The Majorca Ratter, also known as the Ca Rater Mallorquí, is a relative of the similarly appearing Ratenero Valenciano. This terrier has been overseen by its breed club in Spain since 1990. It is an extremely rare breed not yet recognized by the FCI (nor anywhere in the United States), and only recognized by Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fishing. The breed was created roughly 160 years ago to hunt both rabbit and rats, and like all terriers is tenacious and brave. Along with their hunting talents, members of the breed are said to make excellent pets as well as great watchdogs! While super rare in most parts of the world, they are somewhat popular in the island in which they were created.

Majorca Ratters are affectionate little dogs and very loyal to their owners. They enjoy cuddling and can form deep bonds in which they seem to become very aware of their owner’s emotions. However they tend to be rather anxious in general and can be prone to snapping when frightened. Early socialization is a must! Owners must also be careful keeping them around cats or other small animals as they can be prone to chasing – understandable when one remembers they were designed to hunt small furry creatures.

The Majorca Ratter is an active dog and needs daily exercise – both physically as well as mentally. This said, the breed is tiny and a little bit of exercise can go a long way. One need only have a small fenced yard in order for him to race around off-lead and burn off some steam. Because of his prey drive and his tendency to wander off in search of something fun to chase, he should be kept inside a fence or on a leash when out in public.

The Majorca Ratter is intelligent and enjoys learning. Although he tends to be somewhat independent, with enough encouragement and a positive attitude, an owner can make training fun for him! Training him in obedience or agility is an excellent way to strengthen the bond between owner and dog. Remember that this terrier is surprisingly sensitive and he doesn’t take kindly to harsh treatment.

The Majorca Ratter prefers to live in a place where someone will be home most of the time as he is very social towards his own family. He doesn’t do well when left alone for long stretches of the day and isn’t normally the type of dog that can be brought to the office with his nervous temperament either. He can live in an apartment however, as long as he is given enough attention and companionship from “his person”.

Majorca Ratters are known for their loud and deep barks, which makes them sound like much bigger dogs than they actually are. Of course, if an intruder were to enter the home they are too small to do any actual damage, but they do make for a good alarm system! Unlike many of the smaller “alarm breeds”, the Majorca doesn’t tend to get too carried away with his voice and can be a quieter choice for those that prefer tiny dogs. Although he is somewhat territorial and will bark when someone approaches, he doesn’t normally just bark to hear his own voice.

Majorca Ratters have short, smooth coats which require very little grooming and shed very minimally. Colors include black & tan, brown & tan, black tricolor, and brown tricolor. Having been created and adapted to a warm climate, they do best in warm environments although can live in a colder climate if given jackets and a heated house! Other physical characteristics include pricked ears and frequently no tail – a trait which is either man-made (docked) or one in which the puppy is born with.

Photo By Bertet

The Tenterfield Terrier was developed in Australia but his ancestors originated in England. Ancestors included the now extinct Old English White Terrier as well as Fox Terriers and Fox Terrier-type dogs. These little dogs were created with the purpose of riding in saddlebags and accompanying their owners on horseback to hunt with the hounds, as well as “going to ground” and dispatching vermin. It was important that they be small so that they could more easily do these particular jobs. Unlike many terriers, they were not only used for rodents but also for hunting rabbits and even fox! Because of their abilities, they were a favorite breed often seen on Australian farms in the 19oo’s – and at the time were called “Mini Foxies”. Despite being around since the early 1800’s, they weren’t officially recognized by the ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council) until 2002. They are not recognized at all in the United States.

Tenterfields are particularly strong and robust for their size. Nimble, lively and incredibly bold when needed, these are true working terriers with a spirit as brave as their bodies are strong. After a good day of hunting, they make loyal and loving companions in the home and are content to lay next to their owners for hours. Their ability to be gentle with both the very young as well as very old is one of the many reasons they have been popular abroad. They are not intimidated by loud children and instead seem to enjoy hours of playtime and revel in getting all they can out of life! They also do very well with other pets and are even often paired with other dogs to keep their (often larger) counterparts company. Most of the time they get along with no issues even in larger packs of dogs, although will absolutely stand up for themselves if necessary.

