In the rugged fells of England’s Lake District, where foxes once wreaked havoc on livestock, farmers needed a dog small enough to pursue quarry underground yet tough enough to face it head-on. The Patterdale Terrier was their answer — and this compact, fearless working dog has barely changed in centuries.
What makes the Patterdale Terrier so remarkable isn’t just their hunting prowess. It’s that same tenacity, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty that makes them increasingly popular as companions in Australian homes. But here’s the thing: this isn’t a breed for everyone. Their working heritage means they come with intensity that can overwhelm unprepared owners.
If you’ve been drawn to this athletic little terrier but wondered whether a Patterdale Terrier is genuinely right for your lifestyle, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will give you the honest truth — the rewards and the challenges — so you can make the best decision for your family.
What You’ll Learn
- Breed traits & temperament
- Health concerns to know
- True cost in Australia
- Training & exercise needs
- Is this breed right for you?
Patterdale Terrier Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Terrier (Working Terrier) |
| Origin | Patterdale, Lake District, England |
| Size Category | Small |
| Height (Adult) | Male: 30-38 cm | Female: 25-35 cm |
| Weight (Adult) | Male: 5-7 kg | Female: 4.5-6 kg |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type | Smooth, broken, or rough (wire-haired) |
| Exercise Needs | 60-90 minutes/day |
| Trainability | 3/5 |
| Good with Children | Yes (older children recommended) |
| First-Time Owner Suitable | 2/5 |
| Average Puppy Price (AUD) | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Data sourced from breed registries and working terrier associations.¹
History of the Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier takes its name from the village of Patterdale in the Lake District of northern England, where the breed was developed in the early 20th century. These dogs were purpose-bred by farmers and huntsmen who needed a tough, compact terrier capable of pursuing foxes into rocky dens and underground burrows.
According to historical breed records, the Patterdale Terrier emerged from crosses between various fell terriers — working dogs native to the harsh terrain of northern England.² Joe Bowman, a legendary huntsman, and later Brian Nuttall, are credited with refining the breed into the consistent type we recognise today.
Unlike many terrier breeds that have transitioned primarily to show dogs, the Patterdale Terrier remains a working breed at heart. In Australia, Patterdale Terriers remain relatively rare compared to more common terrier breeds, though they’ve gained a devoted following among owners who appreciate their compact size, robust health, and spirited personality.
Patterdale Terrier Temperament
- Tenacity: This is the defining Patterdale characteristic. Once they’ve set their mind on something — whether that’s a tennis ball, a scent trail, or getting your attention — they don’t give up easily. Many Patterdale Terrier owners report that this determination is both their greatest asset and their biggest challenge.
- Courage: Don’t let the small size fool you. Patterdale Terriers were bred to face foxes and badgers underground. They have absolutely no concept of being “small” and will approach life with confidence that often surprises new owners.
- Intelligence: These are clever dogs who learn quickly — when they want to. They’re problem-solvers who will figure out how to open gates, access forbidden areas, and outsmart you if you’re not paying attention.
- Loyalty: While they can be independent thinkers, Patterdale Terriers form deep bonds with their families. They’re typically devoted to their primary person while remaining friendly with the household.
- High Energy: This is a working breed with stamina to spare. They need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain content.
Every Patterdale Terrier is different, but most share that intense terrier drive that makes them exceptional at whatever task they’re given — whether that’s ratting, agility, or simply being an engaged family companion.
Patterdale Terriers can be good family dogs, but they’re generally better suited to families with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Their terrier nature means they don’t always tolerate rough handling or unpredictable movements from toddlers.
First-time Patterdale Terrier owners are often surprised by just how much energy these small dogs have. If your Patterdale starts getting nippy during play with children — which can happen when they’re overstimulated — redirect that energy immediately with a toy or brief training session.
Breeders consistently note that Patterdales raised with children from puppyhood tend to be more tolerant, but supervision is always essential.
Here’s where honesty is crucial: Patterdale Terriers have a strong prey drive. They were literally bred to hunt and dispatch small animals.
With other dogs, most Patterdales can coexist well, particularly if socialised early. However, they’re confident dogs who won’t back down from confrontation, so careful introductions and ongoing management are important.
With cats, results vary dramatically. Some Patterdales learn to accept household cats as family members (especially if raised together), while others never lose the urge to chase. Small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, or birds are generally not safe around this breed.
The Patterdale Terrier’s biggest challenges stem directly from their working heritage.
As one breeder put it: “A Patterdale without a digging outlet is a Patterdale who’ll create one — usually in your most prized flower bed.”
