With a Patterdale Terrier by your side, life with a dog never gets boring! The lively four-legged friends bring all their energy and joie de vivre to an active everyday life. After a long day in the fresh air and lots of exercise, they enjoy time with their family – and who knows, maybe they dream of their next adventures in front of the fireplace.

Patterdale Terrier – working dog with a friendly nature

Countless sheep live in the wildly romantic Lake District of England. Foxes are a constant threat. With the aim of developing a suitable hunting dog that keeps the fox in check without threatening the sheep, breeders created a robust, strong-willed and at the same time people-friendly dog breed around the village of Patterdale: the Patterdale Terrier. Today, the robust working dog has a fan base worldwide, which ensures the preservation of the breed, although it is only recognized by a few associations. The Association for the German Canine Society (VDH) also does not list the Patterdale Terrier, which can make the search for a reputable breeder difficult. This makes it all the more important to check the chosen breeding facility.

The character of the Patterdale Terrier

The Patterdale Terrier is a working dog selected for performance, toughness and determination. It is a courageous, focused and always highly motivated hunter who faces every encounter with game unconditionally and even actively seeks it out. On English farms, the task of the terriers, who were often kept in packs, was to hunt, confront and kill foxes and badgers that threatened the sheep or chickens on the farms. If necessary, the handy four-legged friend can crawl into the burrow of the robbers and grab hold of it. An anatomical peculiarity allows it to make itself very narrow and flat. Its character and physical toughness is outstanding: it cannot be stopped by blackberry vines, watercourses or other obstacles.

His strong character traits such as his pronounced hunting instinct, his courage and his tenacity are complemented by a great friendliness towards people. Most “pattis”, if they have been well socialized, are neither aggressive towards humans nor other dogs. However, they are vigilant and always ready to defend you. When this is necessary, the attentive dogs decide for themselves, if you do not pay attention to appropriate training from the beginning.

Education and Husbandry

Strong-willed, energetic and independent – the Patterdale Terrier is not one of the cooperative, easy-to-lead dog breeds. Its attitude and training are demanding and require some dog experience. The attentive, intelligent working dogs are best left with people who can do justice to their irrepressible urge to move and their enthusiasm for work. It is an advantage if the four-legged friend rarely has to stay alone, because most Patterdale Terriers do not like that. They like to have their humans or at least their dog pack around them all the time.

Plenty of space, a large garden and a breed-appropriate workload have a positive effect on the trainability and everyday suitability of the lively terrier. In addition to hunting, protection dog sports, mantrailing and agility can be suitable activities. Patterdales that are so busy are usually wonderful, loving family dogs that are considerate and careful with children of all ages.

The right start with the Patterdale puppy

As soon as you take over the offspring at about 9 to 12 weeks, you have to start with clear and structured training. The clever patties are not afraid to take the lead themselves if you do not fill this role. Most breeders therefore do not give their puppies to dog beginners.

Anyone who already has experience with dogs in general and with terrier breeds in particular will appreciate the antics and ideas of the young rascals. They are always ready to learn something if you package it playfully. Exercises around impulse control and frustration tolerance must be firmly integrated into everyday life from the very beginning so that the highly reactive dogs learn to take a step back and find calm. This also applies to dealing with other dogs. A dog school with trainers with terrier experience and puppy playgroups make a valuable contribution here. Socialization with other dogs as well as people of all kinds is the focus of education in the first weeks at home.

Caring for the Patterdale Terrier

The terriers selected for robustness have either a smooth, firm coat or easy-care trimming coat. Twice a year, you should have old hair professionally removed by trimming this coat type. In between, occasional brushing is sufficient. The bundles of energy hardly shed in everyday life with such care.

Because the Patterdale is tough, it does not necessarily indicate possible injuries, so check your eyes, ears, teeth and claws regularly to detect small injuries suffered in the heat of the moment at an early stage.

Special features and health

If you want a Patterdale to complement your family, it can lead to problems with existing pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or cats. Patti is born with a strong hunting instinct – but can learn who belongs to the family. Your tact and consistency are crucial here. Never leave the young dog alone in a room with small animals.

Like all young small dogs, Patti should not climb stairs or jump higher distances in the first few months, such as on or off the couch. This can put strain on joints and ligaments.

With an active life, plenty of exercise and adapted feeding, Patterdale Terriers can live up to 15 years or older.

ProfilePatterdale Terrier

Also check out these smaller terrier species:

• Cairn Terrier: The Scots have a heart for terriers and bred the Cairn Terrier in addition to other breeds. The dog should be versatile, attentive, courageous and yet friendly to its own family. The fuzzy Scotsman meets all these requirements and convinces with a successful mix
• Manchester Terrier: The Manchester Terrier is considered one of the most original British dog breeds. His passion and task was rat hunting. To this day, this hunting instinct is in his blood, which is why the elegant, black-brown terrier needs a very good education.
• Norfolk Terrier: The Norfolk Terrier makes an incredibly sympathetic first impression with its wavy, long fur and funny face. It lasts just long enough until the terrier discovers a cat and rushes away chasing away despite all calls.
• Norwich Terrier: The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest terrier breeds. In recent decades, it has developed from a hunting dog to a family and companion dog. Nevertheless – the terrier heritage cannot be denied: The Norwich Terrier is up for any fun.
•  Jack Russell Terrier: He is small, nimble and inspires with his droll nature: The Jack Russell Terrier is a charming clown and extremely smart. This should not hide the fact that the little dog needs consistent training and an experienced owner.
• Welsh Terrier: The Welsh Terrier is one of the rarest terrier breeds in the world. Its roots could go back to the Celts. In recent decades, its task has changed from hunting to companion dog. The intelligent small dogs are lovable family members.
• West Highland White Terrier: In the 1990s, the West Highland White Terrier became a fashion dog. The snow-white fuzzy head with the button eyes became a popular family companion. But hand on heart: It’s also hard not to fall in love with the Westie.
• Welsh Terrier: Cute button eyes flash out from under the bow that don’t miss anything. That’s how you know the Yorkshire Terrier from TV. You could think of him as a cuddly toy, but far from it: The Yorkshire Terrier is an agile action dog with a strong character.