Tenterfield Terriers can be vocal when excited, which may make them seem intimidating to non-dog folk. This said, although they will defend themselves if they feel threatened they are not normally an aggressive breed at all. In fact they are quite outgoing and easy to take on vacations or gatherings. Not only are they social, but their size even makes them easy to transport!

“Tenties”, as they are affectionately known, are quick learners and enjoy dog sports. In Australia, it is not uncommon to see them competing in agility, earth dog trials, tracking, competitive obedience, nosework, trick training, rally, coursing, and flyball as well as the show ring. Some have even become phenomenal assistance dogs! This is a highly intelligent breed that is versatile and adaptable to learning most anything!

At this time the Tenterfield Terrier maintains an open stud book. This means that someone who has a dog which looks like a Tentie, although is not, can get the dog accepted as a “first generation Tenterfield”. After five generations those puppies can be officially registered as Tenterfields. This is done with the hope that genetic bottlenecks will be avoided and the breed will continue to be healthy. Every five years, the council for the breed will reevaluate the situation and vote whether to close the studbook or keep it open for the next five years. There are a number of stipulations that must be followed , including anyone who is pursuing this project be a member of the breed club. All first generation Tenterfields must have several health tests completed and be microchipped in order to be considered.

The Tenterfield can be born with any length of tail – from no tail whatsoever (these dogs are referred to as “rumpies”) to short stubs, to a full length tail and anywhere in between! A dog born with no tail is not hindered by any health issues whatsoever, and the breed standard doesn’t favor any type of tail as long as it is set on and carried correctly. In general the main issues that are seen in the breed (although only occasionally) are Primary Lens Luxation and Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter, and neither is related to tail length. In the latter condition, puppies do not live beyond 6 weeks. Responsible breeders test their dogs to steer away from these health issues. Overall, many Tenties live an average of 16-17 years with some even living to 20!

The Tentie is quite rugged. He is said to be able to live outdoors (with appropriate shelter), which is highly unusual for other dogs of his size. Most outside-Tenties are assigned with the duty of keeping rats and mice off the property – a job done without any training. Of course, in the case of an outside dog he should still be provided with plenty of affection and attention – this little terrier needs frequent human contact. This breed can also go on walks for up to several miles if the owner were so inclined! Despite having the vitality to satisfy even high-energy owners, he is fully capable of living in small spaces with limited yard space as long as his exercise needs are met.

Photo By David Nemirovsky

The Brazilian Terrier is one of two recognized dog breeds from Brazil. Most likely derived from Parson Russell Terriers and Smooth Fox Terriers (although their family tree is ultimately a mystery), they were employed to rid farmer’s crop fields of vermin. They are attentive to their surroundings, very lively and quite fearless like most terrier breeds. They make good watchdogs although can be overly vocal when something has really caught their attention. These terriers have stronger-than-average prey drives and cannot normally be trusted around small pocket pets or cats. Brazilians usually get along with other dogs as long as they were socialized to them when young.

Brazilians are intelligent and obedient. They enjoy playtime and can be easily be trained if the sessions are made into fun games! They do require regular training throughout their lives to keep them mentally engaged and out of trouble, as their mind must have a job to do. Some good choices of dog sports that double as jobs include barnhunt rally, ability, obedience, trick training and tracking. These terriers can be independent and do have a stubborn streak so be prepared to be firm while remaining fair! When it comes to training, they learn best with experienced owners and trainers because of their overly willful natures.

Brazilian Terriers are friendly and enjoy the attention of their owners, which they may at times demand! This said, they are loyal and gentle making them great family pets. They can do well around kids, although are recommended for those who have already grown out of the toddler stage as they don’t tolerate rude behavior. Their small size, decent lifespans (averaging 12-14 years) and amusing temperaments make them an attractive choice for active individuals or families. While they are wary of strangers, they will eventually warm up once they get to know the person.

