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Terrier · England

Patterdale Terrier

A walker's guide to the Patterdale Terrier: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Small, 5 to 9 kgHigh driveStrong prey driveGoes to groundToughNot KC recognisedWorking terrier
Exercise a day90 min plus
Energy5 of 5
Walk styleRelentless, hunting, low
With other dogsCan be sharp

Overview

The Patterdale is a working terrier from the Lake District fells, named after a village near Ullswater and developed to bolt and kill foxes in rocky earths. It is not recognised by the Kennel Club and never has been; breeders have always prized working ability over looks. Most are black, smooth or broken coated, and built like a small bull.

In the right hands they are affectionate, loyal and quiet at home. The problem is what happens outside. The prey drive is as strong as any breed's and the dog is physically capable of killing cats, rabbits and chickens and of going underground for hours. Many end up in rescue for exactly these reasons.

Exercise and walking needs

Ninety minutes of hard exercise a day is realistic for a fit adult, and even then the dog is looking for more. Running, tug, flirt pole and structured retrieves burn energy; a lead walk barely registers.

Weather does not stop them. They were bred to work in wet rock and winter cold, and most will plunge into a stream without a second thought.

Daily minimum90 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeEnclosed only

On the walk

  • Recall: Do not rely on it. A Patterdale that scents a fox or rabbit will follow it underground and may not reappear for hours. Enclosed areas only.
  • Going to ground: Know where badger setts, fox earths and rabbit warrens are on your routes and keep the dog on the lead near all of them. Disturbing a sett is illegal.
  • Other dogs: Some are fine, many are sharp, especially with other terriers and dogs that posture. Keep introductions brief and on the move.
  • Small animals: Cats, squirrels, chickens and small dogs can all be treated as prey. Keep the dog on the lead near gardens and farmyards.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Use a harness with a secure fit and a strong lead; a lunging Patterdale will test both.
  2. Walk this dog separately from small dogs until you are certain of its reactions.
  3. Carry a tug toy and use it to release energy and refocus the dog after it has fixated on something.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Has the dog ever gone to ground, caught anything or been in a fight?
  • How does it behave with small dogs and cats, and does the owner trust it off the lead anywhere?
  • What does the dog do when it sees livestock, and has it ever worried sheep?
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