(Black Fell Terrier)The Patterdale Terrier is a small dog with a square head.  Stretching from their head is their short muzzle.  The breed’s almond shaped eyes are set deep into their head and are usually dark colored.  Small ears sit on top of their head and are folded over in a “v” shape.  Their wide neck leads down to their broad shoulders and deep chest.   Their short muscular legs end in small, rounded feet.  Sleek fur covers their entire body and can be red, black, brown, or black and tan.

The Patterdale Terrier is a very focused and determined hunter.  Family is not extremely important to these dogs who are more concerned with hunting.  However, they do well with other dogs and are commonly used in packs while hunting.  Of course like most hunting breeds, they should not be around small animals like hamsters or rabbits.  Intelligence is a big asset for the Patterdale Terrier but like many intelligent breeds they are defiant and hard to train.  These dogs become very focused when they start hunting and cannot be stopped.

They come in a variety of colors from black, grizzle, and black and brown also known as bronze. They are an ideal watch dog as they do not yappy but give a warning when anyone is near. They are very energetic but also know how to relax and curl up with their owners. They are very loyal to there owners but as with most terriers they don’t do well with small animals. These terriers are very intelligent but without firm training will be very defiant toward any commands given to them. This breed is known to have lots of personality and character.

The Patterdale Terrier is an extremely healthy breed with no common health problems.  Their life expectancy is approximately 11-13 years. Although some have been known to live as long as 17 years.

The Patterdale Terrier was one of many breeds created in specific areas of England centuries ago and allowed to flourish in those isolated areas.  Although some of these breeds have disappeared, the Patterdale Terrier is still found in some parts of the United Kingdom.  While the breed isn’t common outside of England where it is mainly used for hunting small game, it did make its way to the United States in 1978 and is occasionally used here for hunting raccoons and groundhogs.

Grooming is rarely needed for the Patterdale Terrier except for occasional brushing.  However, plenty of exercise is required.  To truly keep this breed happy, they need to be able to hunt because without hunting they may become destructive and bored.  Also a large area to run and play is needed because they cannot be cooped up all the time.  This is a very easy gong breed that requires little care to be kept happy and healthy.

The Patterdale Terrier is an excellent hunting dog but is definitely not for all families.  People are not crucial for this breed that is not overly friendly with anyone.  This is not a breed for people who want a cuddly lap dog.  However, this breed enjoys the company of other dogs and will often hunt with them.  Small animals should not be in the same home as a Patterdale Terrier because they are ferocious hunters.  This breed, even though small, should not live in an apartment and needs a large yard.  This breed should be used for hunting to keep them stimulated and out of trouble.

Patterdales love to be a part of large families. They need lots of exercise and require daily leash walks or time off leash.

	How often should I walk my patterdale terrier? well you should walk it at least 2hrs a day if you want a dog that will be be destructive in the home .they need lots of exercise to keep them happy, they are hunting dogs and you wont be able to rid them of their instincts,they love foreging around in the woods for hours at a time and will never tire before you do!!!
	Our 8 month old Patterdale is a very loving, non aggressive boy. We have heeded the advice of the vet and booked him in for a castration. However upon further research I am not so sure this is the best thing for him. If you have any advice about the pro's and con's of castration I would be intersted to learn about them. Castration (neutering) is very beneficial to a dog's health, as well as making them more receptive to training. Dogs can get prostate cancer when they get older, just like men, and neutering will eliminate this. Also, the dog won't become frustrated when he can smell females in estrus, and is not allowed to be with them. If you are not aware, there us a pet overpopulation crisis in the world. Please don't let your dog contribute. Also male dogs will mark territory in the house. Neutering will more than likely stop this as well. Unless your dog is a proven show dog, and a prime example of his breed, he has no business breeding, and he will put sex first before anything else. All in all, neutered dogs are much better companions than intact dogs.
	Our TAZ is 1yr 6mo. We have spent so much time and $$ trying to train him, his behavior is now amusing. What age do you suggest we try training him, again?? We are so trained as owners we can now catch frisby's in our teeth,lol!

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