The Brazilian has a bad habit of digging holes in the yard because of his terrier nature. Giving him his own digging space, like a sandbox, would not be a bad idea lest he go after your flower garden! As he is an active breed, he also benefits from regular exercise to keep him out of trouble (an hour a day, bare minimum). He’s a bit too energetic to do well in an apartment and needs both long daily walks combined with time in a fenced-in yard in which to putter around.

Some Brazilian Terriers are known to develop separation anxiety if they are left alone all day on a regular basis so they don’t do well for those who work full time. They also aren’t the best match for someone looking for a dog that can be walked off-leash reliably without extensive training. As mentioned above, they need an extensive amount of mental and physical exercise or they can become very destructive in short order. While they have many good qualities they will only thrive in homes which can meet their particular needs.

The smooth coat of the Brazilian is easy to care for and requires little work, usually just a quick brush once a week or when shedding. Combine this with regular dental care, nail trimmings and ear cleanings and that’s the majority of the work! These little terriers are always tricolored although can appear as a black tri, blue tri, brown tri or isabella tri with specific markings of the face needing to be present. Other key features of the breed include the triangular-shaped folded ears and athletic, long-legged build.

The Brazilian Terrier is a rare breed that is recognized in Brazil and by the FCI. He is not yet recognized in the United States by any of the large dog registries and is practically unheard of in this country. Because he was developed in the warm climate of Brazil he does tend to do better in warmer temperatures although can easily get by when it’s cold by wearing a dog coat or sweater.

Photo by Canarian

The Plummer Terrier is, first and foremost, a working terrier bred to hunt rats in the UK. Created by the late Brian Plummer in the 1970’s, the breed is essentially a mix of early Jack Russell bloodlines crossed with Beagle, with a splash of both Bull Terrier and Fell Terrier. Having a fantastic sense of smell, a very high prey drive and an athletic body, they can “get the job done” when it comes to finding, digging out, and dispatching their prey. While they make excellent sport dogs for those who want to get into competitions such as obedience, agility, frisbee or flyball they do require lots of exercise in order to be happy in the home. For owners who possess enough energy to handle them, they can also be great household companions!

Plummers aren’t known for being yappy as long as their needs are met, particularly their substantial exercise requirements. Without adequate physical stimulation they can become obnoxious and difficult to live with. They do best in homes that have space for them to stretch their legs in the yard, play and “hunt” any backyard critters they can find. Additionally they also need structured exercise with their owner such as a long walk every day. The backyard alone will not cut it! While it is possible to keep one in an apartment, this is a daunting task as their already-substantial exercise requirements will triple!

Like many terrier breeds, Plummers aren’t for the faint of heart and do require firm handling due to their bold temperaments and occasionally manipulative ways. This said, they are intelligent and exceptionally versatile and, once trained, can do a number of things. Though their primary quarry is rat, they can hunt rabbit and some have even been used for retrieving water fowl! They have a need to work, and without outlets to use their brains they can become destructive. Therefore, training and interactive games are extremely important to keep the mind engaged! Extremely trainable, a Plummer needs an owner who will give them sessions regularly throughout the week (or the day) to channel that energy and enthusiasm into meaningful work. They do best with owners who are experienced with active terrier breeds.

The Plummer Terrier is a tiny breed, standing no higher than 14 inches at the withers. Color should always be red and white, and while a number of patterns are encouraged in the breed standard the dog should have a white chest, belly and legs. The smooth, tight-fitting single coat is low-shedding and requires only basic care. Ears are folded “neatly pinned to head”, above a strong powerful muzzle. The body is square and compact ending in a tail which is docked fairly long and balanced to the size of the dog. A rare breed, the Plummer is not recognized by any major kennel club and instead most dogs are registered with various breed clubs around the world, particularly in the UK. Many fanciers of the breed are more than happy to keep it this way!

