigorous activities. They thrive in homes where owners can provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Patterdale Terriers are generally healthy dogs but may be prone to certain health issues, such as patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and allergies. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are recommended.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Patterdale Terriers may be prone to gaining weight if their diet and exercise routine are not properly monitored. A balanced diet and plenty of exercise are essential to keep them healthy and happy.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Patterdale Terriers may have difficulty tolerating very cold temperatures due to their short coat. They require extra protection and warmth during the winter.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Patterdale Terriers may have difficulty tolerating very hot temperatures due to their thick coat. They require extra cooling and hydration during the summer.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Patterdale Terriers are highly active and may not do well in small living spaces. They require ample space to run around and stimulate their energy.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Patterdale Terriers have a strong prey drive and may wander off in pursuit of small animals. They require a well-fenced yard or a secure leash when walking outside.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Patterdale Terriers are sensitive dogs and may become stressed or anxious with harsh training methods or negative behavior. They respond well to positive reinforcement and praise.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Patterdale Terriers may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods. They thrive in homes where owners can provide them with plenty of attention and interaction.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Patterdale Terriers are highly vocal and may bark to communicate with their owners, alert them of potential dangers, or express their emotions.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Patterdale Terriers are highly intelligent and require plenty of mental stimulation to keep them engaged and challenged. They excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Patterdale Terriers require experienced owners who can handle their high energy and strong personalities. They thrive in homes with owners who can provide them with consistent training and socialization.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Patterdale Terriers are highly intelligent and trainable but can be stubborn at times. They respond best to positive reinforcement and consistent training methods.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Patterdale Terrier tends to be reserved at first meeting, but once they get to know their owners and family they bond closely with them.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Patterdale Terriers are highly energetic and may be too boisterous for young children. However, they can do well in a family with well-behaved and respectful children.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Patterdale Terriers can be territorial and may not readily accept new dogs, especially those of the same sex. Early socialization and training can help them get along better with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Patterdale Terriers are wary of strangers and may bark or be territorial. Early socialization can help them become more comfortable with unfamiliar people.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Patterdale Terriers are highly energetic and love to play, especially fetch and tug of war. They require plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Patterdale Terriers are highly alert and make excellent watchdogs. Their sharp senses and keen awareness make them capable of performing well in various tasks.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Patterdale Terriers may struggle with adapting to new environments and people, so they require patient training and exposure to new places.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Patterdale Terriers have a short and thick coat that sheds moderately. Regular brushing and grooming can help control shedding and remove loose hair.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Patterdale Terriers have a short and easy to care for coat that requires little grooming. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and teeth cleaning are recommended.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Patterdale Terriers are not prone to excessive drooling.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Patterdale Terriers are a small breed that typically weigh between 11 and 13 pounds.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Patterdale Terriers are highly energetic and require ample exercise to stay healthy and content. They enjoy long walks, playtime, and rigorous activities.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Patterdale Terriers require plenty of exercise and physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, rigorous exercises, and playtime with their owners.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Patterdale Terriers are working dogs that excel in various tasks, such as hunting, herding, and guarding. They have a strong prey drive and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay engaged and content.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Patterdale Terriers are natural hunting dogs that excel in pursuing small animals. They have a strong sense of smell and keen awareness that make them excellent hunting companions.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Patterdale Terriers have high levels of energy and physical stamina to perform various tasks and rigorous activities. They thrive in homes where owners can provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Patterdale Terriers are generally healthy dogs but may be prone to certain health issues, such as patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and allergies. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are recommended.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Patterdale Terriers may be prone to gaining weight if their diet and exercise routine are not properly monitored. A balanced diet and plenty of exercise are essential to keep them healthy and happy.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Patterdale Terriers may have difficulty tolerating very cold temperatures due to their short coat. They require extra protection and warmth during the winter.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Patterdale Terriers may have difficulty tolerating very hot temperatures due to their thick coat. They require extra cooling and hydration during the summer.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Patterdale Terriers are highly active and may not do well in small living spaces. They require ample space to run around and stimulate their energy.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Patterdale Terriers have a strong prey drive and may wander off in pursuit of small animals. They require a well-fenced yard or a secure leash when walking outside.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Patterdale Terriers are sensitive dogs and may become stressed or anxious with harsh training methods or negative behavior. They respond well to positive reinforcement and praise.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Patterdale Terriers may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods. They thrive in homes where owners can provide them with plenty of attention and interaction.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Patterdale Terriers are highly vocal and may bark to communicate with their owners, alert them of potential dangers, or express their emotions.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Patterdale Terriers are highly intelligent and require plenty of mental stimulation to keep them engaged and challenged. They excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Patterdale Terriers require experienced owners who can handle their high energy and strong personalities. They thrive in homes with owners who can provide them with consistent training and socialization.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Patterdale Terriers are highly intelligent and trainable but can be stubborn at times. They respond best to positive reinforcement and consistent training methods.
Similar breeds

History of the Patterdale Terrier
Originally bred in the Lake District of North West England, the Patterdale Terrier was developed for hunting and ratting. It is believed to have descended from a mix of local terrier breeds, including the Fell Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, and Border Terrier. The breed was first recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995.

Patterdale Terrier Puppies
Patterdale Terrier puppies are highly active and require plenty of exercise and socialization from a young age. They are known for their intelligence and can be easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Puppy training classes and socialization with other dogs are highly recommended to help the breed develop into well-rounded adults.