Do Patterdale Terriers shed?
Yes, Patterdale Terriers shed, though moderately rather than heavily. They carry a dense, weatherproof double coat that comes in smooth, rough or broken-coated varieties, and all three shed some hair year-round with a heavier drop during their spring and autumn coat changes. Compared with a lot of terrier breeds, they are relatively low-maintenance to groom.
What the Patterdale coat is actually like
Patterdale Terriers were bred as working terriers in the Lake District fells, and their coat reflects that job — dense, weatherproof and low-fuss rather than decorative. The three coat types (smooth, rough and broken) all share a close double-layer structure built to shed dirt and water rather than to be shown or styled.
The undercoat is what drives most of the shedding, and it comes away more heavily during the spring and autumn coat changes, when a working terrier in the wild would naturally be adjusting to the season.
How much grooming they actually need
A weekly brush with a slicker or bristle brush is usually enough to keep a smooth or rough-coated Patterdale tidy and to catch loose hair before it ends up on the sofa. Broken-coated dogs benefit from occasional hand-stripping to keep the coat sitting close to the body, though plenty of pet owners skip this and simply brush more often instead.
None of the three coat types need the regular professional clipping that a Cocker Spaniel or Poodle-cross does, which is part of why Patterdales have a reputation as an easier terrier to keep in good coat.
Managing shedding around the house
A rubber curry brush or grooming mitt used a couple of times a week during the spring and autumn coat blow will pull out a surprising amount of loose undercoat before it ends up on furniture and clothing.
A washable throw on favourite sofa spots and regular vacuuming during the heavier shedding weeks does more to manage the mess than trying to stop the shedding itself, which is a normal, healthy part of how the coat works.
Diet also plays a small part in coat condition generally — a working terrier fed an appropriate, complete diet tends to carry a glossier coat that sheds a little less visibly than one on a poor-quality food, though it will never stop the seasonal blow entirely.
Kit for this breed
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
Reusable Washable Puppy Training Pad
A quilted, machine-washable training pad that absorbs accidents and locks in moisture with a leak-resistant base. Reusable for puppy toilet training and senior dogs, in several bone and paw prints.
From£7.99
Microfibre Pet Drying Robe
A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe that soaks up the wet fast after baths, swims and walks.
From£10.99
Absorbent Microfibre Dog Drying Robe
A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe with a handy front pocket to dry your dog off fast.
From£13.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Common questions
- Which Patterdale coat type sheds the least?
- The smooth coat tends to shed the least visible hair day to day, since it has less undercoat volume than the rough or broken varieties. All three still go through the same spring and autumn coat changes, so the difference is one of degree rather than one type shedding and the others not.
- Do Patterdale Terriers need professional grooming?
- Not routinely. Most owners manage a Patterdale's coat at home with regular brushing, and broken-coated dogs occasionally benefit from hand-stripping, but none of the three coat types need the frequent clipping appointments that curly or silky-coated breeds do.
- Is a Patterdale Terrier a good choice for someone with allergies?
- Moderate shedding does not make a Patterdale a safe choice for a genuine dog allergy, since allergens come from dander and saliva rather than hair alone. Anyone with an allergy should spend real time around the specific dog before committing, rather than relying on the breed's coat type.
- How often should I brush a Patterdale Terrier?
- Once a week is usually enough outside the shedding season, increasing to a couple of times a week during the spring and autumn coat blow when the undercoat comes away more heavily. Regular brushing also gives you a chance to check the skin and coat for anything unusual.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.