Patterdale TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care
Patterdale Terrier. · Henri0800 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Patterdale Terrier is a small hunting terrier from Patterdale, in the Lake District (England), a descendant of the terriers of northern England of the early 18th century. Wikipedia says it is first and foremost a working terrier, bred to face quarry head-on in tight spaces. It is not recognised by the FCI or by the British Kennel Club; its standards belong to American clubs (PTCA, UKC, ADBA).
Quick facts
| Common name | Patterdale Terrier |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom (England) |
| Official recognition | Not recognised by the FCI or the Kennel Club; PTCA, UKC and ADBA standards |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; small terriers usually live 12–15 years |
| Size (males) | 25–38 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | 25–38 cm at the withers |
| Coat type | Smooth, “broken” or rough |
| Common colours | Several colours |
| Energy level | Very high |
| Suited to an apartment? | Only with a great deal of exercise |
| Temperament | Bold, tough, very energetic, stubborn |
| Tendency to aggression | Moderate towards other animals |
| Good with children | Moderate |
| Good with other animals | Poor with small animals; a very strong prey drive |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
Wikipedia says the Patterdale Terrier descends from the terriers of northern England of the early 18th century and was first bred in Patterdale, in the Lake District.
The first club and registry in the breed's history is the Patterdale Terrier Club of America. The British Kennel Club does not recognise it, and the standards exist in the United States (PTCA, UKC and ADBA). The PTCA standard says that signs of work, such as scars, are not penalised.
How the breed developed
- Early 18th century – The terriers of northern England, the breed's ancestors.
- Lake District – It is bred in the Patterdale area.
- Today – Standards in the United States (PTCA, UKC, ADBA).
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★★ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★☆☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★★☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★★ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★☆☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★☆☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★★ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed is not recognised by the FCI or the AKC, so the rating is based on its description on Wikipedia.
Physical characteristics
The PTCA standard, quoted by Wikipedia, describes it as a tough, active terrier, compact and well balanced, measuring 25–38 cm, with weight in proportion, neither too thin nor heavy.
General appearance
The coat can be of three types: smooth (harsh and very short), “broken” (harsh, longer on the body, with whiskers on the muzzle) and rough (longer hair all over, including the face and ears).
| Feature | Patterdale Terrier |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height at the withers | 25–38 cm |
| Coat | Smooth, broken or rough |
| Body | Compact |
| Use | Hunting underground |
| Type | Working terrier |
Wikipedia says the Patterdale Terrier comes in several colours and coat types.
Training and socialisation
The UKC standard, quoted by Wikipedia, says puppies tend to be bold and confident beyond their abilities. It is known as a working terrier, not a show dog, and, like all terriers bred for hunting, it has very high energy and a strong instinct to chase prey.
It needs an experienced owner, consistent training and plenty of activity.
Tips for effective training
- Always keep it on the lead. A very strong prey drive.
- Give it a job. It is a working terrier.
- Be consistent. It can be stubborn.
- Be careful with small animals. It hunts them.
Activity needs and lifestyle
As a working terrier with very high energy, it needs a lot of exercise every day and activities that use its hunting instinct.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks | daily | Energy |
| Search games | daily | Terrier instinct |
| Dog sports | weekly | A busy mind |
Tips for a balanced life
- It is not suitable for beginners.
- The fence must be sunk into the ground.
- Keep it away from small animals.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The smooth coat needs very little grooming; the broken or rough coat is brushed weekly and stripped from time to time.
Common health problems
No health studies have been published for the breed. As with any working terrier, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting injuries | The standard accepts working scars | Cuts, bites |
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of place | Suddenly holds a hind leg up for a few steps, then uses it again |
Other care
- Check it for injuries after outings.
- Look for ticks.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
A very active terrier needs good-quality food suited to its level of exertion.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 370 kcal | 420 kcal | 92–120 g |
| 6.5 kg | 460 kcal | 510 kcal | 120–150 g |
| 8 kg | 530 kcal | 600 kcal | 130–170 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Scars are not penalised. They are signs of work.
- Not recognised in its own country. The British Kennel Club does not recognise it.
- Braver than it is big. Puppies are bold beyond their abilities.
- From the Lake District. The Patterdale area, in England.
- Three coat types. Smooth, broken and rough.
Frequently asked questions
Is it recognised by the FCI?
No; nor by the Kennel Club.
Is it good for a family?
Only for active, experienced owners.
How big does it get?
25–38 cm.
Does it get on with cats?
Hardly; it has a very strong prey drive.
