Patterdale Terrier: All You Should Know About The Life And Features Of This Awesome Dog
Patterdale terriers are high-energy little canines despite their size. These small canines, which were originally bred to labor on farms, are at their happiest when they have a task to do, particularly one that tests their mental and physical fortitude.
You’re not familiar with the Patterdale terrier, are you? You’re not alone.
Despite the fact that she is one of the less common terrier breeds, this working dog is an ideal match for experienced dog owners who want an active four-legged companion to tag along on outdoor adventures due to her compact size, outgoing nature, and eagerness to please.
These characteristics make her a working dog. Although they are small dogs, attaining a height of 10-15 inches and weighing less than 13 pounds, Patterdale terriers have the activity requirements of much larger breeds due to their high level of energy.
They were designed to be working dogs and perform best with an active lifestyle that includes activities such as running and hiking.
It is best if they are the only dog in the household at all times. Patterdale terrier puppies are friendly and ready to please, and they can develop into fantastic companions if given the appropriate amount of exercise and trained in a manner that is consistent and focused on rewards.
Patterdale Terrier Traits
Appearance
Patterdale terriers were not bred for their good looks but rather for their power and stamina because they were originally developed as working terriers to hunt vermin. This indicates that their outward appearances can vary significantly from one another.
All Patterdale terriers are small in size, ranging in height from ten to fifteen inches and weighing less than thirteen pounds. They have long legs, which give them a strong build, and their triangular ears can be folded down.
But Patterdale terriers have an entirely distinct appearance in terms of the length of their coats, the texture of their coats, and the color of their coats.
These canines have a double coat, with the undercoat being rather short and dense. Their protective top coat can have a smooth, rough, or wirehaired (sometimes called broken) texture, and it can be any of these in different combinations.
The hair that makes up a smooth coat is coarse, dense, and stiff; the hair that makes up a broken coat is longer as well as coarse and wiry, and the hair that makes up a rough coat is the longest and coarsest of all the coats.
Her mane features shades of black, red, liver, chocolate, grizzle, black and tan, bronze, and black and tan with bronze markings. Patterdale terriers of any color can have white markings on the chests and feet of their breed.
Temperament
The disposition of a Patterdale terrier is best characterized as bold: these tenacious little dogs will put in an incredible amount of effort to accomplish a goal and will sprint for kilometers in chase of their prey.
They are extremely tenacious in their quest for affection and approval, going to great lengths to find their owners so that they can be praised and given sweets as a reward for all of their hard work.
The Patterdale terrier is a highly intelligent breed that is ready to please, but she is also active, independent, willful, and mischievous.
It takes the appropriate amount of training and activity to keep her occupied and out of mischief, despite the breed’s high intelligence and eagerness.
According to Marissa Sunny, CPDT-KA, a canine behavior specialist at Best Friends Animal Society, “Patterdale terriers are extremely intelligent dogs who take pleasure in both learning new things and having a job to complete.” It is essential to maintain their level of activity and interest.
Patterdale terriers require a lot of daily exercises, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement in their training to reach their full potential as companion animals.
The breed does best in the hands of an experienced dog owner who is willing to make these commitments. Patterdale terriers provide their owners with a high level of devotion and affection in return for providing them with an active home.
The Coloring And The Coat
There are three distinct sorts of Patterdale coats: smooth, broken, and rough. Smooth coats are coarse, dense, and stiff; there are no waves in their appearance.
Guard hairs in broken coats are longer than those on smooth coats and are harsh, wiry, and occasionally even wavy. Broken coats are more likely to have a tangled appearance.
Dogs with damaged coats may also have facial furnishings that create a beard, mustache, and eyebrows. These canine features are known as “facial furnishings.”
Last but not least, rough coats are always furnished, have a coarser texture than the other forms of coats, and are longer than those other varieties.
The following color combinations are considered acceptable for this breed: black, red, chocolate, grizzle, black and tan, and bronze. It’s possible to find a solid Patterdale or one with white spots on the chest and feet.
Care
Patterdale terriers require relatively little grooming.
Their short, dense coats need to be brushed approximately once a week (more frequently in the summer, when the dogs shed), and their coats don’t need to be trimmed because it’s an easy operation that you can accomplish on your own.
It is sufficient to bathe a Patterdale terrier once a month to eliminate any dog smell. To prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworm illness, Patterdale terriers, like dogs of all other breeds, need to eat high-quality food, receive routine veterinary treatment, and take preventative drugs.
When it comes to taking care of a Patterdale terrier, the most important things you can do are make sure it gets enough exercise and receives proper training. According to Sunny, these are working canines who adore being given responsibilities to perform.
To facilitate the acquisition of new skills and the mastery of fundamental cues, Patterdale terriers should be trained using high-energy, interactive games that offer both physical and cerebral stimulation.
When you’re training them, it’s crucial to provide positive reinforcement so that they feel like they’ve earned a treat, Adds Sunny. “It’s important.” “I always suggested getting them started on their training as early as possible,” he said.
Nutrition
A nutritious diet that takes into account the Patterdale Terrier’s age (puppy, adult, senior), as well as its activity level, is essential to the dog’s health and well-being.
To ensure that your dog stays at a healthy weight, it is important to monitor the amount of food that they consume and to provide them in appropriate portions.
