Patterdale Terrier

[Matthew Turner]

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Hi everybody,
I hope you are all keeping well on the current climate.!

I am looking for some advice on a Patterdale Terrier Please, we are looking to get a Patterdale Terrier and I was wondering if anybody has any experience of how they settle in when being moved around? We have a static caravan that we go to most weekends, obviously the dog would be with us but wasn’t sure if this would be upsetting to the dog?

Thanks in advance

Matty

 

[JoanneF]

I don't think the switch between home and the caravan itself would be an issue, but if your van is in a rural or semi rural location you would have to expect a Patterdale to be on very high alert. They are very driven and have high prey drive, so if there is any wildlife around such as rabbits, it could be rather challenging. They say that Patterdales are bred to do one job and one job only; and that is to kill. And they do that job very efficiently.

That said, in the last five years I have met two that are more mellow.

 

[Matthew Turner]

Thanks Joanne,

That was a concern of mine, there isn’t a massive amount of wildlife but there is some.
At home we have a large house with a walled garden and plenty of exercise places in both open fields and the beach so I don’t think there would be any issues there but maybe not ideal for the caravan.
I wouldn’t be working the dog but like you say it’s bred into them.

 

[JoanneF]

Sure, and remember there is always an element of both nature and nurture. Slightly straying from topic, I believe there are three main things that cause training to be challenging.

1. Sometimes the dog doesn't understand what you are asking.
2. Sometimes the drive/motivation/reward of doing what we are asking doesn't outweigh the drive/motivation/reward of doing what the dog is already doing (nothing we can offer trumps the thrill of the chase and kill).
3. We are working against a deeply rooted breed trait - there are reasons why we don't use, for example, bloodhounds to herd sheep. It might be possible but it would be a lot harder than training a collie, whose natural instinct is to herd.

Have you experience of terriers?

 

[Matthew Turner]

I haven’t got any experience of terriers no, I’ve only had one dog before, a boxer dog.
I understand your point around training and I have got the time to put into the dog but like you say nothing will beat what the dog was bred for!
Maybe back to the drawing board?
Do you have any suggestions? I like the size and look of the smooth coat Patterdale and also like the majority of its temperament, just a bit worried that it may run riot at the caravan park

 

[JoanneF]

If you are looking for something that is a bit more of an independent thinker than a boxer (euphemism for ”does it's own thing and pays little attention to you”) maybe a Parsons Russell or Jack Russell might work. I can't remember which way round between the Norfolk and Norwich terriers, but one is a bit more biddable than the other as an adult.

If you are looking for a dog that will listen to you but still has some feisty-ness (sorry for making up words) I'm a big fan of mini schnauzers.

 

[Matthew Turner]

Thanks Joanne,

I’ll take a look at those suggestions

Matthew

 

[JoanneF]

Don't rely on just them, I'm sure other people will have ideas too.

 

[Mayblossom]

Parsons are great little dogs but try for a show type as opposed to a working terrier, our Lily is so good and never bothers with chasing anything or disappearing down holes still has the terrier tendencies to be protective of all she surveys but it’s part of her charm great with other dogs she meets ( unless they sniff her bum too much ) adores the beach and doesn’t take up much room

 

[Finsky]

I haven’t got any experience of terriers no, I’ve only had one dog before, a boxer dog.
I understand your point around training and I have got the time to put into the dog but like you say nothing will beat what the dog was bred for!
Maybe back to the drawing board?
Do you have any suggestions? I like the size and look of the smooth coat Patterdale and also like the majority of its temperament, just a bit worried that it may run riot at the caravan park

When thinking of having a terrier...any sort, be prepared for the possibility that the dog won't never ever be trusted off lead...unless there is fenced off area for its own safety. Like already mentioned, they all have hunting instinct bred into them, but some will show it more strongly than others. Patterdales particularly tend to have this instinct 'high'...even if they are in their home environment the sweetest most placid things around, but open the door and totally different beast come out..a case of Jekyll and Hide In general there is no issue with the changing environments and traveling as such, they tend to thrive with all the mental stimulation. But the mental stimulation can bring it its own problems, even with or lack of high prey drive...they still might be too curious and excited to explore their changing surroundings that they cannot be trusted wonder about off lead for fear of being getting lost, injured or even being stolen...recall is not their strongest point when they put their noses close to ground.
So my advise is....they make good traveling companions, but if you are very out going sort and happy to wonder around with your dog (on the lead), sure...go for it....tire it out if you can but you must be prepared to keep it 'tied on' or keep it in. The biggest problem with their owners who take terriers on is that they underestimate their activity levels and how variable they can be in a blink. Sure they do 'settle' and slow down but not for a several first years to start with! Terriers for sure are not a boring dogs...but you can pick a less 'active' type amongst them if you think Patterdale kind of 'athletes' might be too much to cope with.
Generally they have 'brains' and they use them but not necessary in a way that you want them to...they can be very independent thinkers. They soon learn what you teach them but it is different matter if you can coach them to do as you want them to. Push them even touch too much and they surely put breaks on...hence they've earned their reputation being stubborn. So often terrier owners have to adapt to train their dogs with combination of matching stubbornness and clever trickery..sometimes even do the opposite what you natural instinct would be and that is hard...eg whisper when all you want is to shout loud..
Eventually if it all works out you both settle to live in some happy middle ground with the rules..and if you keep to those boundaries, so does your dog...though it will test them from time to time so that it knows they still exist.
And because 'they' (terriers in general) can be tricky to master..they are not generally recommended for first time terrier owners..particularly with more 'harder' working types like Patterdales.
Terriers turn terrors(ist) when they are bored or under exercised... keep them happy and you will be one VERY entertained and tired dog owner

I've tried to give you more of the 'working terrier' side of the view..I've had more of those sort and they are not to be underestimated...

 

[Mayblossom]

Thanks Joanne,

I’ll take a look at those suggestions

Matthew

Have a look at Alncroft and Pacalito Parsons, not sure if there are any litters due but both excellent breeders.

 

[merlina]

Maybe even a terrier cross? We lived in the Lakes for two years and saw lots of Patterdales at work... Whether their owners wanted them to or not. . Also met a lovely lady here on Wirral whose wire-haired JR (looked like a little powder puff, never put a paw wrong walking on the beach daily) did for 14 rats in one hour when she took it on a farm holiday b&b. Her hosts were so impressed they offered to buy him. I think she was still in shock.