Is a Patterdale Terrier a good family dog?

Patterdale Terriers do best with highly active, experienced pet parents and in families without kids under the age of 7 or smaller pets like cats and bunnies.

Do Patterdales like to cuddle?

Patterdales are more courageous than cuddly. They can be affectionate, especially if they get enough exercise, but don’t expect a lapdog.

What are Patterdale Terriers known for?

Patterdale Terriers are known for their high intelligence, high energy, and high prey drive.

Patterdale Terrier

Updated April 29, 2026

The Patterdale Terrier is lionhearted in personality but modest in stature. Bred for work, they do best in active families who have the time, energy, and skills to provide these plucky pups with a healthy mix of both structure and fun.

Temperament

Plucky, Persevering, Headstrong

Weight

10–17 pounds

Height

10–15 inches

Life Expectancy

10–12 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Black, Red, Chocolate, Black and Tan

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“Tough as nails.” That’s how the United Kennel Club (UKC) describes the Patterdale Terrier. These doughty dogs were bred for vermin hunting, which explains both their tenacious temperament and their small stature that’s perfect for tunneling. They are down for anything, including going down under the ground.

As you might have guessed, dogs with the smarts, energy, will, and grit to track down prey may not be a good fit for every home. Though they love their families and aim to please, Patterdale Terriers naturally follow their own instincts and will need consistent positive-reinforcement training to learn otherwise.

Patterdale Terrier Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Barking Tendencies

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Patterdale Terrier Appearance

The Patterdale Terrier dog was built to work and isn’t afraid to show it. According to the breed standard, “the Patterdale is a hunting terrier designed to confront quarry directly in tight and challenging quarters.”

They’re compact because their size is vital to their tunneling work. In fact, the breed standard notes that your hands should be able to span the circumference of the Patterdale’s chest.

Ears
The Patterdale Terrier has small, triangular ears that fold down, with the tips resting near the outside corners of their eyes.
Eyes
Eye color is dependent on coat color. Chocolate Patterdales have amber-colored eyes, while all other Patterdales have brown eyes.
Nose
Nose color is similarly related to coat color. Chocolate Patterdales have brown (also referred to as red) noses, while other Patterdales typically have black noses.
Coat Length
Patterdales have three different coat types: smooth, broken, and rough. Smooth-coated Patterdales have very short, smooth fur; broken-coated Patterdales have longer hair on their bodies; and rough-coated Patterdales have longer hair overall.
Coat Color
The breed’s coat comes in shades of black, red, chocolate, and black and tan. Some may have small white markings on their chest and feet.
Tail
Patterdales have high-set tails. The breed club standard mentions docking, which involves cutting off a portion of the dog’s tail as a puppy. However, this is a controversial procedure that many veterinary groups, as well as some states and countries, have banned. If you have questions about this procedure, speak with your veterinarian.

Patterdale Terrier Temperament

Per the UKC breed standard, the Patterdale Terrier is “not a dog for the average pet owner.” Understanding their original purpose sheds light on this cautionary designation.

Patterdale Terriers were bred to serve as go-to-ground hunting dogs (i.e., dogs who would root out vermin from underground tunnels and dens). And many of the characteristics that help them excel at their job don’t always translate well to family life.

For example, Patterdales have a high prey drive. But while they don’t mix well with vermin (and may view small animals like cats, gerbils, and guinea pigs as something to chase after), Patterdales can live harmoniously with other dogs and with larger animals like livestock.

Despite their working-dog instincts, Patterdales form loyal, affectionate bonds with their families and have a strong desire to please. However, the Patterdale Terrier Breed Club does not recommend the breed as a playmate for children younger than 7 years old. To be met with gentleness, children must first know how to treat dogs with gentleness.

But with the right family, in the right environment, and with dedicated training and socialization, a Patterdale Terrier can thrive.

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How to Care for a Patterdale Terrier

Because Patterdale Terriers have insatiable appetites for action, most of their care needs revolve around keeping their minds and bodies engaged. As the breed club puts it: “These dogs require an extraordinary amount of human attention, outdoor activity, exercise, discipline, and an understanding of their hunting nature.”

And because they have a typical terrier dog temperament, all that care should be paired with a healthy sense of humor.

Like many working dogs, Patterdale Terriers don’t need extensive grooming—after all, they’re bred for hunting, not haircare. But this doesn’t mean they’re totally hands-off.

