Patterdale Terrier Complete Breed Guide

Patterdale Terriers are small, feisty dogs who are excellent hunters. They love being outside and have lots of energy. Patterdale Terriers need a strong owner who’s assertive and can be a leader in the face of this dog’s never-back-down attitude.

Patterdale Terriers originated in England as a feisty breed used for hunting. They may look tiny, but these dogs have huge spirit. They are tough when hunting and won’t back down to anything. Unfortunately, that attitude often carries over into their interactions with humans, and they require a strong, experienced owner who knows how to be the leader of the pack—otherwise you’ll be answering to a small dog with lots of demands.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

Families with a large fenced-in yard and families who hunt make the best owners for the Patterdale Terrier. These dogs do not do well in apartments and need lots of daily attention. Since Patterdale Terriers have such an intense hunting instinct, they generally do not do well with cats. They can learn to get along with other dogs they are raised with, but they usually need early socialization around other canines to be social around other doggies. Patterdale Terriers get along with older, more respectful children, but sometimes don’t appreciate a poking and prodding toddler.

Exercise & Activity

They need to be both mentally and physically challenged to stay happy and out of trouble; dogs that become bored often begin to misbehave. If left inside for too long, Patterdale Terriers can begin to act lethargic and resist exercise, which is a surefire path to an unruly, misbehaving dog on your hands later on! Take your Patterdale Terrier for daily walks on different paths, and if you hunt, bring them with! The Patterdale Terrier’s favorite activity is chasing after wild game and running free in the field.

Patterdale Terriers are generally wary of strangers and will let you know if any strangers are approaching. It’s important to socialize them at a young age so they don’t act aggressively toward strangers or other animals. Patterdale Terriers love to dig, especially if it's after a mole or any other small animal that’s gone underground.

Patterdale Terriers can either have a smooth coat that is short and dense or a broken coat that’s a little bit longer with more facial hair. Both coats are easy to care for and only require a brushing about once a week to keep them looking their best.