The Patterdale Terrier: Mighty Huntress in a Small Package

As a lifelong dog lover and terrier aficionado, I‘m always eager to learn about lesser-known breeds with big personalities. One that has captured my heart is the Patterdale Terrier. Developed in Northern England as a tenacious working dog, the Patterdale‘s courage, loyalty, and seemingly endless stamina have earned it a devoted following among hunters and active pet owners alike. But this pint-sized powerhouse is not for everyone. Like all terriers, Patterdales are independent, driven, and require dedicated owners to keep their intelligent minds sufficiently occupied.

A Working Terrier Forged in the Fells of England

Patterdale Terriers trace their origins to the early 20th century in the Lake District of Cumbria County, England. The breed takes its name from the village of Patterdale, located in the scenic Ullswater valley. According to the Patterdale Terrier Club UK, the region‘s rocky fells (hills) and deep valleys were prime fox hunting territory. But the local foxes proved elusive quarry, often "going to ground" in dens and rocky crevices too narrow for traditional foxhounds to access.

Hunters needed a small, agile dog that could pursue foxes, rabbits, and other small game into their subterranean burrows to bolt or dispatch them. The Patterdale Terrier was bred to meet this need. Cynologists believe they were developed by crossing the now-extinct black and tan terrier with the Northumberland Pit Terrier and the Border Terrier. The result was a compact, fearless hunter with a flexible chest and strong prey drive that could squeeze through tight passages and hold its own against formidable quarry.

For decades, the Patterdale Terrier remained a little-known working dog seldom seen outside its native Cumbria. Fanciers valued them for their hunting prowess rather than their looks. Even today, this breed is far more rare than other terriers. Out of 197 breeds, the Patterdale ranks 121st in popularity according to 2021 American Kennel Club registration statistics. But what Patterdales lack in fame they more than make up for in heart, as their fans will attest.

Compact Size, Expansive Prey Drive

At just 12-15 inches tall and 11-13 pounds, Patterdale Terriers are small but mighty. They have a compact, sturdy build with a deep chest and short back. This unique body structure allows their chest and shoulders to compress, enabling them to maneuver through tight underground dens in pursuit of prey. Their muscular hindquarters provide explosive power for digging and flushing game.

Patterdale coats come in three varieties: smooth, broken, and rough. Smooth coats are short and close-lying. Broken coats have some longer hair on the face and legs. Rough coats are harsh and wiry. All provide protection from the elements and underbrush. Colors include black, red, bronze, liver, chocolate, and even buckskin (pale tan). Some have small white patches on the chest.

But what truly defines a Patterdale is not superficial appearance – it‘s their go-to-ground instincts. Caroline Lee, a Patterdale breeder in West Yorkshire, describes the breed‘s prey drive as "second to none." Patterdales have an innate drive to chase, capture, and in some cases, dispatch small furry critters with an efficiency that both awes and unsettles the uninitiated. Their acute vision and hearing, coupled with a high-octane "motor," make them relentless hunters undeterred by dark, cramped spaces.

This hardwired prey drive is an asset in the hunting field but can be a liability in the home. As Lee warns, "They are not able to distinguish between chasing a rabbit or squirrel, and chasing next door‘s cat." Even the most well-trained Patterdale cannot fully suppress its hunter‘s heart. They must be kept on leash or in a securely fenced yard at all times. Homes with pet rabbits, hamsters, or poultry should choose another breed.

A Heart Three Sizes Too Big

Looks can be deceiving with the diminutive Patterdale. Strangers often assume these 12 pound terriers are all bark and no bite. But underestimating a Patterdale‘s tenacity and heart is a mistake no one makes twice.

Imogen Bole, a wildlife conservationist who hunts with her Patterdale named Badger, shared a telling anecdote with The Telegraph: "We were out rabbiting one day when [Badger] disappeared down a hole in a stone wall. The next thing, a baby red deer came charging out of the undergrowth being chased by this tiny black dog." That a 12 pound terrier would have the confidence to take on a 25 pound fawn hints at the breed‘s outsized courage.

But Patterdales save their softer side for their humans. Bred to work closely with hunters, they bond intensely with their owners and are deeply loyal. Bole describes Badger as "cheeky, affectionate and a fantastic companion." Many owners report their Patterdales are their shadows, always keeping a watchful eye on their beloved person. They may be aloof with strangers but with their families, Patterdales are playful, devoted, and even snuggly.

