#Patterdale terrier breed profile

Bred for endurance and strength in England’s Lake District, the Patterdale Terrier is muscular and hardy. Their distinctive weatherproof coats – smooth, broken or rough – come in black, red, chocolate or black and tan.  

Known for their independence and enthusiasm, Patterdales love diving headfirst into holes or digging out prey, and they won’t back down from a fight with a cornered rat! This makes them better suited to active owners or outdoorsy families with older children who can provide the daily exercise and mentally stimulating games they crave.

The Patterdale Terrier’s temperament can make them a bit bossy and even unpredictable with unfamiliar dogs, making early socialisation important. It also means they’re not always tolerant of very young children. Because hunting is their passion, it’s unfair and unrealistic to trust them around cats or small pets. Even well-socialised Patterdales may find squeaky, fast-moving, fluffy things irresistible. Patterdale Terriers typically live 12-15 years.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the breed.

##What is a Patterdale Terrier?

Not officially recognised as a pedigree breed by the UK Kennel Club, Patterdales are instead considered a "type". They’ve always been bred for working ability over looks, making them distinctive, hardy, and lovable, but too variable for official breed status (for now).

#Common Patterdale Terrier health issues

More robust than many pedigree breeds, Patterdales can still develop health issues. Here’s what to watch for:

##Physical issues

• Luxating patellas: This occurs when the kneecap slips out of its groove. You might notice your dog skipping a step or holding up a leg – though true to form, many Patterdales keep charging on. It usually pops back on its own, but over time, it wears down cartilage and leads to arthritis and stiff knees. Early surgery for severe cases can help protect the joint.
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: A rare but painful condition where the blood supply to the ball-shaped head of the thigh bone is disrupted, causing it to collapse or flatten. Pain and restricted movement may mean that surgically removing the damaged portion of bone is the best option, allowing the surrounding muscles to take over.
  

##Eye problems

• Conjunctivitis is common due to allergies or diving headfirst into burrows and bushes.
• Lens luxation occurs when the eye’s lens – normally held in place just behind the pupil – becomes dislodged. In Patterdales, this can happen on its own or as a complication of cataracts or glaucoma. If the lens falls backwards, it may cause discomfort, but when it falls forwards, it can block fluid drainage and cause sudden, painful glaucoma. Red or squinting eyes always warrant a vet visit.

##Stomach issues

While generally hardy, hunting and scavenging can lead to gastroenteritis and make them more prone to intestinal worms. Regular deworming is essential.

##Skin issues & allergies

• Parasites, thorns, and minor injuries are common from outdoor adventures.
• Grass seeds are a particular nuisance; they can even work their way into a dog’s tear duct!  
• Atopic dermatitis may develop in some Patterdales, causing chronic itching, ear infections, and secondary skin infections. Long-term management typically includes a combination of medicated baths, sprays, supplements, and prescription meds to control the itch and reduce long-term skin damage.
  

##Medical conditions

Older Patterdales can develop hormonal issues like Cushing’s, hypothyroidism, or diabetes. Keep an eye on appetite, thirst, energy levels, and toileting habits as they age.

#Caring for a Patterdale Terrier

Boundless energy, bottomless holes, mischief, and a take-it-or-leave-it attitude to food –here's how to keep your Patterdale thriving:

##Diet & nutrition tips

• High-quality small-breed food suits most Patterdales.
• They can be picky, but don’t fall into the trap of tempting them with treats.
• It’s common for healthy Patterdales to skip the odd meal.
• Offer meals at regular times and let exercise help build appetite.
  
  
  

##Training & exercise tips

• Secure your garden: They dig, climb, and escape!
• Work with their instincts: Games like fetch, tug, or true working life suit them best.
• Use positive reinforcement: Independent dogs don’t respond well
  to battles of will.
• Socialise early: Walking with other dogs helps manage barking and dog reactivity.
• Mental stimulation is vital: A bored Patterdale will find their own “jobs”, and you might not like them.

When Patterdales have too much energy, not enough exercise, and no outlet for their intense hunting instincts, behaviour can deteriorate fast. Add in a noisy street, unfamiliar people or dogs, and their independent, sometimes bossy nature can turn into hypervigilance or aggression. While sometimes labelled a behavioural problem, this is often the inevitable result of placing unrealistic expectations on a working dog.

##Grooming tips for Patterdale terriers

Patterdales have a weatherproof double coat with stiff outer hairs and a dense undercoat.

• Smooth coats: Coarse and dense, not soft.
• Broken coats: Mix of wiry and wavy hairs.
• Rough coats: Longer coats with beards, moustaches and eyebrows.

Hand stripping, not clipping, helps maintain the coat’s natural texture, especially for broken and rough coats. It mimics natural shedding by gently pulling out dead hairs and, when done during shedding season, isn’t painful.

Brushing once or twice a week is usually enough, but a quick post-walk brush helps remove seeds and thorns, and allows you to check ears, eyes, and feet for injuries.

#Patterdales in a nutshell

Patterdale Terriers are determined, energetic, and bold. With the right care – plenty of exercise and mental stimulation – they make great companions for owners who appreciate their working roots. Treat them like the little powerhouses they are, and they’ll reward you with a lifetime of muddy, joyful adventure.

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