Patterdale Terrier
Overview
A tough Lake District working terrier bred to go to ground after fox and rat, the Patterdale is hardy, fearless and inexhaustible. Compact and low-maintenance in coat, but high in drive. It suits very active owners who'll provide lots of exercise and stimulation, firm training, and careful management of a serious prey and digging instinct.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Patterdale Terrier is fine with sensible, older children and can be selective with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are better with some experience. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Patterdale Terrier typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is easy-care and shedding is low. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Patterdale Terrier should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Hardy, fearless and full of energy
- +Compact, low-maintenance coat
Things to consider
- –Very high prey drive and a strong instinct to dig and chase
- –Needs lots of exercise, stimulation and firm training
Is a Patterdale Terrier right for you?
On space, a Patterdale Terrier is best with a garden — they do best with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise. For experience level, they are better with some experience. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Patterdale Terrier
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Patterdale Terriers good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Patterdale Terriers tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Patterdale Terrier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Patterdale Terrier needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Patterdale Terriers shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Patterdale Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Patterdale Terriers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Patterdale Terriers bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Patterdale Terriers good with other dogs?
Can be selective with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Patterdale Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Patterdale Terrier is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.