At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
smooth, broken or rough coat
A compact, sturdy little working terrier with a narrow, flexible chest that an adult can span with two hands. Three coat types occur: smooth and short, broken (longer on the body with a smooth face), and rough (longer, coarse hair all over, including the face), each with a short, dense undercoat.21
Personality what they are like
A bold, self-confident working terrier with plenty of drive and a strong urge to hunt. It is keen to please and friendly with people, but its energy and instincts make it best suited to owners who know and enjoy true terrier character.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High energy; needs a lot of daily exercise and mental work, and suits active homes rather than quiet ones.12
Company who they like around
Friendly with people; because of its strong prey drive, early and ongoing socialisation is important.12
The story where it all began
The Patterdale comes from the black, smooth-coated fell terriers of northern England, bred by hill farmers to control foxes and other predators of sheep. Breeders such as Joe Bowman and Cyril Breay helped refine it, drawing on old English and Northumberland terrier stock. It reached the United States in the late 20th century, where a breed club and UKC recognition followed.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Judges check the chest by 'spanning' it with their hands, since the dog was bred to squeeze through narrow underground passages.2
- 2
In UKC shows, old working scars are considered honourable and are not penalised.2
- 3
It is often described more as a working 'type' than a tightly standardised show breed.1
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Terrier Group; recognised 1 January 1995.2
- Patterdale Terrier Club of America
- Breed club founded in 1993.1
- AKC / The Royal Kennel Club
- Not recognised by either.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Patterdale Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
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- Patterdale Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, coat types, temperament, history
- UKC Patterdale Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.