- Digging: These dogs were bred to dig out foxes. Your garden will likely bear the evidence.
- Prey Drive: Squirrels, birds, cats, even leaves blowing in the wind can trigger intense chase behaviour.
- Barking: They’re alert dogs who take their watchdog duties seriously. Without training, this can become excessive.
- Stubbornness: If you notice your Patterdale ignoring commands they clearly know, this often indicates they’ve decided their idea is better than yours. The key is to make training rewarding and to pick your battles.
Patterdale Terrier Health Issues
If you’re worried about health problems with this breed, here’s some genuinely good news. The Patterdale Terrier is one of the healthiest dog breeds around. Their working heritage and lack of exaggerated physical features means they’ve avoided many of the health issues that plague other breeds.
Prevalence: Affects approximately 2-5% of the breed
According to VCA Hospitals, primary lens luxation occurs when the lens of the eye becomes displaced, potentially leading to glaucoma and blindness if untreated.³
Symptoms: Sudden eye pain, redness, cloudiness, squinting, excessive tearing
Treatment Cost (AUD): $2,000 – $4,000 for surgical removal
Prevention: DNA testing available; reputable breeders screen for this condition
Prevalence: 3-5% in small terrier breeds
This condition occurs when the kneecap slides out of its normal position.
Symptoms: Occasional skipping or hopping on the back leg, holding the leg up briefly
Treatment Cost (AUD): $1,500 – $4,000 for surgery if severe
Prevention: Choose breeders who health test; maintain healthy weight
Patterdale Terrier Lifespan & Longevity Tips
Average lifespan: 12-15 years
The Patterdale Terrier’s robust working heritage contributes to their excellent longevity. Many live well into their mid-teens. Veterinarians recommend the following for maximising your dog’s healthy years:⁵
- Maintain a lean body weight (obesity significantly impacts small dogs)
- Provide regular dental care (terriers are prone to dental disease)
- Keep up with preventative health screenings, especially eye exams
- Ensure adequate exercise throughout life
- Feed a high-quality, appropriately portioned diet
Patterdale Terrier Grooming Guide
One of the Patterdale Terrier’s genuine advantages is their low-maintenance coat. Grooming requirements vary somewhat depending on coat type (smooth, broken, or rough/wire-haired).
Grooming Schedule Table
| Task | Frequency | Time | Tools/Products |
| Brushing | Weekly to 2-3x weekly | 10-15 mins | Bristle brush, slicker brush |
| Bathing | Every 6-8 weeks | 20-30 mins | Dermcare or Fido’s Shampoo |
| Nail Trimming | Every 2-3 weeks | 10-15 mins | Clippers or grinder |
| Dental Care | Daily brushing ideal | 5 mins | Oravet or Greenies |
Shedding: Do Patterdale Terriers shed? Yes, but moderately. They’re not heavy shedders, but they do shed year-round. They are not hypoallergenic.
Coat Colours: Black (most common), red/tan, chocolate/liver, and black and tan. Some have small white markings on the chest or feet.
Patterdale Terrier Exercise Needs
Don’t be discouraged by the exercise requirements — once you establish a routine, meeting your Patterdale’s needs becomes genuinely enjoyable. These are fantastic adventure companions.
Daily minimum: 60-90 minutes of physical activity
This terrier breeds receive both physical exercise and mental stimulation daily.⁶ For Patterdales, mental exercise is particularly important — a physically tired Patterdale can still be mentally wired.
Many Patterdale Terrier owners report that once they understood their dog’s exercise needs — and met them consistently — the challenging behaviours dramatically decreased.
Patterdale Terrier Training Guide
This can feel overwhelming at first, but here’s the honest truth: Patterdale Terriers are intelligent dogs who absolutely can be trained. The challenge is that they’re also independent thinkers who don’t have the same desire to please that you’d find in breeds like Labradors.
Trainability Rating: 3/5
According to professional dog trainers, positive reinforcement methods work significantly better with this breed than traditional correction-based training.⁷ They’re food-motivated (very food-motivated, actually), which gives you excellent leverage.
Socialisation & Training Timeline
| Age | Training Focus | Expected Outcomes |
| 8-12 weeks | Name, potty training, crate training | Basic recognition, confidence |
| 3-4 months | Sit, stay, come (recall is crucial!) | Foundation skills established |
| 4-6 months | Impulse control, “leave it” | Better self-control |
| 6-12 months | Proofing commands, off-leash work | Reliable obedience (expect regression) |
When your Patterdale hits adolescence (around 6-10 months), expect them to test every boundary you’ve established. The key is to remain patient, increase exercise, and avoid letting frustration show — they’re remarkably perceptive to your emotions.
