Researching the Patterdale

It is said with any dog you plan on getting you should always research the breed. I pretty much know everything about the jack russel and Gemma is such a quiet dog that just wants to curl up but Gatsby... he's his own individual and has a different character in a way I can't describe. So today I decided it was about time I researched the breed. Normally I do this before I get a foster dog, if it's a breed I'm not familiar with but I didn't get much chance with these two. Originally I thought the patterdale was just the typical terrier. Apparently not. So let me help you and show you what I've found about the breed. I must say Gatsby doesn't seem to follow the breed 100% but what dog ever does?

The patterdale are more of a laid back kind of terrier compared to other terriers and are not as yappy. They are very solid terriers and apparently do have bull terrier bloodlines. The patterdale terrier is mainly a hunting dog, they are good watch dogs and are very hard. They are more likely to kill a fox than let it get away like foxhound. Patterdale terriers need a firm owner that will take charge of them, to prevent behavioural problems. This is probably the reason why Gatsby is food possessive and can be possessive over his 'spot'. He does need someone who will tell him no and stand their ground so he knows he is not the boss! The patterdale terrier needs plenty of walks to burn energy, although they are quiet in the house and love to curl up when out and about they have a lot of energy. On this note Gatsby currently doesn't have the best recall so it will take time and trust to let him off lead in a field. Until this happens he will need a lot of walks on the lead and a lot of training. Patterdale terriers need to be stimulated and burn their energy, especially if living with other dogs to stop any fights. However saying that, this does not seem to be in Gatsbys nature. He may growl at a dog in warning but will not fight with another dog. 

So overall Patterdale terriers are stocky terriers that need a confident dog owner to take charge. Gatsby would definitely need this and would be a lovely companion to another dog friendly dog. This would improve his confidence and make him an even better dog than what he already is.

Looking very positive now the patterdale terriers have no health problems and they require very little grooming so they are technically very cheap dogs on that note and you don't have anything to worry about.Obviously Gatsby is a chubby man at the moment which can increase the risk of health problems however we are working towards him losing this weight gradually. This is why it is really important to not overfeed your dog! It is not good for them and although Gatsby is a very healthy young boy if it's left to long it can be horrible for the dog.

Anyway, I've talked to much now. So thats all:

Lucy, Tinks, Sally, Gemma and Gatsby