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Patterdale Terrier
Other Names | Black Fell Terrier |
Country of Origin | Great Britain |
Weight | 11 - 13 lbs. (5 - 6 kg) |
Height (at withers) | about 12 inches (30 cm) |
Coat | The coat may be "smooth," "broken," or "rough." All types should have dense and coarse double coats that are harsh to the touch and weatherproof. Smooth: Short, glossy hair. Undercoat still usually present. Broken: Coarse. May be some longer whiskering on muzzle and chin. Rough: Longer hair overall, including face, ears, and muzzle. Very thick, protective double coat. |
Colour | Colours include black, red, bronze, black and tan, chocolate, liver, or even liver and tan, and occasionally brindle but never fully white. Any other colours, or larger patches of white away from the chest and toes are indicative of cross-breeding, particularly with the Jack Russell Terrier. |
Litter Size | 1 - 3 puppies |
Life Span | 13 - 15 years |
Origin & History | These dogs were carefully linebred by Joe Bowman, an Ullswater huntsman. The modern Patterdale Terrier is to fell terriers what the Jack Russell Terrier is to hunt terriers—the indisputable leader in numbers and performance as a breed. The Patterdale was developed in the harsh environment in the north of England, an area unsuitable for arable farming and mostly too hilly for cattle. Sheep farming is the predominant farming activity on these hills. Since the fox is perceived by farmers as being predatory with respect to sheep and small farm animals, terriers are used for predator control. Unlike the dirt dens found in the hunt country of the south, the rocky dens found in the north do not allow much digging. As a consequence, the terrier needs to be able to bolt the fox from the rock crevice or dispatch it where it is found. The use of "hard" dogs to hunt foxes in this way was made illegal in England and Wales by the Hunting Act 2004, as it runs counter to the code of practice under the Act. In the United States, the Patterdale Terrier was recognised by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995, and remains unrecognized by the American Kennel Club. |
Personality | The Patterdale Terrier is a laid-back terrier, not as yappy as some other terriers. It enjoys "curling up at the heating duct" in the house. Although the Patterdale Terrier's small size could qualify him as a toy dog, his abilities and gameness deem him as a solid terrier; his determination and toughness demand his inclusion in the mastiff group. They are game and tough when hunting. Hunters often take three or four dogs with them on an outing. The Patterdale Terrier is a good watchdog. This is not a dog for the non-terrier fan or the faint-hearted. The Patterdale Terrier is a robust, independent hunter bred solely for functional services as a ratter and hunting companion. Its Bull Terrier bloodlines make it too fierce to work as a hunter with pack hounds. They are particularly hard and persistent. Many Foxhound owners would not thank you for attempting to bolt his fox with a hard-bitten Patterdale, for the dog is more likely to get hold and have a go, possibly kill the fox rather than allow him to bolt, thus spoiling the hunt with the hounds. It is an excellent digger, intently willing to encounter and attack any mammal that has gone to ground. The fells of the north country, with the protection afforded foxes in barrens, rock tip, mines and scree, created the need for a hard terrier able to scramble over the terrain and fearless enough to go to ground. The Patterdale filled, and still does, fill that need. The interest of local breeders ensures its survival. The breed is not easy to obedience train. The Patterdale should not be trusted with non-canine pets. Be sure to be this breed’s firm, confident, consistent pack leader to prevent behavior problems from developing. Not recommended for the average pet owner. They need to have their minds challenged along with plenty of mental and physical exercise. If they sense you are not as strong minded as they are, they will believe they are alpha and the humans will run into issues. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome. |
Care Requirements
Health | There are no known breed-specific health concerns. |
Grooming | This dog does not require a large amount of grooming. Their smooth short-haired coat is easy to look after. Owners will simply want to make sure the coat is brushed on a consistent basis. These dogs should only be given baths when they need it. A wipe down with a damp towel should suffice for the bathing aspect, (although you should bathe it with mild soap only if or when necessary; you should also dry shampoo it occasionally), however a rubber, wire, or hard bristled brush would work best for the brushing aspect. The shedding patterns of these dogs are not known. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of infection. The nails should also be trimmed, (particularly to avoid nail-born infections). |
Exercise | This small-game hunter is a working dog and needs a lot of exercise. Your dog needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Exercise and a hardy stock of prey are the recommended ways to satisfy his hunting cravings. They are inactive indoors but a bundle of energy outdoors. They love to run and will enjoy going hiking with you. |
Other Considerations | The Patterdale Terrier is not recommended for apartment life. This breed is relatively inactive indoors provided it gets enough exercise during the day. The Patterdale can be kenneled with two or three other terriers, as long as he has enough work and hunting to keep him exercised and content. If bored and unexercised, he may pick fights with kennel mates. |