Patterdale terriers were developed in the early 1900s in the Patterdale region of England to hunt small animals. In this brief guide, we will study the temperament of this dog and we also have some great tips for training your Patterdale terrier and much more.
Facts and characteristics
- Those who know the Patterdale terrier believe it to be a premier earth-working terrier that has absolutely no substitutes. These phenomenal hunting dogs are comical beasts that were bred to find, track, or trail quarry, especially underground, and sometimes even bolt the quarry.
- Black Fell terriers, as these dogs are also known, were first bred in northern parts of England to assist in killing of foxes. They are superior burrowers.
- A Patterdale terrier named Stingray won two of the biggest dog shows in the World, the Crufts Dog Show in England and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York in 1987- a rare feat!
- A Patterdale terrier named Waffle started collecting balls since a young age. Soon she had a collection of over 1000 balls and she would not let her owner get rid of any of them. Her owner started using this terrier collection trait for charity and fundraising.
- Over the past few years, the popularity of Patterdale dog breed has steadily risen as a working dog as well as a household companion. Thanks to responsible and ethical breeding, this dog breed has a rich history that is recent as well as traceable.
- Several dog breeds were crossed to develop the Patterdale terriers of today, including the Lakeland terrier and the Staffordshire Bull terriers.
- Physical features: the Patterdale terrier size is small; it is a muscular dog having height between 10 and 13 inches and weight between 10 and 17 pounds. Its coat is smooth or broken and either in black, red/bronze/grizzle or black and tan colors. 95% of the breed is black.
- Ethical Patterdale terrier breeders would be more concerned with the practicality of the breed rather than the dog’s outward appearance. That is why these dogs are rarely shown in dog shows. Practicality includes features like strong neck and jaw, ability to squeeze into tight burrows and high durability and endurance.
Where to find a Patterdale Terrier
As always, it is best to adopt instead of shop. If possible, do contact shelters and animal rescue centers instead of seeking Patterdale terrier breeders. You will save a dog’s life by adopting. The price of adopting a Patterdale terrier rescue would also be a lot less compared to that charged by Patterdale dog breeders. Reputed breeders charge anywhere between $300 and $700 for Patterdale puppies.
How do you know if a breeder is ethical or not?
A reputable dog breeder is not looking to make money, but simply cover the expenses of breeding. Avoid breeders who keep more than two breeds or specialize in rare colors. Eliminate from your list breeders who accept only cash or credit. A good breeder will encourage you to meet him at his facility and not somewhere convenient to exchange the puppy and money. You must be able to see where your pup has grown up. Cross off a breeder who has dirty surroundings. Ask your breeder for proper documentation about the pup including health check records, vet’s notes, litter registration etc. A good breeder will also have long waiting list for a pup. He should be willing to answer your questions and in return should ask you several questions about your household. This way; s/he can assess if their dog is a good fit for your household and lifestyle.
Temperament
The Patterdale terrier is a big dog in a small package. Here is a summary of a Patterdale’s temperament:
- These are bold and confident dogs that are tractable and even tempered.
- They are extremely hard working. Once they are behind their quarry, they will track and hunt it down without any attention to personal safety. Many a young Patterdale has even lost its life owing to this trait.
- These dogs are known for their stamina and endurance. They can hunt all day long or play all day long with kids. At the same time, they are perfectly content to spend a quiet afternoon indoors with their loved ones.
- Patterdales get along well with other dogs and family pets; they are not dog aggressive.
- In the United States, they are primarily used as hunting dogs but they also make great household companions.
Training
Training your Patterdale terrier will require you to show resolute unyielding spirit. After all; this is a terrier breed and like all other terrier breeds, it has a low arousal threshold and high pain tolerance. Because they have an independent streak, you’d need to manipulate them into thinking that what you want them to do was their idea in the first place. Read up all you can about terrier behavior. This way, you won’t expect your pet to behave like the retriever next door. Talk to a terrier trainer specialist to understand how a terrier thinks and behaves. If needed, get your pet enrolled in puppy obedience classes. Also socialize him from an early age. Like all terriers, the Patterdale will want to get dirty; so give him interesting toys and mental stimulation that will keep him from indulging in destructive behavior. Create a training plan and stick to. Be consistent, patient and positive and soon you will have an obedient companion for life.
Exercise
These dogs need tons of exercise. Puppies are especially energetic and terrifically bold. Their high prey drive also means you need a fenced yard. Keep your dog active and walk him twice a day for 30 minutes each. You can also encourage your kids play with your pet. Games such as fetch are a treat your dog and they will keep him agile and alert.
Grooming
Patterdale is double coated with a short dense undercoat. They need minimal grooming-about once a week. You can also bathe your pet once a month. Trim his toenails and clean his ears out from time to time to prevent waxy buildup, odor and infections. You must take him for regular vet checkups. Do clean out his anal glands if he starts scooting. Ensure that his eyes are clear and there is no excess gunk flowing out from there.
Common health problems
Common health concerns in the Patterdale terriers include eye problems, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and spinal issues. They are also prone to cranial cruciate disease. Make sure you use flea and tick control for this active outdoor dog. Also feed him healthy food and maintain a regular exercise schedule. Do take him for regular vet checkups to prevent problems and also catch them early on.