Plummer Terriers are generally good with kids, enjoying active playtime out in the yard with “their” children, followed by an affectionate face-wash session inside. Many are also good with other dogs – not a surprise since they would often work in packs during hunts. Finally, most are social enough to do well with strangers both inside and outside the home. Despite their fearless nature when it comes to vermin, they don’t tend to make the best guard dogs. Although many will at least alert to the presence of someone entering the property, the majority are just happy to meet a new “friend” and are quick to enthusiastically greet whomever comes to the door – whether friend or foe! These social terriers need to spend plenty of time with their families and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Plummers are diggers and they are apt to destroy a yard or garden. They are also escape artists and may try to dig out or otherwise maneuver around a poorly-secured fence. Make sure that the yard is totally secure, particularly if you live in an area where wildlife may roam! These feisty terriers are most likely to escape if they smell a “tasty” woodland creature nearby. Although they make fantastic companions, they are hunting and ratting dogs through and through.

Photo by Phill the Kettle

The Ratonero Valenciano is a rare breed seeking formal FCI recognition. Recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain, and with an active club in that country, they are well on their way. This little terrier was created to dispatch vermin and serve as a watchdog while also providing companionship to his owners. His nimbleness, brave nature and determination was key to his skills in ratting. He was also an ideal size and didn’t take up too much room (nor eat a lot) for even the poorest of farmers who kept him in the late 19th century. Even today, these tough terriers will go up against other vermin or even snakes – a testament to his tenacious nature!

The Ratonero Valenciano has many talents. He has an excellent sense of smell and does quite well at tracking. Some hunters have been known to take their Ratoneros with them while hunting rabbit or quail! He is also a first-rate watchdog and is always ready to alert at the first sign of anything “off”. If a stranger were to enter the property, this little dog would not let it go and will continue barking until the owner has put an end to it. Furthermore, he cannot be bribed to stop with food by a stranger. If the “intruder” is a known friend, he’ll still bark until his owner is well aware, although his bark is different. The breed was also used to guard property, such as bicycles or even cars. His possessive and territorial traits make him adept at this task as well!

The Ratonero Valenciano is an intelligent, active dog and has the capability to do very well in dog sports such as agility or canine freestyle. He learns quickly and has a lot of versatility to do most anything asked of him! For this reason, he can be a good choice for a first-time dog owner as long as that person is energetic. The Ratonero Valenciano is a very active dog that needs an equally active lifestyle. They aren’t big on naps or taking it easy.

Ratonero Valencianos can be a gentle and highly affectionate dog to those whom he knows and trusts, including children, the elderly, as well as other dogs. He wants to spend time with his family and be involved in everything they are doing, if at all possible! Spending a lot of time alone isn’t recommended so he works best in situations where people won’t be gone all day. With strangers, he is much more wary because of his protective nature and not generally wild about meeting new people.

The Ratonero Valenciano does require regular grooming, despite the fact that the coat is smooth and short. In order to keep the skin nourished and the coat clean, it is recommended to bathe this dog every 5 weeks or so. Using a shampoo formulated for dogs, this regular bathing will help loose hair come out and keep the dog from shedding very much. A quality conditioner should be applied afterward to keep the hair shiny and healthy, and some dogs also benefit from a leave-on conditioner sprayed into the coat in between baths. Nails should be trimmed at each bath at a minimum, and ears need to be cleaned every couple of weeks.

Some Ratonero Valencianos can be escape artists if they feel there are more interesting things to do outside the property than inside. A secure fence is a must! Also plan on keeping this curious terrier on leash when out on walks or he may race away at the first sign of a rodent, cat or other small creature. Cats living in the home may also be in danger if the particular Ratonero is extremely prey-driven. They aren’t normally recommend for cat owners or those who have small pets that roam the house.