Patterdale Terrier Price & Costs
Initial Costs:
| Expense | Approx. Cost (AUD) |
| Puppy Price (Registered Breeder) | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Adoption Fee (Rescue) | $300 – $500 |
| Initial Vet + Vaccinations | $200 – $400 |
| Desexing | $250 – $500 |
| Essential Supplies | $300 – $500 |
| Puppy School | $150 – $300 |
| TOTAL INITIAL COST | $2,700 – $5,700 |
Annual Ongoing Costs:
- Premium Dog Food (Black Hawk, Advance, Ivory Coat): $800 – $1,200
- Vet & Preventatives: $400 – $800
- Pet Insurance: $400 – $900
- Grooming: $100 – $300 (minimal for this breed)
- TOTAL ANNUAL COST: $2,050 – $4,000
Lifetime Cost Estimate: Based on a 13-year average lifespan: $29,000 – $58,000
Finding a Patterdale Terrier in Australia
Registered Breeders: Patterdale Terriers are relatively rare in Australia. Search through Dogs Australia or working terrier breed clubs. Always ask about health testing, particularly for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).
Experienced Patterdale Terrier handlers often say that finding a good breeder is worth the wait — rushing into a purchase from an unknown source often leads to health or temperament problems that cost far more in the long run.
Is a Patterdale Terrier Right for You?
The perfect Patterdale Terrier owner is active, patient, and has a sense of humour about terrier antics. You don’t need rural property — many Patterdales thrive in suburban homes — but you do need to commit to daily exercise, mental stimulation, and ongoing training.
This can feel overwhelming, but being honest about challenges upfront saves heartbreak later.
- Households with small pets: If you have rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, or chickens, a Patterdale is likely not a safe choice.
- Those seeking a calm lapdog: While Patterdales can be affectionate, they’re not typically couch potatoes.
- Owners unwilling to exercise daily: 60+ minutes of activity is non-negotiable.
- Those wanting reliable off-leash dogs: Many Patterdales never become trustworthy around wildlife.
- Those who want easy-to-train dogs: Patterdales require patience and acceptance that they’ll always have their own opinions.
Perfect for: Active owners who want a compact, robust adventure companion with personality to spare. Those who appreciate terrier spirit and can provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
Think twice if: You’re looking for a quiet, compliant pet who’ll be content with minimal exercise. If you have cats, small pets, or young children who can’t handle a high-energy dog.
First-time owner verdict: Challenging but not impossible. If you’re prepared to invest in training and commit to substantial daily exercise, a Patterdale can be a wonderful first dog — but a more forgiving breed would be wiser for most beginners.
Patterdale Terrier FAQs
Are Patterdale Terriers aggressive?
Patterdale Terriers are not inherently aggressive toward people. They’re confident, bold dogs with strong prey drive, but this isn’t the same as aggression. Proper socialisation and training from puppyhood is essential.
What is a Patterdale Terrier?
A Patterdale Terrier is a small working terrier breed originating from the Lake District in northern England. They were developed to hunt foxes and vermin. They typically weigh 5-7 kg and stand 25-38 cm tall.
How big do Patterdale Terriers get?
Full-grown Patterdale Terriers stand 25-38 cm tall at the shoulder and typically weigh 4.5-7 kg. They’re smaller than many people expect — this is a genuinely compact breed.
How long do Patterdale Terriers live?
The average lifespan is 12-15 years, with many living into their mid-teens when properly cared for.
Do Patterdale Terriers shed?
Yes, Patterdale Terriers shed moderately year-round. They’re not heavy shedders, but they do lose hair. They are not hypoallergenic.
Are Patterdale Terriers good pets?
Patterdale Terriers can be excellent pets for the right owners. They’re loyal, compact, and generally healthy. However, they require significant exercise and patient training.
How much does a Patterdale Terrier cost in Australia?
Patterdale Terrier puppies from reputable breeders in Australia typically cost $1,500 – $3,000 AUD. They’re relatively rare here, so availability may be limited.
Primary Sources:
- Working Terrier Federation — Breed standards and history
- Patterdale Terrier Club of America — Breed history archives
Veterinary & Health Sources:
- VCA Hospitals — Primary Lens Luxation information (vcahospitals.com)
- PetMD — Skin allergies in dogs (petmd.com)
- Australian Veterinary Association — Care guidelines (ava.com.au)
Australian-Specific Sources:
- RSPCA Australia — Animal welfare guidelines (rspca.org.au)
- Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia — Training methodology
- Dogs Australia (ANKC) — Breed registration information (dogsaustralia.org.au)