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Patterdale Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Patterdale Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank227
Reviews3
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Patterdale Terrier dog profile picture
OriginEngland flagEngland
Other Names
What other names does the Patterdale Terrier have?
Black Fell Terrier
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Patterdale Terrier Breed

Patterdale Terrier Size and Weight

Size
Is a Patterdale Terrier small, medium or large dog?

How big do Patterdale Terrier get?

What is the average size of a Patterdale Terrier?

Small
Weight
How much does the Patterdale Terrier weigh? How much should a Patterdale Terrier weight? What is the normal weight of a Patterdale Terrier? How much does a full-grown Patterdale Terrier weight?
11-13 pounds (5-6 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Patterdale Terrier?
12 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Patterdale Terrier? Patterdale Terrier height:
12-15 inches
Average Height
What is the average height of a Patterdale Terrier?
13.5 inches

Patterdale Terrier Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Patterdale Terrier puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Patterdale Terrier in the United States? How much money is a Patterdale Terrier?

Where to buy a Patterdale Terrier with a good pedigree?

$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Patterdale Terrier, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Patterdale Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Patterdale Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Patterdale Terrier? How many Patterdale Terrier are there in the world?
Average: The Patterdale Terrier is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Patterdale Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Patterdale Terrier? Is the Patterdale Terrier breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Patterdale Terrier ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Patterdale Terrier dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Patterdale Terrier?
Patterdale Terrier dogs are hard to train. They don't really get the association between commands and actions. If you want them to obey, you should be very consistent and patient while teaching.
Watchdog Ability
Is Patterdale Terrier good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Patterdale Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Patterdale Terrier dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Patterdale Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Patterdale Terrier can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Patterdale Terrier will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Patterdale Terrier Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Patterdale Terrier have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
EnergeticIntelligentConfidentFriendlyInquisitiveBold
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Patterdale Terrier sensitivity:
Sensitive: Patterdale Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Patterdale Terrier a good family dog?
Average to High: Patterdale Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Black Fell Terrier need? Patterdale Terrier social needs:
Patterdale Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Patterdale Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Patterdale Terrier roam?
Patterdale Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Patterdale Terrier have high prey drive?
Patterdale Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Patterdale Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Patterdale Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Patterdale Terrier dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Black Fell Terrier bark?
Average: The Patterdale Terrier barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Patterdale Terrier good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Patterdale Terrier in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Patterdale Terrier breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Patterdale Terrier indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Patterdale Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Patterdale Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Patterdale Terrier be left alone? How long can you leave a Patterdale Terrier alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Patterdale Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Patterdale Terrier has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Patterdale Terrier? How much bite force does a Patterdale Terrier have? How strong is a Patterdale Terrier bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Patterdale Terrier bite force: Weak. The Patterdale Terrier bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Patterdale Terrier measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Patterdale Terrier may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Patterdale Terrier being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Patterdale Terrier bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Patterdale Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Patterdale Terrier can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Patterdale Terrier bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Black Fell Terrier? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Patterdale Terrier? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Patterdale Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Patterdale Terrier do?
Patterdale Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Patterdale Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Patterdale Terrier Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Patterdale Terrier dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Patterdale Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Patterdale Terrier breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Patterdale Terrier breed? Most common health risks of Patterdale Terrier:
Conjunctivitis
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Patterdale Terrier breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Patterdale Terrier see the vet?
Frequent
The Patterdale Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Patterdale Terrier dogs live? How old can a Patterdale Terrier be? What is the age limit of the Patterdale Terrier? How many years can the oldest Patterdale Terrier live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Patterdale Terrier?

How long is the lifespan of a Patterdale Terrier?

11-13 years
The average lifespan of Patterdale Terrier: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Patterdale Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Patterdale Terrier have? What is the activity level of the Patterdale Terrier?
Patterdale Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Patterdale Terrier need? How much exercise do Patterdale Terrier dogs require per day?

Do Patterdale Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

Patterdale Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Patterdale Terrier breed need?
Patterdale Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Patterdale Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Patterdale Terrier need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Patterdale Terrier breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Patterdale Terrier? How much food should I feed my Patterdale Terrier?
1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Patterdale Terrier risk for obesity:
Low: The Patterdale Terrier has good luck with genetics. This breed doesn't need to worry about obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Patterdale Terrier weight regularly.