The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz is a terrier derived from Spain. The breed is recognized by Spain’s kennel club, the Real Sociedad Canina de Espana, however is not yet recognized by the larger FCI or anywhere in the United States. This terrier was bred for the unique purpose of hunting rats and mice from between the barrels of wineries and therefore keeping them free from vermin for wine merchants! His name translates roughly to Andalusian Wine-Cellar Rat-Hunting Dog – what a mouthful! Although he has been nicknamed the “Spanish Jack Russell”, this is an entirely separate breed, although he does have a lot in common with similar terriers (Parsons, Smooth Fox, Japanese and Brazilian Terriers, etc.).

Bodegueros are fearless and active, like most terrier breeds. They live to hunt and will attempt to do so whenever they get the chance, which means that going after the family gerbil or even cat should be expected. In other words, this isn’t a good match for people with small pets! That said, their friendly character and ability to get along well with children means that they can live happily in a cat-free family home. With their owners they are affectionate, enthusiastic and even clown-like in nature. They have a positive attitude about life combined with an active, always-on-the-go demeanor. When in unfamiliar surroundings they tend to slow down a bit and exhibit a polite, reserved manner of conduct as long as they were properly socialized as puppies.

The Ratonero Bodeguero is a small breed with folded triangular ears and a somewhat long muzzle. The body is “compact, but slender and graceful”. Many are born without tails although long-tailed specimens can be occasionally seen. These little terriers are always tri-colored, with the body being primarily white yet adorned with black spots (preferably on the face and neck) and tan markings over the eyes. The coat itself is short and dense, and requires no special trimming. They do need weekly brushings to keep their otherwise moderate shedding manageable.

The Bodeguero Andaluz is very active and needs lots of exercise in order to keep him from becoming bored and destructive. This breed also benefits greatly from being given a job to do and needs mental stimulation as well. Good options for this include dog sports like agility, barn hunt and canine freestyle. Those without regular mental/physical excursions can become problem diggers, obsessive barkers, and/or just flat-out damaging to a house. However, when given proper exercise he is not only much easier to live with, but also happier and healthier. Although there are no common health issues associated with this terrier, staying fit will help to keep him strong and hearty well into his older years! 15-18 years is the average life expectancy for this Spanish terrier.

The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz can be difficult for novice owners and novice trainers alike. He can be obstinate and stubborn when it comes to training and wants to live his life in the way that HE prefers rather than taking orders! Obviously, if left unchecked this is unhealthy for both dog and owner so obedience training combined with regular ole’ household rules are paramount. Start while the dog is still young and be prepared to continue lessons throughout his whole life, occasionally repeating foundation work when he starts pushing boundaries. He is intelligent and capable of learning when paired with an experienced dog owner who understands how to be firm, yet fair.

Unlike some terriers, the Bodeguero isn’t a particularly vocal dog as long as his needs are met. This, combined with his size and social aptitudes actually makes him a decent pet for apartment-living. This is of course assuming that the owner takes him on regular walks throughout the day, at least an hour’s worth! He’s also not particularly territorial, which means he probably won’t erupt into angry barking fits whenever he sees neighbors walking past the window. Meeting his socialization, training and exercise needs will go a long way to ensuring a happy life for both Bodeguero and owner!

The Chilean Terrier is the first official breed to come out of Chile. It is recognized by the Kennel Club of Chile although is not yet recognized by the FCI. It is virtually unknown in America altogether. The breed came about by crossing the Smooth Fox Terrier (brought over by European immigrants) with a rare breed known as the Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz in the late 19th century. These small terriers are known for their outspoken natures, courageous temperaments and high aptitudes for rodent extermination. This is an active (almost restless) breed that nonetheless also possesses a balanced and loyal nature towards their owners.

The Chilean is a working terrier but can make a great companion in the right home because of his dedicated and faithful nature. He can live in either a large home or a farm-type setting with ease. He has no problem getting “down and dirty” on a ranch but can fare equally well in a large estate as well – both were homes in which early members of the breed lived. He also can live comfortably in most any climate as long as common sense is used. He gets along with children as he is very playful and enjoys romping around with them. This said, because of his excitable nature, he does best with slightly older kids.

