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Patterdale Terrier

Loved by 75% of pet parents

Energetic, bold, and endlessly curious, this small terrier thrives on adventure and close companionship. Compact yet sturdy, it brings spirited loyalty to an active household.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

30–38 cm (male)

28–36 cm (female)

WEIGHT

5–7 kg (male)

4.5–6.5 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–15 years

Patterdale Terrier: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Patterdale Terrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Patterdale Terrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

The Patterdale Terrier is known for its bold, confident nature and strong prey drive. It is typically loyal, alert, and can be independent or stubborn with strangers.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Can be reserved with strangers, loyal to family

Intelligence

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level

Very active, requires daily vigorous exercise

Playfulness

Enjoys games and interactive activities

Adaptability

Adapts best to active households and routines

Strengths

High stamina for outdoor activities
Strong prey drive for vermin control
Loyal and affectionate with family
Compact size suits smaller living spaces
Low grooming needs due to short coat

Challenges

Tendency toward stubborn or independent behavior
High energy requires regular vigorous exercise
Can be reactive toward unfamiliar dogs
Prone to escape attempts if bored
Needs consistent training and firm boundaries

Protect your Patterdale Terrier

Patterdale Terrier are active and energetic, but they can develop eye disorders and patellar luxation. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

Patterdale Terriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

Patterdale Terriers are intelligent and learn quickly but may display a willful streak. They respond best to consistent, firm training and benefit from early socialization to encourage good manners.

Trainable Tasks:

Recall training in open areas

Scent detection exercises

Tunnel navigation and agility

Controlled digging on command

Impulse control around animals

Leash walking in busy areas

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

60–90 minutes daily

recommended per day

This breed has high energy levels and requires substantial daily exercise, including vigorous walks and mental challenges. Without regular activity, they may develop unwanted behaviors due to boredom.

Recommended Activities:

Earthdog trials and competitions

Agility course training

Interactive treat puzzles

Long walks in varied terrain

Hide-and-seek scent games

Supervised off-leash play

Is this breed right for you?

Patterdale Terriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Patterdale Terrier would fit well in your home.