Patterdale terriers are small dogs with big energy . Bred as working farm dog-iron , these compact canid are happiest when there ’s a job to do , especially one that requires physical stamina and smarts .
Never hear of the Patterdale terrier ? You ’re not alone . While she ’s one of the less common terrier breeds , her compact size , outgoing nature , and eagerness to please make this working frump an idealistic equal forexperienced dog ownerswho need an active four - legged companion to mark along on outdoor adventures .
Patterdale terrier aresmall dogs , reaching 10 - 15 inches tall and weighing less than 13 hammer but have theexercise needsof much large breed . They were bred as mould bounder and benefit from an on - the - go life style that includes running andhiking , preferably as the only click in the household .
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They ’re lovesome , eager - to - please pups , and with the correct amount of exercise and consistent , rewards - based breeding , Patterdale terrier make howling companions .
Appearance
As working terrier bred to Leigh Hunt varmint , Patterdale terriers were engender for their forte and stamina - not their looks . This means there can be significant variations in their appearance .
All Patterdale terrier are heavyset dogs , brook just 10 - 15 inches marvellous and weighing less than 13 pound . They ’re sturdy , have longsighted legs , and their triangular capitulum fold down . But when it come to their coating length , texture , and color , Patterdale terriers look completely different .
These dogs are a threefold - coated stock with a myopic , slow underseal . Their top coating can be legato , rough , or wirehaired ( also called unkept ) , and provides protection against the elements . A smooth coat consists of coarse , dense , and stiff tomentum ; the hair on a broken coat is longer as well as coarse and wiry ; rough coat are the long and coarsest of all .
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Her pelage vividness let in smutty , red , liver , chocolate , grizzle , sinister and tan , and bronze . Patterdale terriers of all colors can also have white markings on their chests and feet .
Temperament
The Patterdale terrier temperament is best line as sheer : These ascertain little dogs will work indefatigably to nail a project and melt for knot in pursuance of prey . They are also go after in pursuit of affection and approval , seeking out their possessor for praise andtreats as a rewardfor their efforts .
Although the strain ishighly intelligentand eager to please , the Patterdale terrier is active , independent , willful , and mischievous - and it admit theright amount of trainingand exercise to keep her busy and out of trouble .
" Patterdale terriers are very impertinent dogs who enjoy learning and get a problem to do , " say Marissa Sunny , CPDT - KA , a canine behaviour specialist atBest Friends Animal Society . " It ’s authoritative to keep them fighting and engaged . "
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The stock benefits from an experienced dog owner who can commit to providing unconstipated practice - and a lot of it - along with mental stimulation andpositive reinforcer trainingthat Patterdale terriers need to prosper .
In exchange foran active house , Patterdale terriers honor their owners with commitment and affection .
Living Needs
suppose double before bringing a Patterdale terrier puppy home toa minuscule apartment . Though these pups are little , cheery mention that the stock is too active to be confine to four walls , and theirpropensity toward excessive barkingis sure to annoy the neighbors .
Instead , Sunny says the feisty terrier is good suited to a home with a big grand and lots - and lots and lots - of opportunities for exercise . Patterdale terrier are ideal hike , take the air , and running partners and will jubilantly keep the tread for mile .
" Patterdale terrier have a gamy energy level ; they will take good deal of forcible and genial drill to keep them stimulated , happy , and sizeable , " she says . Sunny also suggests breeding games anddog puzzlesto allow for genial stimulation to this active stock .
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Some Patterdale terrier get along well with other dogs , but theirstrong prey drivescould make them to chase smaller animals . A mansion without cats , lapin , gerbils , or other animals that could be perceive as prey is best , gay says . And their desire to chase after means asecure , fenced yardis a must .
Although Patterdale terrier puppies ' in high spirits energy levels think they can have a inclination to overwhelm minuscule child - thePatterdale Terrier Club of Americadoesn’t recommend the strain for families with children under 7 years erstwhile - they can make an excellent gain to an active family with older kids .
" Patterdale terriers bed being with their families , " Sunny say . " It ’s always important tosocialize your dogand make trusted they have a confident experience with as many young thing as possible to help see they are easy with all kinds of people , include nipper . "
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Care
Patterdale terriers require very little dressing . Their short , dull coats should bebrushed about once per week(more often in the summertime , when the dogs shed ) and their coat need no trim - it ’s a DIY process . Bathing a Patterdale terrieronce a calendar month is enough to keep any doggy odor away .
Like all breeds , Patterdale terriers requirehigh - quality diets , regular veterinarian care , and preventive medications to protect against fleas , ticks , and heartworm disease .
When it come to give care for a Patterdale terrier , exercise andtrainingare your braggart investments of clock time and exertion . These are working dogs that fuck having jobs to do , gay says . Focus on tight - paced , interactive games that allow physical and mental stimulation to help Patterdale terriersmaster basic cuesand check new tricks .
" It ’s important to habituate positive reinforcement when train so they feel they have earned a reward , " gay order . " I always recommended starting training as early as possible with them . "
Health
Patterdale terriers have a lifetime of 10 - 12 year and , during that time , the breed is susceptible to some health government issue .
Obesity : Without sufficient exercise , Patterdale terrier are prone to packing on the pounds . Obesity is linked to health conditions ranging fromosteoarthritisandtype 2 diabetestoheart diseaseand a shorter lifespan . Practice portion control and allow for plenty of exercise tokeep Patterdale terriers at a healthy free weight .
middle problems : The breed is prostrate to several centre problem , including glaucoma , which is triggered by increase pressure level behind the eye . The symptoms admit squinting and watery eyes andcan get along to blindness . Medication and , in severe case , surgery , can help ease pain and keep vision .
Patterdale terriers are also susceptible to lens of the eye luxation . This hereditary disease causes the lens to move from its ideal office between the iris and retina ; it can transfer toward the back of the heart ( posterior luxation ) or forward ( prior luxation ) . It ’s a painful condition that increase the risk of blindness . Surgery , which can include removing the eye , is the only treatment .
Joint problems : Patterdale terrier are prone to several joint disease , includinghip dysplasia , a sore experimental condition that happens when the hip joint does n’t fit into the socket , causing a abominable grinding in the joint . In most example , hip dysplasia can be handle with forcible therapy and anti - inflammatory medications , but surgery may also be necessary .
The strain is also at increased peril ofintervertebral disc diseaseor IVDD . It ’s a degenerative spinal condition that results from going of padding or herniation of the material between the discs . IVDD causes painful sensation , impairs social movement , and , in severe character , can make partial paralysis . Treatments range from medicinal drug to surgery .
History
The Patterdale terrier hails from Northern England where she train a reputation for her tireless work ethic and acquirement keep in line vermin that would attack sheep . The dogs go across rugged terrain in coarse climates , chase vermin from their hideaway and to protect their flocks .
While some believe the breed was developed by crossing the Old English terrier and the Northumberland Pit terrier ( both now out ) , others insist that the Patterdale terrier is a cross of the blue - blackborder terrierand blackamoor and tan Fell terriers . ( Fun fact : Fell terriers are n’t a specific dog strain . Rather , the full term reference small workings terriers developed in Northern England ) .
disregarding of her origins , there is accord that the Patterdale terrier is a tenacioushunting dog - but Sunny take note that , like most terrier breed , the Patterdale terrier is notjusta working wienerwurst .
" Patterdales are wonderful associate , " she says .
Although other terrier breeds are common , the Patterdale terrier is lesser known . The strain was recognise by the United Kennel Club in 1995 but still is n’t officially file with the American Kennel Club .
