The Patterdale Terrier in a line can be described as a smart dog with an attractive appearance. Its athletic body teamed with cute expressions mostly achieved by its round eyes and floppy ears. This breed lives up to its stature as a perfect hunting dog, reflected through its great energy level and immense zeal.
Yet, they fare fabulously well as a family pet always on the lookout to please their master. The Patterdale terrier would also develop a deep bond with kids, emerging as their perfect playmate. However, they could get boisterous, especially during play, and not recommended for younger kids without supervision. They would even form a good rapport with other dogs in your home, mainly when brought up with them. But, they could get irked at the sight of a bird, hamster, or rabbit, so make sure that you do not have smaller pets at home if housing this breed.
The Patterdale terrier came into existence in the first half of the 19th century but was popularized by Cyril Breay, a huntsman and schoolmaster living in England. He used some of the best north England dogs to refine this breed, and the present-day Patterdale is an outcome of the dogs that Brey bred. It has gained more popularity in the United States, recognized by the American Dog Breeder’s Association and the United Kennel Club, though not by the American Kennel Club.
The development of the breed began by cross-breeding several northern terrier breeds
Patterdale Terrier Club of America developed
Gained recognition by the United Kennel Club (United States)
If you have a Patterdale terrier, be prepared to give them plenty of exercises keeping their terrier-like energy levels in mind. Divide an hour’s workout each day into two 20-minute walks and sufficient playtime within a fenced yard. Do not forget the leash since they have an inherent chasing instinct and may get after smaller animals they spot during a walk in the park or anywhere else. Though not ideal as an apartment dog, if housing them in a limited space, make provisions for many indoor games. To channelize their chasing instincts well, you could try out several retrieving games at home like ‘bring the ball’ and ‘find the treat.’
The Patterdale Terrier has three varieties of coat, and the grooming depends on which type you own. The smooth-coated dogs have short and glossy hair, mostly without an undercoat. Those with a rough coat mostly have coarse hairs with long whiskers on their chin and muzzle. Lastly, the long-coated ones have long hairs throughout their body and a thick double coat. The overall maintenance for this breed is easy, though brush at least two days a week if you own the rough-coated or long-coated ones to ensure overall shine.
Cleaning their eyes and ears, brushing their teeth, and trimming their nails on a routine basis is the other hygiene needs to follow.
If giving the Patterdale terrier a homemade diet, make sure it is a combination of vegetables, meat, and fish in measured amounts. However, if giving it store-bought food, then Purina Pro Plan and Eukanuba would be the preferred options.
Because of their intelligence and eagerness to please, the Patterdale terriers are easily trainable. Like most other terriers, they cannot withstand being alone for long. So, start crate training as early as possible to make them used to stay on their own for some time in a day. Leaving them alone for a prolonged period is never recommended, though, since it may trigger destructive behavior.
Teach the Patterdale terrier to follow commands since their puppy days to instill obedience in them. When they know the meaning of ‘Stop’ or ‘Stay,’ they may perhaps refrain from doing any undesirable actions like getting after a prey on hearing your stern command.