Also, keep in mind that treats shouldn’t account for more than ten percent of your dog’s total daily calorie intake. During mealtimes, Patterdale Terriers could develop a possessive attitude toward their food.
Talk to your veterinarian or a trainer for advice on how to deal with your dog’s aggressive or resource-guarding behavior if you observe any indicators of these types of behaviors in your pet.
Grooming
Brushing the coat of your Patterdale once a week with a slicker brush can help eliminate any stray hairs. This will also assist in preventing tangles from developing on coat types that have longer hair. In addition, they should have their ears cleaned and their nails trimmed consistently as part of their grooming practice.
In addition to this, it is a smart idea to put together an effective dental hygiene routine. Adult dogs almost always suffer from some form of dental disease at some point in their lives. It can contribute to more major problems if it is not treated.
Brushing his teeth at home and getting professional cleanings will both help lower the chance of dental problems for your dog.
Exercise
Patterdale Terriers are high-energy dogs that require a significant amount of mental and physical stimulation daily. Your dog can get rid of surplus energy by going on multiple walks on a leash throughout the day, going on long runs or treks, or playing in a fenced-in backyard.
In addition, dogs of this breed perform exceptionally well in competitive obedience, rally, and agility competitions.
Training
Patterdales, in keeping with their terrier heritage, are as intelligent as they are obstinate. Therefore, when training this breed, you should use a method that is authoritative but kind. Additionally, make an effort to maintain a lighthearted and interactive atmosphere during the training sessions by providing ample amounts of positive reinforcement.
Health
The average lifespan of a Patterdale terrier is 10–12 years, and throughout that time, the breed is predisposed to developing several different health problems.
Obesity
Patterdale terriers are susceptible to gaining excess weight if they do not receive an appropriate amount of daily activity. There is a correlation between obesity and a variety of adverse health outcomes, including osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and a shortened lifespan.
To maintain a healthy weight in Patterdale terriers, it is important to practice portion control and give them enough activity.
Eye Problems
Eye issues The breed is predisposed to several eye issues, one of which is glaucoma, which is brought on by an increase in the pressure that builds up behind the eye.
Squinting and wet eyes are among the symptoms, and the condition can ultimately lead to blindness. Both the pain and the patient’s vision may be preserved with the use of medication and, in more severe circumstances, surgery.
Patterdale terriers are also susceptible to lens luxation. This genetic condition causes the lens to shift out of its normal location between the iris and the retina.
The lens may either move toward the front of the eye (anterior luxation) or the back of the eye (posterior luxation) (anterior luxation). This illness causes excruciating agony and significantly raises one’s risk of going blind. The only treatment available is surgery, which may involve the removal of the affected eye.
Joint Problems
Patterdale terriers are predisposed to several joint illnesses, the most common of which is hip dysplasia. This excruciating ailment manifests itself when the ball and socket of the hip joint are not properly aligned, resulting in a severe grinding sensation within the joint.
Hip dysplasia can be managed with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication in the majority of instances; however, surgery may also be required in some circumstances.
Additionally, there is a higher incidence of intervertebral disc disease, often known as IVDD, in dogs of this breed.
This is a degenerative disorder of the spine that occurs when there is a loss of cushioning between the discs or when there is a herniation of the material that is located between the discs.
IVDD is a painful condition that makes it difficult to move and, in severe cases, can lead to partial paralysis. Treatments can range from taking medicine to having surgery done.
Living Needs
If you live in a cramped apartment, you should probably think twice about taking a Patterdale terrier puppy home with you.
Even though these puppies are still very young, Sunny says that the breed is too energetic to be confined to four walls, and their tendency for incessant barking is sure to upset the people who live nearby.
Instead, according to Sunny, the spirited terrier would do best at a house that had a sizable backyard and numerous, numerous, numerous opportunities for physical activity.
Patterdale terriers are fantastic hiking, walking, and running companions since they are content to maintain a steady pace for miles on end.
According to her, “Patterdale terriers have a high energy level; they will require a great deal of physical and mental exercise to keep them stimulated, happy, and healthy.”
In addition, Sunny recommends using training games and dog puzzles as a means of providing mental stimulation to this energetic type of dog.
Some Patterdale terriers get along well with other dogs, but due to their intense hunt drive, they may chase after other creatures that aren’t canines.
According to Sunny, the ideal home would be one that did not contain any animals that could be interpreted as prey, such as cats, rabbits, or gerbils.
Because of their need to run after things, it is essential to have a secure yard that is enclosed by fencing. Patterdale terrier puppies have high energy levels, which means they tend to overwhelm younger children.
Because of this, the Patterdale Terrier Club of America does not recommend the breed for families with children younger than 7 years old.
However, Patterdale terrier puppies can be an excellent addition to an active family with children who are older than 7 years old.
According to Sunny, “Patterdale terriers adore spending time with their families.”
“It is always vital to socialize your dog and make sure that they have a positive encounter with as many new things as possible,” the author writes.
“This will help guarantee that they are comfortable among all different sorts of people, including youngsters.”
Fun Facts
- You may have heard of Patterdale terriers being referred to as “Fell terriers.” However, this does not refer to a specific breed of dog; rather, it describes a type of long-legged working terrier that originates in Northern England. There is a distinction between Lakeland terriers and Fell terriers.
- The Patterdale terrier is a breed that is not as common as other types of terriers, such as the Russell terrier, which makes it a popular choice for a family companion.
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