Terrier Small size 5-6 kg

Patterdale Terrier

A tough, driven working terrier; hardy and tenacious but a handful for inexperienced owners.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
5-6 kg, 25-30 cm at the shoulder
Very high
Activity
Very high; bred to work hard
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles moderate alone time
Moderate
Trainability
Determined and stubborn, needs patience
Low
Coat care
Dense coat needs minimal care
Moderate
Fit with kids
Good with older, active children
Cautious
Other pets
Strong prey drive; supervise small pets
Light
Health burden
Obesity; luxating patella; skin issues

The Patterdale Terrier typically weighs 5-6 kg, stands 25-30 cm, and lives 11-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a tough, driven working terrier and can channel it,
you exercise hard daily and enjoy terrier activities,
you have secure fencing - they dig and climb,
you have terrier experience and a firm, consistent hand.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a relaxed, easygoing companion,
you keep rabbits, rodents or other small pets,
the dog would be under-exercised or bored,
this is your first dog and you want an easy start.

A typical day with a Patterdale Terrier

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Hard walk or run, 30-45 min
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Chew and a short rest
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Training or ball play
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Digging pit, flirt pole or scent games
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Walk and interaction
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Finally winds down

Temperament and training

Energy Very high
Toughness Very high
Prey drive Very high
Trainability Moderate
Independence High
Guarding tendency Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Underestimating the drive and hardness of the breed · Trusting off-leash recall near prey · Skipping the daily physical and mental workload

Family and environment

Kids Conditional
Best with older, active children.
Dogs Conditional
Can be dog-reactive; socialize early.
Cats Difficult
High prey drive; usually risky with cats.
Apartment Conditional
Only with intense daily exercise.
House with a yard Suitable
Needs secure, dig-proof fencing.
City Manages
With plenty of activity and training.
Countryside Ideal
Space and work match its nature.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Obesity Watch calorie intake and keep it lean
Luxating patella Kneecap slips out of its groove; may need surgery
Allergies and skin issues Environmental and food triggers are common
Dental disease Routine brushing and cleanings help

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Similar-size energetic working terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog with an enormous engine that suits experienced, active owners - the trade-off is relentless energy, strong prey drive, and a low tolerance for boredom.
View profile →
Hardy but somewhat calmer terrier
Border Terrier
A tough, friendly working terrier that is more trainable than most - a great active-family dog if you can meet its exercise and digging drive.
View profile →
Related working terrier of the fells
Lakeland Terrier
A bold, confident little terrier with plenty of spirit for active owners - the trade-off is a strong prey drive, a stubborn streak, and a coat that needs hand-stripping.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Patterdale Terrier cost in the US?
Working-bred Patterdales are often sold through terrier and hunting networks rather than show breeders, commonly $500-$1,500. Over an 11-14 year life, routine care for a small hardy dog typically adds $10,000-$15,000 or more; they tend to be healthy, so everyday care drives most of the cost.
Are Patterdale Terriers good pets for families?
They can be for experienced, very active families, but they are working dogs first. Their intensity, prey drive and stubbornness overwhelm many pet homes, so they suit people who can give real jobs and firm training.
Do Patterdale Terriers get along with other animals?
Cats and small pets are usually a poor mix due to strong prey drive, and some Patterdales are scrappy with other dogs. Early socialization helps, but supervision stays necessary.
Are Patterdale Terriers hard to train?
They are smart but strong-willed and independent, so training takes patience, consistency and good motivation. They are not stubbornly untrainable, but they will test an inconsistent owner.