Build for hunting ornery rodents, and speedily avoiding sharp rodent teeth in the process of doing so, the Chilean Terrier is adept at keeping himself from getting unnecessarily hurt whenever possible. This isn’t to say that injuries cannot happen, but he has fast reflexes and is quick-witted at avoiding bites from rats, snakes and even dogs. Another talent of this breed is his fantastic memory – both for good events as well as bad. He will remember someone that treated him harshly just as well as he will remember a favorite person from his early puppyhood. One final talent – Chileans have excellent senses of smell and they are often in “hunt mode”, especially when outside. If they smell a rat, it can be difficult to get them to listen as they consider hunting rodents their number one priority! This is a breed with a high prey drive and one which doesn’t always do well with small pets.

Chilean Terriers are aloof when meeting new people, although are not normally aggressive as long as they’ve had adequate socialization. If they don’t like someone for whatever reason, they will bark continuously rather than attack. Their tendency to bark when something seems awry also makes them adept as watchdogs at home. While courageous when hunting, in general they are more laid back and less sharp than many other terrier breeds. Chileans enjoy and love their owners but they don’t tend to be overly clingy and can be fairly independent. They’re more likely to use their curiosity to explore and patrol the yard or home, while occasionally checking in with their family. They also aren’t overly loving with other dogs, and many are naturally dog aggressive.

The Chilean Terrier is most often seen as a tricolored dog – either black tri, chocolate tri or blue tri. Bicolors are less common but do occur – with dogs being either white and black, or white and tan. It is important that these terriers be primarily white, with colors being present only on the head and ears if at all possible. Most Chilean Terriers are born without a tail, or with a shortened tail however sometimes a dog will be born with a full length tail which isn’t faulted as long as it is carried correctly. This is a long-legged terrier with a fine build and folded ears set high on a triangular head.

The Chilean Terrier is happy to learn knew things and often enjoys training, particularly when he is started very young. Very intelligent, he can also be stubborn and does best with an experienced owner or trainer. He is highly independent and willful when there’s something he’d rather spend his time doing. Due to a tendency toward dominant behavior, training is very important for this breed and should be a non-negotiable part of responsible ownership!

The Chilean is an active dog that needs regular exercise every day – at least an hour total! While walks are great, he can also benefit from exercises that let him use his strong sense of smell as well. Make sure to give him activities that keep his legs moving and his brain working. Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise for this little working terrier! Without these outlets, he can develop problem behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking and extreme digging.

The Dutch Smoushond was originally used on farms to rid the stables of vermin such as rats and mice. A popular breed in the late 1800’s, they also enjoyed the role of being a “gentleman’s companion”. Despite their short popularity, they nearly went extinct during World War 2 and although they were saved (and in fact re-created) by fanciers of the breed, today they aren’t well known outside of the Netherlands. They are related to the same family of dogs in which the pinscher and the schnauzer breeds are a part of, even though they may not look it at first. Although their origins are shrouded in mystery, it is thought that they started out from yellow schnauzer stock, which was (and still is) an unrecognized color. Today, they are only recognized by the UKC in English-speaking countries – and of course the Dutch Kennel Club and FCI overseas.

Smoushonds are are a small, rather square breed that may look like a mutt at first glance. They are characterized by their medium-length wiry double coats, which give them a particularly unkempt appearance. Their faces are equally furnished with a wiry beard, mustache and eyebrows in the same yellow color as the rest of their bodies. They have triangular shaped ears which are high set but hang in the drop position with the front edge close to their cheeks.

The Dutch Smoushond likes to please his owners and enjoys learning. With his intelligent nature, he picks up obedience fairly quick although might take advantage of owners that provide zero consequences for bad behavior. Don’t forget that his terrier nature may make him want to be the boss, so while he shouldn’t be trained with undue force, he does need consistent rules and follow-through. As he is a sensitive fellow who can shut down with harsh corrections, make sure to always be fair with any corrections and keep training mostly fun and positive!

