This article aims to provide you with everything you should know about the Patterdale Border Terrier Cross.
Owning a dog could be extremely satisfying, yet it comes with huge responsibilities and could sometimes be challenging.
It takes a lot of time, resources, and commitment — sometimes over 10-years or even a lifetime if you intend to raise their pups as well.
Amidst all the factors to consider, if you are looking to get a new dog for the family, why not opt for a Patterdale Border Terrier Cross?
The Patterdale X Border Terrier is a crossbreed between the Patterdale Terrier and the Border Terrier.
Often simply referred to as Borderdale, Patterdale X Border Terrier, or Patterdale cross Border Terrier. The Patterdale X Border Terrier combines some of the most desirable qualities you would want in a furry companion.
Are you interested to find out more about this designer dog breed? Keep reading!
- What is Patterdale Border Terrier Cross?
- The Appearance: Patterdale Border Terrier Cross
- Health Problems: Patterdale X Border Terrier
- Grooming Requirements For The Borderdale
- Dietary Requirements Patterdale Border Terrier Cross
- Exercise Requirements Border Terrier Cross Patterdale
- Determining If The Patterdale Border Terrier Cross Is For You
- Final Takeout - Border Terrier X Patterdale
- Related Question
What is Patterdale Border Terrier Cross?
The Patterdale Cross Border Terrier, otherwise known as the Borderdale, is a crossbreed of two popular terrier dogs — the Patterdale and Border Terrier.
The Borderdale is a delightful companion that combines the intelligence and personality of its parent breeds.
They have great temperaments and could become loyal lifelong friends to you if trained right.
The breed would be particularly great for you if you have an active family and are willing to add on an energetic furry member to keep you company.
This is because the Borderdale dog breed is highly energetic, hence the need for an active family to keep it company.
Asides from their energy levels, there are several other personality traits you will come to love in this breed, which we will be unravelling in this article.
Let’s first take a look at its ancestry.
Origin — Overview of the Patterdale Terrier
The breed’s origin dates back to the early 18th century in Northern England. Following the crossbreeding of the old English Terrier (commonly known as the original Black Terrier) and the Northumberland Pit Terrier (which is now extinct).
Huntsman Joe Bowman continued to refine the breed by using the best Red Fell Terriers and local hunting Terriers available to him.
However, the breed didn’t gain eminence until Cyril Breay, a schoolmaster and huntsman, refined them even further using the best dogs of Northern England at the time.
All current Patterdale Terriers are believed to have descended from dogs bred by Cyril.
Following Cyril’s crosses, the Patterdale Terrier was bred in the unfavourable conditions of Northern England by poachers.
The area was mostly too hilly for rearing cattle and unsuitable for arable farming. As a result, sheep farming became predominant in those areas.
Farmers perceived the Red Fox as predatory to sheep and other small farm animals. Thus, the Patterdale Terrier was used mainly for predatory control measures.
The use of dogs to hunt foxes in this way was later made illegal by the Hunting Act in 2004.
Patterdales then made their way to the United States, where they were used for hunting in mines and an array of canine sports such as Terrier racing.
Despite being a Terrier — a breed commonly known for being ‘mouthy,’ the Patterdale Terriers are considerably less ‘mouthy’ than other Terriers.
They are bold and confident dogs and are usually used as working dogs due to their high energy levels.
Due to their predatory instinct, they could also be difficult to socialize with other animals, particularly smaller ones.
As such, an early and stringent training routine is required to show them who’s Alpha and help them acquire good social skills.
| Stats | The Patterdale Terrier |
| Weight | 9 to 13 pounds |
| Height | 10 to 15 inches tall |
| Temperament | Bold, intelligent, Energetic, and friendly |
| Lifespan | 11 to 14 years |
| Colour | Black, Chocolate, Blue & Tan |
Origin — Overview of the Border Terrier
The Border Terriers were originally referred to as Coquetdale or Redesdale Terrier, their birthplace.