Brushing: Patterdale coats fall into one of three categories: smooth, broken, or rough. But regardless of coat type, their coarse fur needs little attention to avoid matting. Weekly brushing should suffice, using either a rubber curry brush like the Four Paws Magic Coat Brush or a slicker brush like the We Love Doodles Brush.
Bathing: How often you bathe your dog may depend on how much digging they get up to. But keep in mind that bathing your dog too frequently can strip their skin of healthy oils. Talk to your vet for the best guidance.
Dental care: To prevent dental disease, be sure to brush your Patterdale’s teeth every day with a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. It’s also important to keep up with professional dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
Ear care: Talk to your vet about how, and how often, you should clean your Patterdale’s ears.
Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every two to four weeks.

The Patterdale Terrier is a high-energy, high-drive dog breed that’s best suited for experienced pet parents. Early socialization as well as early, lifelong positive reinforcement training are key to helping a Patterdale integrate into family life.

Socialization should begin as soon as you bring your Patterdale Terrier puppy home. Talk to your veterinarian about age-appropriate activities that will introduce your puppy to different animals, people, environments, and objects that will help them feel comfortable in a wide variety of settings as they grow. Properly socialized Patterdales become affectionate, gentle companions.

Training should also begin in puppyhood. Patterdales are famously headstrong, and training should be patient, consistent, and lifelong. Always use positive reinforcement (rewards like dog treats, favorite toys, and lots of praise) to get the most from your pup.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all nutritional plan for Patterdale Terriers because no two dogs are exactly alike. However, there are a few basic guidelines you can follow:

Ask your veterinarian to help you find a dog food that meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
While the feeding guide found on the dog food bag label gives a general idea of how much to feed your dog based on their weight, your vet can provide a much more precise amount that considers your Patterdale Terrier’s weight, age, body condition score, lifestyle, and specific health needs.
Adult Patterdale Terriers typically need to eat twice a day, but Patterdale puppies may need more frequent meals to prevent low blood sugar. Ask your veterinarian to help you determine the best feeding plan for your dog.
Treats can add up quickly—especially in small dogs like Patterdales—so be sure to factor them into the daily calorie count. Dog treats should only account for 10% or less of your dog’s daily calories.

Patterdale Terriers need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation throughout their lives. Without it, they will be more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors like chewing, excessive barking, and digging.

A once- or twice-a-day walk around the neighborhood simply won’t be enough for a Patterdale Terrier. Instead, spend time between walks on:

Obedience training
Dog sports, like agility and Barn Hunt
Skills training
Running
Hiking
Scent work
Playing fetch
Puzzle toys

The Patterdale Terrier isn’t for everyone, in part because not everyone can provide them with a safe, supportive environment. Here are some aspects of their personality you should keep in mind when considering their ideal surroundings:

Patterdales are prone to barking, which could make you unpopular with nearby neighbors—especially if you live in an apartment.
Patterdales need families who can match (or at least try to match) their energy.
Because leashed walks won’t satiate a Patterdale’s exercise needs, having a fenced yard with space to run and play is ideal.
Patterdale Terriers prefer the company of humans who know how to gently interact with pets, which is why they aren’t recommended for homes with children under the age of 7.
Due to their high prey drive, all exercise must take place either on a leash or within a securely fenced area. This drive is also why sharing a home with small pets can be less than ideal for a Patterdale.

Patterdale Terrier Health

The Patterdale Terrier is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10–12 years. But like all dogs, they are prone to develop certain health conditions. It’s important to partner with an ethical breeder who prioritizes health and genetic testing.

Patterdales are particularly at risk for:

Primary lens luxation: Primary lens luxation (PLL) is when the eye lens moves from its normal position, and it can affect one or both eyes. The condition can cause redness, tears or discharge, cloudiness, and pain and can lead to inflammation, glaucoma, and even blindness. If caught early, surgical lens removal is an option. Otherwise, medication can be used to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Patellar luxation: A patellar luxation occurs when the patella (or kneecap) moves outside of its normal groove in the thigh bone. Signs include limping, bunny hopping, and a popping sound from the knee joint. Dogs with severe cases of patellar luxation may need surgery.
Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria builds up in your dog’s mouth, damaging the teeth, gums, jaw bone, and other tissues. While the disease is common in dogs of all sizes, it is particularly common in smaller breeds. Signs of periodontal disease include plaque and tarter buildup, gum irritation, bad breath, missing teeth, and root exposure. Treatment can involve professional cleaning, extractions, or both.

Patterdale Terrier History

The Patterdale Terrier is a rare dog breed and is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, the breed has been part of the United Kennel Club (UKC) since January 1, 1995.

According to the UKC, the Patterdale is mainly descended from the Fell Terrier, a small working dog from Northern England. Like Patterdales, Fell Terriers were bred to hunt and confront vermin.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Patterdale Terrier

Patterdale Terrier