Smoushonds are friendly, charming and are fairly easy to care for. They have a great sense of humor and huge personalities. Many can live in apartments as long as they are given enough exercise and they can even make good watchdogs. In fact… some may need extra reminders not to get too carried away with their voices! They get along well with other dogs, cats and children alike and can be overall loving and loyal members of the family. While they form the closest bonds with their owners/families, they are outgoing toward strangers and enjoy meeting new people.

Dutch Smoushonds do need daily walks in order to stay in shape and keep their bodies and minds engaged. While walks are necessary, other exercise such as a game of fetch, a swim in the pool or even agility practice are also welcome additions to the routine. Making sure to provide this important care to the dog will help him to be healthy during his 13-15 years of life, so he should only live with individuals or families that are able to share an active lifestyle with their dog.

Photo by Hollandse_Smoushond_Amsterdam.jpg: ZeppWebderivative work

Smoushonds as a whole aren’t known for having behavioral quirks – and, although of course all dogs are individuals and raising them right is important to their mental health, most seem not to develop neuroses or aggressive tendencies. They are known for their steady temperaments and usually do just fine even in lively or even hectic family households – again, as long as their basic needs are met. When their needs aren’t being taken care of, they are capable of being destructive diggers or chewers. After all, despite their legendary temperaments they are still dogs!

The Patterdale Terrier is a courageous working terrier breed, known for it’s intensity and passion when hunting. He hails from England and was created about a hundred years ago, mainly being derived from the Fell Terrier. He loves to work and will do his job almost endlessly if allowed. This said, he can also make an intelligent and loyal companion and is capable of being calm in the home compared to some other terrier breeds (when given proper exercise). He is gentle and affectionate and can even do well with kids as long as they are slightly older (over seven). This breed tends to bond very strongly to his owners and can even be a bit demanding of attention, but he makes a loving companion in the right home.

Patterdales love to please although can be difficult to train in formal obedience. This said, they need a job to keep them mentally stimulated. They also have high social needs (suffering from separation anxiety when they’re kept alone too often). Obedience training therefore helps to give them a mental outlet while spending quality time with their owners, so it’s a win-win for both owner and dog for once trained, they are easier to keep as house dogs. Despite their tenacity when working they can be surprisingly very sensitive to corrections so overly harsh or unfair methods should not be used. Furthermore they do also have an independent and stubborn streak so patience will be required, as well as a confident attitude.

A Patterdale Terrier must have regular daily exercise as well as lots of time to play. Because he has so much energy, a yard is highly recommended and the yard must be securely fenced and dig-proof. These little dogs are very bold, even when puppies, and will try to roam. Furthermore they also have high prey drives and will go after any small woodland creatures that they see or smell. Therefore, a home with a fenced yard is best while an apartment would not be the most ideal situation. Despite him being calm and low-energy in the home, because of his exercise requirements he wouldn’t do well in an inactive household or with owners unwilling to spend time keeping him mentally stimulated.

The Patterdale Terrier is not a good match for a first-time dog owner. They require a lot of attention and training in order to be the well-behaved little terriers that they are capable of being. When the work isn’t put in, they can be destructive. Furthermore this is a big dog in a small body with an attitude that may be difficult for someone without dog (especially terrier) experience!

Patterdales tend to get along with other dogs although do not make good companions for small pets like hamsters or rabbits. They can be intent on killing anything small that they see and they take this job very seriously. The more rodent-like, the more interest they tend to have in snuffing it out! As they were also used to hunt slightly larger animals like foxes as well, many members of this breed are also not cat-safe. Some Patterdales will get into fights with other dogs, even other housemates, if they are bored and under-exercised so it’s extra important that owners are willing and able to put in the work needed to keep them mentally and physically fulfilled so that fighting does not happen.

