The Patterdale Terrier is a small dog with a lot of energy. Originally, this breed of dog was bred as a working farm dog, so they are happiest when they have a job to do, especially one that requires smarts and physical stamina.
It is believed that the Patterdale terrier breed was created by breeding the Northumberland Pit terrier and the Old English terrier together, neither of which exist today. However, others argue that it resulted from mixing a black and tan Fell terrier and a blue-black border terrier.
The Patterdale Terrier is one of the lesser-known terrier breeds. Still, their outgoing nature, eagerness to please, and compact size make this pup a great companion for experienced dog owners who spend a lot of time outdoors.
As mentioned above, when it comes to Patterdale terrier size, they are small and won’t get very big, even when fully grown. They are happiest with an “on-the-go” lifestyle that includes hiking and running.
While most Patterdale terrier puppy and adult dogs do fine with other dogs, they have a strong inclination to hunt, which means they should be kept away from dogs and other animals smaller than them.
The Patterdale terrier temperament is often described as bold. They are determined dogs and will run for miles pursuing prey and work tirelessly to finish a task.
Your Patterdale will also want your approval and affection and seek you out for treats and praise as a reward for their hard work and effort. While the breed is eager to please and highly intelligent, they are mischievous, willful, independent, and active, which means training is required to keep them out of trouble and engaged.
Patterdales benefit from experienced dog owners who understand that they need regular exercise and mental stimulation. The breed also benefits from positive reinforcement training.
They won’t do well in small homes or apartments. The breed is much too active to be confined inside all day and since they may bark excessively at times, living in shared spaces, such as apartments, isn’t a good idea.
If you want to bring a Patterdale terrier home, they are best suited for one with a large yard and plenty of opportunities to exercise. This dog is the ideal running, walking, and hiking companion and will keep up with you for several miles.
Since Patterdale terrier puppies have high energy levels, they may overwhelm young children. Because of this, they are not recommended for families with children under the age of seven. However, they are a great family dog for families with older children.
The Patterdale breed loves to be with their families. It is also essential that you socialize your dog to ensure they have positive experiences with new things. Also, make sure they are comfortable around all types of people, including children.
When provided an active home, your Patterdale terrier will reward you with a lifetime of affection and loyalty.
Some common questions that people will ask themselves before committing to this is are “do Patterdale terriers shed” and “are Patterdale terriers hypoallergenic?” The answers to these questions aren’t surprising, considering their short, wiry coat. Yes, Patterdale Terriers will occasionally shed, which unfortunately means that they are not hypoallergenic.
When it comes to grooming, the short, dense coats don’t require much attention. You should brush their coat about once per week and more during the summer months when they shed more than usual. Their coats do not require trimming.
The breed tends to get dirtier faster than other breeds, which is attributed to their active disposition. Because of this, it is recommended that you bathe your pup every four to six weeks. Their nails also grow quickly, and you should trim them once per month.
Be sure to clean your dog’s eyes and ears regularly to help avoid infection. The breed is a smart option if you don’t have the money, skill, or time to care for a higher-maintenance dog. Seasonal flea treatment is also recommended.
When it comes to shedding, it’s worth noting that the Patterdale terrier sheds moderately. It is a completely natural process that occurs within the hair growth cycle. If you brush their coat regularly, you can reduce how much hair is shed. Usually, the level of shedding is also related to how healthy the dog is.
Have you ever wondered, “how long do Patterdale terriers live?” If so, the answer is 10 to 12 years. However, some health concerns need to be understood to ensure they remain healthy and have a good quality of life.
Some of the most common health issues for Patterdale terriers include:
Each of the health issues mentioned here can often be prevented or treated by your dog’s vet. If you are concerned about one of these conditions, be sure to speak to the vet to see what options are available. Making sure to take your dog to the vet is a must, and it is recommended that you do this at least once per year, just for a check-up.
The Patterdale Terrier is a smart, hard-working dog and would make a loyal companion for any family. The breed is also extremely smart and loves to have a job to do.
If you have plans to bring a Patterdale terrier into your home, ensure they get plenty of exercise and have adequate space to run around, as this dog has a lot of energy to get out. If you fail to do this, they may become destructive.
Using the information here will help you know what to expect with your Patterdale terrier and help you give them the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible. There’s no question this is a great dog breed, so be sure to treat them well.
Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland which is believed to be a cause of issues including epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy and skin conditions.
This is a disorder that can be quite easily treated through a dog’s diet and medication.
Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition that means the thighbone doesn’t fit snuggly in the hip joint.
The symptoms are generally pain and lameness which will vary in severity and can be present in one or both rear legs.
Sadly, it’s not uncommon for the disorder to lead to hip replacement.
Make sure you ask any breeder if the puppy’s parents have been tested and cleared for Hip Dysplasia. If they have not, or the issue is present in one or both, find another breeder.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a relatively common disease that is described as when the discs in the spinal column bulge or burst into the spinal cord. Affected discs then press on nerves, causing pain, damage and potentially paralysis.
There are multiple symptoms of IVDD, some more severe than others. They range from unusually unwillingness to jump, crying out in pain, pain and weakness in rear legs, and muscle spasms.
If you know your dog’s breed are predisposed to IVDD, it is very important to take precautions, the most important being discouraging jumping, and keeping their weight down.
IVDD can be diagnosed by a full neurologic exam which will locate exactly which disc is damaged. Special X-Rays may also be suggested, but these don’t show the spinal cord, so a special dye is used. MRI or CT scans may also be necessary.
Treatment depends on the severity of the issue. If the spinal cord is badly damaged, surgery will be needed. For less serious cases, treatment can be purely conservative such as steroids and anti-inflammatories.