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!
