Patterdale Terrier

The Patterdale is the hard black working terrier of the northern English fells, bred to a job rather than to a standard.

History

It comes from the Lake District fells, where it was worked to fox and rat by hill farmers, and it is registered by working terrier associations rather than by kennel clubs — deliberately, because its breeders judge it on what it does underground. That is why its appearance varies more than a show breed's.

Temperament

The breed is known for being exceptionally determined, hard and independent — the courage that makes it useful underground makes it a demanding household dog, and it is not a beginner's terrier.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and real occupation, secure fencing against digging, and firm consistent handling. Coats are smooth, broken or rough, all easy.

Health

Generally very robust from hard working selection; nothing is widely documented as breed-specific. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.