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Is a Terrier the right dog for your?
Terriers are high energy, bold, loyal and pleasing dogs but they are
not for everyone. I have seen more and more Patterdales ending up
in shelters and have personally rescued an alarming amount
recently. The popularity of the breed is taken off and the novice
breeder producing $ 200.00 a pup litters is flooding the market with
dogs that are not going to make the best pet, companion, hunter etc.
These breeders do no health screening and no new owner screening
to see if a Patterdale is truly the best match for the prospective
owner.
Chose a Patterdale if:
You want a smart, loyal, athletic and energetic companion with great
prey drive.
Know that while easy to train they are very active and have a
shorter attention span then some other breeds demanding the need
for consistency in training and socializing.
Understand that a Patterdale is essentially a 100 pound dog in a
12-20 pound body. Patterdales are very intelligent and are unaware
of their small structure and stature.
Price range for a good healthy puppy will range between $500-800
dollars.
The main reason Patterdales are found in shelter is people are not
prepared or educated on it's energy and activity level. Prepare to
spend no less then 1 hour a day working, exercising and/or playing
with your terrier.
Socialization is a must with Patterdale Terriers they can be
territorial animals and make terrific alarms and watchdogs.
These are hunting dogs and were bred to dig. Be sure you have a
yard adequate to house a dog with these instincts and know to keep
any other type of small/prey animal can be difficult if possible. Most
Patterdales could easily clear a four foot chain link fence.
As I have personally learned with the terriers dominant attitude if
you are not in charge of this dog he will quickly become in charge of
you. Patterdales need structure and routine as well as manners to be
a good inside pet. They are not lapdogs or purse dogs just because
they are little. They are hunting and prey dogs.
With all of that being said the Patterdale Terrier is the best dog I
have personally ever owned and my partner feels the same way. Not
all of the dogs on this website reside together but are in two packs at
two residents. My (A. Marshall) dogs reside together, play together
and work together and I have had very few issues with fighting or
dominance at this point although when I started as a "pet owner"
and not the "pack leader" I had more problems.
The main thing is a well mentally and physically stimulated
Patterdale is a happy and wonderful pet and companion.
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