Patterdale Terrier
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Patterdale Terrier descends mainly from the black smooth-coated Fell Terrier of northern England, bred in a harsh environment to control the vermin that preyed on sheep — to bolt the quarry from its den or to dispatch it if it chose to fight. It is a sturdy, compact working terrier of 25–38 cm whose chest must be spannable behind the shoulders by an average man's hands, in a smooth, broken or rough coat over a short dense undercoat. The UKC standard is blunt about what that breeding produced: extremely courageous, very active, with a strong prey drive and a high desire to work — and not a dog for the average pet owner.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 25.4–38.1cm |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Double coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
No published breed-specific screening
The UKC breed standard is the only kennel-club document found for this breed and it does not discuss health; no parent-club health page or breed-specific veterinary study was located. Ask your vet what routine screening suits a dog of this size and job.
Behaviour
A real working terrier — not a starter dog
The UKC standard says the Patterdale is an extremely courageous working terrier traditionally used to go to ground; Patterdales are extremely willing to work and have a high desire to please, are very active with a strong prey drive, and though they should be peaceful with humans, livestock and other dogs, they are not a dog for the average pet owner — the standard says they require an owner with a sense of humour who understands and can tolerate a real terrier temperament.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
United Kennel Club — Patterdale Terrier breed standard
UKC Terrier Group standard: Fell Terrier ancestry, the spannable chest requirement, the smooth / broken / rough coats, characteristics, and a height of 10–15 in.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Patterdale Terrier — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.