Patterdale Shepherd
The Patterdale Shepherd is a cross between the Patterdale Terrier and the German Shepherd. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Patterdale Shepherd. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier is a compact, sturdy working terrier standing between 10 and 15 inches at the withers and typically weighing 11 to 13 pounds, presenting a small but remarkably powerful package designed for demanding field work. This breed displays a muscular, well-proportioned frame built specifically for the challenging work of pursuing quarry underground through narrow passages and rocky terrain. The body structure emphasizes pure functionality over aesthetics, with a chest that is notably small and flexible enough to be spanned by average-sized hands, an essential characteristic allowing the dog to navigate through tight underground passages when working foxes and other quarry deep within their dens. The breed displays three distinct coat types that all provide excellent weather protection for extended outdoor work in harsh conditions. The smooth coat variety features dense, stiff, coarse hair lying close to the body and providing streamlined protection. The broken coat type presents an intermediate texture with some longer hairs scattered throughout and may include facial furnishings such as a beard or eyebrows. The rough coat variety shows the longest hair with a coarse, harsh texture throughout the body and always includes prominent facial furnishings including a noticeable beard, mustache, and eyebrows. All three coat types feature a dense, insulating undercoat that provides crucial protection during work in harsh weather conditions and cold water. Patterdale Terriers appear in several solid colors including black, red, chocolate, bronze, and liver, with black being the most commonly encountered color in the breed. Black and tan patterns and grizzle colorations also occur within the breed population. The head is wedge-shaped and strong, featuring powerful jaws with a complete scissor bite essential for the breed's demanding working purpose. The ears are small, V-shaped, and fold forward close to the cheeks, protecting the ear canal during underground work. Eyes are set wide apart and may be any color corresponding to the coat color, expressing keen intelligence and unwavering alertness. The tail may be natural or docked to a working length and is carried high when the dog is alert, excited, or actively working.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Patterdales are notably vocal dogs that will enthusiastically alert their owners to anything they deem noteworthy, making them surprisingly effective watchdogs despite their small size. Their strong prey drive means they are generally not suitable for homes with small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or cats, as their deeply ingrained hunting instincts can override even the best training. While affectionate and genuinely loyal with family members they know well, they may be reserved or cautious with strangers initially until properly introduced. This breed requires substantial daily exercise exceeding one hour of vigorous activity, along with regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related destructive behaviors.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other conditions seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, though this occurs significantly less frequently than in larger breeds due to the Patterdale's compact size and naturally athletic build. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slides out of its normal position in the groove, affects some individuals and can range from mild cases requiring no treatment to severe cases necessitating surgical correction. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a condition affecting the blood supply to the femoral head of the hip joint, occasionally appears in the breed and typically affects young dogs. Additional health considerations include allergies affecting skin and coat quality, ear infections particularly in dogs with tightly folded ears, dental disease common to many small terrier breeds, and occasional cases of hypothyroidism. Regular veterinary care and appropriate health screening help ensure long, healthy lives for these spirited terriers.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a medium to large breed presenting a picture of athletic power and noble bearing that has made it one of the most recognizable dogs in the world. Males typically stand 24 to 26 inches at the withers and weigh between 66 and 88 pounds, while females measure 22 to 24 inches and weigh 49 to 71 pounds. The breed standard calls for a body that is distinctly longer than it is tall, following an approximate ratio of 10 to 8.5, creating the distinctive sloping silhouette that makes the breed instantly recognizable to dog enthusiasts everywhere. The overall structure conveys strength, agility, and endurance in equal measure, reflecting the breed's versatile working heritage. The head features a noble, cleanly chiseled appearance with a slightly domed forehead and a long, strong muzzle approximately equal in length to the skull. The nose is always black regardless of coat color, and the jaws are powerfully developed with a complete scissor bite. The ears are large, erect, and carried pointing forward, opening toward the front and contributing significantly to the breed's alert and intelligent expression. The almond-shaped eyes are medium-sized, set slightly obliquely, and appear dark brown in color, conveying confidence and keen awareness of their surroundings. The neck is strong, well-muscled, and relatively long, flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders and a firm, level topline. German Shepherds wear a dense double coat consisting of a straight, harsh, close-lying outer coat with a thick, insulating undercoat that provides excellent protection in various weather conditions. Two coat lengths are recognized within the breed standard: the more common medium length and the long-coated variety, which is produced by a recessive gene and features longer hair on the ears, legs, and tail. The breed appears in numerous colors including black, black and tan, black and red, black and cream, black and silver, bi-color, sable, and white, though strong rich colors with well-defined markings are generally preferred in the show ring. The bushy tail is set in a gentle curve, reaching at least to the hock joint, and hangs in a slight saber-like curve at rest.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament This breed demands experienced ownership with confident, consistent leadership to reach its remarkable potential. German Shepherds are highly trainable and genuinely eager to work, excelling in obedience, protection work, search and rescue, detection, and countless other demanding disciplines that challenge their minds and bodies. However, they require structured guidance and clear boundaries to thrive. The breed's high energy level necessitates extensive daily exercise combining vigorous physical activity with mental challenges. German Shepherds can be notably vocal, using their voice to communicate and alert their owners to perceived concerns, making them excellent watchdogs. They thrive best in active households committed to meeting their substantial needs for exercise, training, and close companionship.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations German Shepherds commonly experience allergies affecting the skin, digestive system, and respiratory tract, often requiring ongoing management. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas fails to produce adequate digestive enzymes, causing severe weight loss and nutritional deficiencies despite a normal appetite. Pannus is an eye condition involving abnormal blood vessel and tissue growth across the cornea, particularly affecting dogs living in high-altitude or high-UV environments. The breed also shows increased predisposition to several types of cancer including hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and lymphoma. Additional concerns include heart disease, early-onset arthritis, Von Willebrand disease affecting blood clotting ability, and pituitary dwarfism in lines carrying the recessive gene.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Patterdale Shepherd may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Patterdale Terrier and German Shepherd to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.