Patterdale Terrier

The Patterdale terrier refers to a type of dog, which is a working terrier and is mainly used for hunting. Working terriers chase quarries that are hidden in the earth. The Patterdale terrier originated in northern England and was originally known as the Black and Tan terrier. It lives for about 12 -13 years. Let us have a look at the different characteristics of this dog breed.

Physical Appearance of Patterdales
The height of this dog is between 10 - 12 inches, and it weighs around 12 pounds. Its body frame is sturdy and compact, its head is broad, its ears are folded and its tail is medium in length. These dogs have a variety of skin coats; their colors ranging from red, black and tan to chocolate, while the texture of their coat is rough, smooth broken. Almost 95% of the Patterdales are black-coated. The qualities that people look for in Patterdales are endurance, a strong neck and jaws and a flexibility to pass through burrows. Since these dogs are used for hunting, their physical abilities are of greater significance than their external appearance.

Nature of Patterdale Terriers
The Patterdales are highly energetic and intelligent animals who learn quickly. These dogs are aggressive in nature and it is difficult to keep them quiet for a long time. Thus, training a Patterdale terrier needs a lot of patience. Because of their assertive and aggressive nature, it takes more time to train them. Keeping them occupied in some or the other activity allows their energy to be channelized effectively, and thus discourages their destructive nature. One needs to remember that these dogs are fearless, and if not dealt with, patiently, one may end up hurting himself. That is the reason why, Patterdales are not considered to be good family pets. But, once you gain control over them, they can prove to be as loyal as other dogs.

Hunting and Vermin Control
Patterdales, as we know, are very aggressive, and hunting is their main domain. Farmers use them to control vermin. Interestingly, Patterdales do not hunt only for satisfying their hunger, but also for releasing energy. If they are given anything that resembles a prey, they destroy it. The Patterdale, being a small dog, searches and hunts animals that live in burrows, with ease and efficiency.

In England, Patterdale terriers are mainly used by farmers to get rid of foxes by chasing them out of their burrows. In the eastern USA, small terriers are used by farmers to control woodchucks, whereas in the western USA, bigger ones are used to control badgers and raccoons. When these dogs are out, hunting their prey, care needs to be taken that they do not risk their life. Hence, it is necessary to keep their track when they are moving around through burrows. Nowadays, a device known as the "Bellman and Flint Terrier Locator", is used for this purpose.

Hunting Act 2004
This Act was passed in order to stop cruelty to animals. Under this Act, hunting with the help of terriers, though not banned completely, is subject to strict rules.

History of Patterdale Terriers
Patterdales with black coats that are found nowadays were originally known as the Fell terriers. They were popularized in the early 1950s, due to the efforts of Cyril Breay and Frank Buck from Leyburn in Yorkshire. The bloodlines they developed were further improved by dog breeder, Brian Nuttall. He carried out the breeding of dogs that his grandfather had reared, with the breeds developed by Cyril Breary and Frank Buck. Today's best Patterdales come from this line developed by him.

The Patterdale terrier has helped man to protect farm animals. These fighter-dogs have also sacrificed their lives on many occasions while carrying out their tasks. Truly, Patterdale terrier has proved to be man's good friend for many years.