Patterdales can appear in one of three coat varieties: smooth, broken or rough. All coat types are harsh and wiry to the touch and very dense. The coats are made to be weatherproof and keep the dog warm and protected in the elements. Besides doing well in cold weather, this breed also fares well in hot weather as well as long as he is given adequate shelter/shade and water. Coat color can be either black (the most popular color), red, chocolate, grizzle, black/tan or bronze. All coat varieties shed very little, and grooming is fairly simple. Keep in mind that the wiry coat is not hypoallergenic. Regardless of coat type or color, the Patterdale is a delightful companion in the right home!

The Mountain Feist is a squirrel-hunting dog, bred almost entirely for performance rather than appearance. While some also hunt other small game such as racoon, rabbit or birds, their specialty is squirrel. Feists, as a group, were bred from hounds crossed with terriers for the purpose of being low-maintenance hunters and farm dogs that “pack a lot of punch” in a small package. These small, often vocal dogs are lively and energetic on the hunt. The Mountain Feist is derived from the Treeing Feist, and is a newly recognized breed to the UKC although is not recognized by any other large registry. They have been placed in the terrier group.

There is a lot of variation in the Mountain Feist breed, and one will notice differences between groups of dogs coming from different regions of the country. This is because these dogs are bred to a much looser standard, and unlike most purebred dogs, outcrossing to other breeds to get a superior hunting dog is an acceptable practice. Hunting ability is the most-prized outcome. While temperament can also differ from dog to dog, most Mountain Feist are affectionate, happy and loving towards their owners. They may be aloof and suspicious of strange humans.

The Mountain Feist, when inside, enjoys watching out the windows and alerting to the presence of both humans and animals (making him a good watchdog). An inborn chaser, he does not tend to do well with a family cat or other small pets. While he may play a game of ball, he is not the most playful of dogs as he much prefers sniffing, chasing and hunting. He is curious about the world around him, particularly in anything that has to do with… finding and chasing game.

Mountain Feist are energetic and need plenty of exercise. Ideally, he would be taken hunting on a regular basis, supplemented with long walks on days where no hunting is taking place (a bare minimum of an hour a day). As he doesn’t mind either hot or cold weather, he will demand to go out even when you might not want to! These active terriers stay energetic into their older years, and considering that they live on average 14-16 years, it is a big commitment to own one! Prospective owners should make sure they are both willing and able to provide as much exercise as is needed. Despite their small size, they are agile and quick so an owner must be in good physical health to keep up!

Mountain Feist are easy to groom and only need the occasional brushing. A once-a-week brushing session should be more than sufficient, and bathing only needs to happen occasionally. Keep in mind that although the coat is short and smooth, the breed is not hypoallergenic. While they were bred to be low-maintenance, this mainly has to do with grooming and doesn’t apply to other requirements such as exercise needs and space required. What can be considered low-maintenance for a hunter is not the same thing for the average pet owner. Unless the dog is taken out hunting regularly, they would probably be a horrible idea for someone living in an apartment.

The Mountain Feist is intelligent and easy to train as long as one is used to working with hunting breeds. This said, they can be stubborn and have a few challenging traits such as requiring extra work when it comes to off-leash training. Overall, however, they have plenty of energy and enthusiasm when given a job to do such as obedience, agility, or (of course) hunting. Like other high-intensity, highly active breeds, this energy must be channeled into training because if left untouched can make for a frustrating and destructive companion.

Mountain Feist are not recommended for novice dog owners for a number of reasons. First, their energy levels as mentioned above. Second, they can be protective of the people whom they know and love. Third, their high prey drive means that they must be kept in a fenced area or on a leash when out in public. If they see a squirrel in a park and aren’t confined to a leash, it is quite possible that they may climb a tree to get at it! This level of passion is not something that the average pet owner (let alone a novice 0wner) can usually handle.

The Mountain Feist can live in a family with children. They are sturdy enough to not be easily hurt and don’t tend to be as reactive or snappy with kids as other terrier breeds. This said, all children should be socialized with the dog and kids should never be allowed to tease or hurt the dog (as should be the case with any breed). They are also less scrappy than other terriers and can get along with most other dogs, so living in multi-dog households isn’t normally a problem.

Photo by Mgray84