# Patterdale Terrier

Also known as: Fell Terrier
- **Group:** Terrier (FCI group 3)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** England
- **Height:** 25–38 cm
- **Weight:** 5–6 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 10–13 years
- **Temperament:** Bold, Energetic, Tenacious, Confident, Determined

A tough, compact hunting terrier from England's Lake District, bred to bolt foxes from rocky dens. Fearless and very energetic, it is better suited to active owners than to quiet homes.

## Overview

The Patterdale Terrier is a small, hard-working terrier from the fells of northern England. It is compact and well balanced, with a coarse coat that may be smooth, broken or rough, and is judged first of all on working ability.

It is bold, driven and high-energy, qualities that make it a superb hunting partner but a demanding pet. It needs experienced handling, plenty of activity and a secure home.

## History

The breed descends from northern working terriers of the 18th century, with the Old English Terrier and the Northumberland Pit Terrier among its forebears. It took shape around Patterdale in the Lake District, where huntsmen such as Joe Bowman and later Cyril Breay refined it.

In the rocky northern fells foxes could not easily be dug out, so the terrier had to bolt or face its quarry in tight crevices. It was recognised by the United Kennel Club in 1995 but not by the American Kennel Club.

## Appearance

A compact, muscular terrier standing roughly 25 to 38 cm at the shoulder, balanced rather than weedy or clumsy. Scars from work are not penalised in the show ring.

The coat is coarse and comes in smooth, broken or rough forms. Accepted colours are black, red, chocolate and black and tan, sometimes with a little white on the chest and feet.

## Temperament

Patterdales are fearless, confident and very driven. They love their people and work hard to please, but their strong prey instinct and intensity can make them difficult around small animals and unfamiliar dogs.

Early, careful socialisation is important, as is firm, consistent training. Many are too energetic for a sedentary household.

## Care and exercise

Needs lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as scent games, tracking or earthwork. A bored Patterdale will dig, chew or escape. Keep it on a lead near wildlife and use a high, secure fence.

Grooming is easy: a quick weekly brush is usually enough.

## Health

Generally a tough, healthy working type with few breed-specific problems recorded. Working dogs can pick up injuries to the face and legs, so regular checks are wise. Ask breeders about the health of their lines.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 5
- Exercise needs: 5
- Grooming: 1
- Shedding: 2
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 2

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/patterdale-terrier
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patterdale_Terrier · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38800
Photo: Alephalpha (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:05078045_Patterdale_Terrier.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.