Patterdale Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Patterdale Terrier have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseRoughSmooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Patterdale Terrier coats?
BlackBrown Golden
Grooming
How to groom the Patterdale Terrier and how often? How often should I take my Patterdale Terrier to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Patterdale Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Patterdale Terrier is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Patterdale Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Black Fell Terrier? Do Patterdale Terrier dogs shed a lot?
Patterdale Terrier dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Patterdale Terrier need a bath? How often should you give a Patterdale Terrier a bath? Can I bathe my Patterdale Terrier every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Patterdale Terrier breed hypoallergenic?
No
Patterdale Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Patterdale Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Patterdale Terrier drool?
The Patterdale Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Patterdale Terrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Patterdale Terrier.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Patterdale Terrier Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Patterdale Terrier dogs get along with other pets? Are Patterdale Terrier dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Patterdale Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Patterdale Terrier temperament with other people:
Patterdale Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Patterdale Terrier dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Patterdale Terrier temperament with children:
Patterdale Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Patterdale Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Patterdale Terrier breed live with a cat?
Patterdale Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Patterdale Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Patterdale Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
Patterdale Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Patterdale Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Patterdale Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Patterdale Terrier dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Patterdale Terrier dogs good office canines? Do Patterdale Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Patterdale Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Patterdale Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Black Fell Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Patterdale Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
Patterdale Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Patterdale Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Patterdale Terrier be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Patterdale Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Patterdale Terrier be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Patterdale Terrier be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Patterdale Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Patterdale Terrier be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Patterdale Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Patterdale Terrier be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Patterdale Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Patterdale Terrier be a boat dog?

Not really

Patterdale Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Patterdale Terrier be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Patterdale Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Patterdale Terrier dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Patterdale Terrier Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Patterdale Terrier pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Patterdale Terrier breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Patterdale Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Patterdale Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can the Patterdale Terrier breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Patterdale Terrier have? How many puppies can a Patterdale Terrier give birth to?
2-5 puppies

Patterdale Terrier Recognition

AKC Group
Is Patterdale Terrier recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Patterdale Terrier recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Patterdale Terrier breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubAmerican Rare Breed Association

Patterdale Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Patterdale Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Patterdale Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low: The Patterdale Terrier has good luck with genetics.
  • Adaptability: Patterdale Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Patterdale Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Patterdale Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Cons
  • Trainability: Patterdale Terrier dogs are hard to train.
  • Health Issues: Patterdale Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Patterdale Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Patterdale Terrier breed.
  • Office Friendly: Patterdale Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Patterdale Terrier dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Patterdale Terrier History

The Patterdale Terrier is originated from a village situated in the north of England, named Patterdale. The breed is closely related to the Fell Terrier, a different type of terrier that was developed in a nearby village. According to the natural surroundings and the climate conditions in that area, both of these breeds, the Patterdale and also the Fell, were bred to be very tolerating and well-adjusting to extreme weather conditions. Albeit, some experts believe that the Patterdale Terrier is descended mainly from the smooth, black-coated Fell Terriers.

A more common theory suggests that a breeder named Joe Bowman of Ullswater Hunt is credited with creating the breed through careful and well-planned line breeding. During his breeding process, he crossed blue and black coated Border Terriers with black and tan Lakeland Terriers to develop the first litter of Patterdale Terriers. It was believed for a long time, that he was the only breeder, but other sources indicate that some other breeders also contributed to his successes.

The Patterdale Terrier was originally bred to hunt foxes, rats and to control the various vermin populations that were predatory on sheep. Thanks to the dogs’ small bodies, they were able to squeeze into narrow tunnels and burrows to flush out the game. They have fearless and lively personalities because the breed was bred to bolt the quarry out of the den or to dispatch it if it chose to fight. In addition to obedience training, Patterdale Terriers are also excelling in other hunting and sporting activities too. In recent years, the breed has begun to be the best in Flyball and other areas of dog agility. One Patterdale Terrier named Chip won first the British, then the European Flyball Championship in 2012.

In 1978, the first Patterdale Terrier was brought to the United States of America to gain more popularity, but the breed remained more well-known in its homeland, in England. However, it seems that the dogs are gaining more attention, all thanks to their exceptional qualities both as working dogs and family pets. Not being an ancient breed, the UKC (United Kennel Club) recognized the breed in 1995. Even though the breed has remarkable hunting and working skills, the AKC (American Kennel Club) did not recognize them yet, because the dogs’ appearance still seems too unpredictable in comparison to other purebreds.

Rate The Patterdale Terrier Breed

Patterdale Terrier Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Faye

    Mar 4, 2023, 6:45:03 PM:

    We have had 3, 1 from pup and 2 rescues. They are very intelligent, loving & loyal.Need lots of physical exercise & mental stimulation, clear rules & they are the most amazing dogs

  • Matt Smith

    Jun 26, 2021, 10:14:19 PM:

    Be warned.. they are one of the most stubborn dogs you can train and their prey drive means you may lose them down a fox or rabbit hole if you let them off the lead. If you are not hunting with this dog I wouldn't get it.

  • Jen Everlark

    May 22, 2020, 9:04:53 AM:

    Absolutely love my Patterdale! He’s moderately bitey but it’s easy to contain! Also, these dogs are really energetic and tend to pull a lot on walks. Good family pets but do have favourites, who they stick to.