Patterland
The Patterland is a cross between the Patterdale Terrier and the Lakeland Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Patterland. 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.
Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland Terrier is a compact, sturdy terrier standing approximately 14.5 inches at the withers and weighing around 17 pounds, following the traditional breed guideline of one kilogram per five centimeters of height. This breed holds the noteworthy distinction of being the smallest of the long-legged working terriers in the black and tan color family, yet it possesses all the courage and capability of its larger relatives. The body presents a distinctly square silhouette with equal measurements from the point of shoulder to buttocks and from withers to ground, conveying perfect balance and athletic readiness for demanding work. The overall structure reflects a dog built for agility and endurance in the rugged terrain of England's Lake District. The head is rectangular in appearance with a flat, refined skull of moderate width and a strong, broad muzzle that provides the jaw power necessary for working quarry. The jaws are powerful and well-developed, capable of the grip required for confronting foxes and other vermin in their dens. Small V-shaped ears fold neatly above the skull with the tips pointing toward the outside corners of the eyes, protecting the ear canals during underground work. The eyes are small to moderately sized, set wide apart on the face, and appear oval in shape, with color ranging from dark brown to warm hazel depending on the coat color. The expression conveys the breed's characteristic confidence and alert intelligence. The Lakeland Terrier wears a dense, wiry double coat consisting of a hard, weather-resistant outer layer over a soft, insulating undercoat. This weatherproof coat requires regular hand-stripping to maintain the proper harsh texture for show purposes, though many pet owners opt for professional clipping for easier maintenance. The breed appears in a pleasing variety of colors including solid black, black and tan, blue, liver, red, wheaten, and various grizzle combinations mixing dark and light hairs. The tail is traditionally docked and set high on the back, carried upright in a gay manner that expresses the breed's confident attitude and readiness for action. The legs are notably long compared to shorter-legged terrier breeds, enabling the Lakeland to cover rough ground efficiently while pursuing quarry.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The Lakeland Terrier maintains the high energy levels common to working terrier breeds and requires regular daily exercise to remain content and well-behaved in the home. While not as intensely driven as some terrier breeds, they retain strong hunting instincts that will compel them to chase small animals if given the opportunity. The breed makes an effective watchdog, alerting to unusual occurrences without excessive barking that might disturb neighbors. Lakelands bond closely with their families and thrive on companionship and inclusion in family activities, though they possess enough independence to tolerate reasonable periods alone without developing anxiety. Their manageable size combined with their entertaining personality makes them well-suited to active families who appreciate the unique terrier character.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Legg-Calve-Perthes disease occasionally affects Lakeland Terriers, causing progressive degeneration of the femoral head due to insufficient blood supply to the hip joint. This condition typically appears in young dogs during their growth phase and causes noticeable pain and lameness that may require surgical correction to restore mobility. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position in the femoral groove, occurs in some individuals with varying degrees of severity and impact on mobility. Other conditions seen infrequently in the breed include hip dysplasia, various eye conditions beyond lens luxation, allergies affecting skin and coat quality, and dental issues related to jaw structure. The breed's relative rarity has actually helped preserve its overall excellent health by limiting the proliferation of genetic problems that can accumulate in more popular breeds through extensive breeding.
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 Patterland 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 Lakeland Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.