That said, Patterdales are still terriers through and through. They are highly intelligent but have an independent streak a mile wide. They live to dig, bark at every leaf that dares to fall in their yard, and question authority when it suits them. Lovers of peace and quiet should look elsewhere. But for experienced owners willing to put in the work, Patterdales will repay your efforts with steadfast devotion.

Patterdales in Action

A well-bred Patterdale is happiest when it has a job to do. In addition to hunting, Patterdales excel in terrier-centric sports like earthdog den trials, barn hunt, and go-to-ground competitions that provide an outlet for their den-busting drive. Their small size and portability make them popular "carryable" companions for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some even compete in agility thanks to their speed and laser focus.

The key to living harmoniously with a Patterdale is to never let them get bored. A bored Patterdale is a destructive Patterdale. Daily walks are a must but these energetic terriers need more than a quick spin around the block. Puzzle toys, scent games, and trick training are just a few ways to engage their keen senses and keep them out of mischief.

Patterdales have a high exercise requirement for their size, at a minimum needing 45-60 minutes of vigorous activity per day. They are not well-suited for small apartments or sedentary owners. A securely fenced yard is a boon for letting Patterdales work off steam but they cannot be trusted off leash for risk of taking off after small prey.

Mighty but Not Invincible

Patterdale Terriers enjoy relatively good health and a typical lifespan of 12-15 years. Like many purebreds, they can be vulnerable to certain genetic health problems. Responsible breeders screen for issues like luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and various eye disorders.

According to a health survey by the Patterdale Terrier Club of America, eye problems represented 25% of reported health issues, followed by luxating patellas (21%) and epilepsy (13%). The small gene pool and tendency to inbreed hunting lines to preserve working traits likely contributes to the prevalence of inherited disorders.

Cancer is another leading cause of death in Patterdales, claiming the lives of 26% of the PTCA survey respondents. While veterinary oncology has made great strides in treating canine cancers, early detection is key. Owners should perform regular at-home lump checks and consult their vet promptly about any concerning signs.

Generally, Patterdales are robust for their size and with proper care, often enjoy an active life well into their double digits. Keeping them at a healthy weight, feeding a nutritious diet, staying up-to-date on preventative care, and providing both physical exercise and mental enrichment sets them up for a long, happy life.

Finding Your Patterdale Soul Mate

With their rarity and lack of mainstream popularity, Patterdale Terriers can be challenging to find. Very few end up in shelters or rescues since owners tend to keep them for life and responsible breeders insist on being contacted if an owner can no longer care for a dog they bred. Most prospective owners must seek a breeder to find a Patterdale puppy.

Due to the breed‘s growing visibility, unethical breeders hoping to cash in on the demand have become more common. It‘s imperative to do thorough research and only work with responsible preservation breeders committed to the Patterdale‘s health and welfare. Red flags include breeders offering puppies without a waiting list, breeding multiple different breeds, lack of health screenings, or pushing puppies out the door with no contract or support.

Reputable Patterdale breeders are few and far between. Most are small hobby breeders producing occasional litters. Many only breed working dogs and are highly selective about puppy placements. Expect to be vetted as much as the breeder – ethical breeders want to ensure their pups go to appropriate homes that can handle the breed‘s intensity.

The cost of a well-bred Patterdale puppy varies but averages around $1,000-2,000. Some may cost more if they come from rare bloodlines or accomplished hunting/sport parents. Limited registration, spay/neuter contracts, and required puppy classes are also common. Don‘t be put off by breeders‘ criteria – it shows they are breeding for the love of the Patterdale and care where their pups end up.

Is a Patterdale Terrier right for you? They can be a wonderful addition for experienced dog owners committed to giving them the exercise, training, and attention they need to thrive. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts often find the breed‘s portability and tenacity make them ideal field companions. Owners wanting a low-key lapdog should look elsewhere – the Patterdale personality is many things but "dainty" isn‘t one of them.

With their big attitudes and even bigger hearts, Patterdale Terriers have earned a loyal following among those who appreciate an unapologetically authentic working terrier. From the fells of England‘s Lake District to the couches and hiking trails of their modern fans, this mighty little breed continues to prove that sometimes the best things really do come in small packages.