Pet Wiki

Patterdale Terrier

A bold, self-confident working terrier with plenty of drive and a strong urge to hunt.

SizeSmall
Height25 to 38 cm (10 to 15 in)12
CoatSmooth, broken or rough coat
OriginEngland, named after the village of Patterdale in the Lake District of northern England.21
Recognised breedShort profile
very brave and determined
keen to work and eager to please
full of energy
12

Personality what they are like

A bold, self-confident working terrier with plenty of drive and a strong urge to hunt. It is keen to please and friendly with people, but its energy and instincts make it best suited to owners who know and enjoy true terrier character.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

smooth, broken or rough coat

A compact, sturdy little working terrier with a narrow, flexible chest that an adult can span with two hands. Three coat types occur: smooth and short, broken (longer on the body with a smooth face), and rough (longer, coarse hair all over, including the face), each with a short, dense undercoat.12

Coloursblackredliver/chocolategrizzleblack and tanbronzesmall white markings on chest and feet allowed12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Patterdale Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High energy; needs a lot of daily exercise and mental work, and suits active homes rather than quiet ones.21

Company who they like around

Friendly with people; because of its strong prey drive, early and ongoing socialisation is important.21

The story where it all began

The Patterdale comes from the black, smooth-coated fell terriers of northern England, bred by hill farmers to control foxes and other predators of sheep. Breeders such as Joe Bowman and Cyril Breay helped refine it, drawing on old English and Northumberland terrier stock. It reached the United States in the late 20th century, where a breed club and UKC recognition followed.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Judges check the chest by 'spanning' it with their hands, since the dog was bred to squeeze through narrow underground passages.1

  2. 2

    In UKC shows, old working scars are considered honourable and are not penalised.1

  3. 3

    It is often described more as a working 'type' than a tightly standardised show breed.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the village of Patterdale in the Lake District of England, where it was developed for hunting foxes in the rocky fells.2

Name ideas for your new friend

ScoutDaisyRocketMollyRascalPipBiscuitZiggyTillyFinnSparkyCheddar

A day in the life told by a Patterdale Terrier

I woke up with a wriggle, ready to dig into the day. My human laughed as I chased my tail in the kitchen. Then we went to the park, where I sniffed every bush and tree. I spotted a squirrel and bolted after it, but my human called me back with a treat. I wagged my whole body. Later, I found a stick and paraded it around, daring anyone to take it. At home, I nuzzled my human's hand and dozed on the sofa, one ear twitching at every sound. At dinner, I sat politely for a piece of cheese. Now I'm curled up, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
Terrier Group; recognised 1 January 1995.1
Patterdale Terrier Club of America
Breed club founded in 1993.2
AKC / The Royal Kennel Club
Not recognised by either.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Patterdale Terrier tip

Patterdales are active little dogs who thrive on high-quality food. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories, and healthy options like carrot or apple slices are a good choice.

Source: dogstrust.org.uk purina.co.uk

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Patterdale Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your adult Patterdale Terrier at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular mealtimes help keep them comfortable. Check the food label for portion guidance and ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.3

What should a Patterdale Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and energy level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and raw dough. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet plan.4

How often should I bathe a Patterdale Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Patterdale Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Patterdale Terrier once a week to remove loose hair and keep the coat tidy. For rough or broken coats, hand stripping every 12 weeks helps maintain texture, but clipping also works. Daily brushing is not needed.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Patterdale Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 3 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for a demonstration.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Patterdale Terrier need?

This breed has high energy and needs a lot of daily exercise and mental work. Plan for daily walks and play sessions, and provide activities that challenge their hunting instincts. They suit active homes best.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Patterdale Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal. Regular care helps prevent problems.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Patterdale Terrier live?

Lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 10. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, many live well into their teens. Ask your vet for breed-specific longevity information. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Patterdale Terrier good with children and other pets?

They are friendly with people, but their strong prey drive means early and ongoing socialisation is important. They can be good with children if raised together, but may not be ideal with small pets. Always supervise interactions.21

Can a Patterdale Terrier be left alone?

This breed is energetic and thrives on activity, so leaving them alone for long periods may lead to boredom. They are best suited to homes where someone is around most of the time. If left alone, provide plenty of toys and mental stimulation.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. UKC Patterdale Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history, fun facts
  2. Patterdale Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, coat types, temperament, history
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.