The Tough as Nails Terrier, The Patterdale Terrier
For those who want to adopt a Patterdale terrier for a companion, there are only two necessary precautions. One, you must learn how to keep up with this breed’s energetic disposition in order to give it the proper care it needs. Two, you must learn to accept that it is one of the toughest terriers there is therefore never be shocked if it displays its ferocity and fearlessness in its plight with other mammals such as foxes.
The place of origin of the Patterdale is Northern England where the lands are barely livable, the weather bitingly cold and the surrounding all barren and rocky. These conditions allowed the Patterdale to grow up strong, willful and intent on surviving and finishing the important hunting tasks. Because of their superb concentration and admirable hunting attitude, people dubbed them as “tough as nails”.
While other terrier breeds flourished under the care of the kennel clubs, the Patterdale remained isolated in the remote villages of Northern England. Until its discovery in the 1950′s, the Patterdale served as hunting aids and pets to the villagers. There they hunted for vermin such as rodents and foxes that damage the stocks and crops.
The northern part of England was all hills, rocky terrain and harsh weather. Vermin would usually hide beneath rocks and deep holes that it was very difficult to chase them out. The Patterdale grew up in this situation and it became good at hunting and chasing out animals that lurk in the hard and deep holes of the rocks.
Presently, the Patterdale has reached different parts of the world and many have regarded it more as a pet than a working dog. Its tiny size and love for a cuddle is often misinterpreted as being a toy dog. The Patterdale has never been and never will be a toy dog, however, for the terrier blood runs through its veins no matter where it has been today.
Outdoors, the Patterdale Terrier is an irrepressible hunter for small fury creatures but inside the house, it is tame and particularly quiet. Moreover, towards other people and children, it is sociable, smart and willing to please. When it comes to obedience training, the Patterdale is a bit difficult to teach to but with patience and firmness, you will be able to get very desirable results.
The Patterdale Terrier has a minute size just like a toy dog and came from the mother breed of many terriers, the black and tan terrier. It possesses three types of coats and they are smooth, rough and broken. The smooth one is very short, smooth and coarse; the rough type is coarse and only long on the head, ears and muzzle; and the broken type is long all over the body and feels coarse.
Like most infinitely lively dogs, the Patterdale needs something to get busy with always. Without an activity to keep it occupied, it tends to get bored and will find other means of entertainment such as digging and nipping. Keep your Patterdale mentally and physically fit by taking it for daily walks and regular intense playtimes.