Its name was later changed to Border Terrier in the 1800s because of its relationship with the Border Hunt in Northumberland. It shares its provenance with the Bedlington Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
Just like Patterdale, the Border Terrier was originally used for hunting foxes and other animals like Otters and Badgers.
They have also historically been used as predators to rodents. The Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1920, and in that same year, the Border Terrier Club was formed.
Jasper Jodd was made the president of the Club. Before its recognition in 1920, the Border Terrier was first rejected and denied recognition by the Kennel Club in 1914.
In the early 2000s, the breed has gained several recognitions in the United Kingdom and America.
In 2006 and 2008, it ranked 10th and 8th respectively in the number of registrations by the UK Kennel Club.
Also, in 2006, it ranked 81st in the number of registrations by the AKC. Border Terriers were bred to be tough, with plenty of stamina.
They are bold, confident, and energetic dogs. They are also very intelligent, with a keen prey instinct. Very much unlike other Terriers also, they are not yappy dogs.
| Stats | The Border Terrier |
| Weight | Male: 5.9–7.1 kg, Female: 5.1–6.4 kg |
| Height | Male: 33–40 cm, Female: 28–36 cm |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Fearless, Intelligent, Even Tempered, Alert, Obedient |
| Lifespan | 11 to 15 years |
| Colours | Blue & Tan, Wheaten, Red, Grizzle & Tan |
The Appearance: Patterdale Border Terrier Cross
It all depends on which genes are more dominant; a Borderdale can look more like a Patterdale Terrier and sometimes like the Border Terrier. You’ll never know until the puppies are born.
On its appearance, the Patterdale Border Terrier Cross is a small dog with a narrow build.
It has deep brown eyes that often give it a serious expression, floppy ears, and a high-held tail that completes the breed’s confident outlook.
If you are looking to get a furry friend who doesn’t occupy so much space but yet can quirk up when need is, these are characteristics that you will certainly love and should look out for.
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Coat & Colour: Patterdale Border Terrier Cross
Now to one of the most exciting parts of owning a dog — its fur! The Patterdale X Border Terrier coat could vary in texture, but you should expect it to be double-coated, thick, and wiry.
Its coat is often short, rough, and scruffy to feel. The colour of its coat could also vary widely, displaying hues such as black, brown, tan, red, or even brizzle, amongst many other possibilities.
Due to its double-coated fur, the Borderdale would prefer areas with a cold/mild temperature; say about 52-73°F.
Size Of The Patterdale Cross Border Terrier
Borderdales are generally classified as small to medium-sized dogs with narrow builds. Although there could be slight variations in dogs of different genders, you can expect your dog to stand up to 24-40 centimetres while weighing about 11-16 pounds.
Temperament: Patterdale Border Terrier Cross
Patterdale Terriers are bold and confident dogs. They are also very energetic and could be aggressive and stubborn.
They were often used to guard sheep and hunt for prey, and as a result of this instinct, they find it challenging to socialize with other animals, particularly ones that are smaller than them.
Border Terriers, on the other hand, are fairly sociable. They tend to get along well with other animals, particularly those raised together.
They are also fond of children and eager to please. However, being hunting dogs themselves, they were also bred to be tough, brave, and intelligent.
Your Borderdale would be a mix of all these characteristics, with traits from its dominant gene being more prominent.
Its feisty side notwithstanding, they are loving and affectionate dogs that love to see their owners satisfied. They could even get jealous at times, and they love to snuggle.
As long as you start training your dog with basic commands (like come, sit, stay) and instilling the necessary social skills, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Health Problems: Patterdale X Border Terrier
Both parents’ breeds of the Patterdale X Border Terrier are healthy dogs, and you can expect your dog to have a life span of 11-14 years.
However, as common to most hybrid dogs, Borderdales are also prone to genetic illnesses which they could have acquired from one or both of their ancestral breeds.
Patterdales mostly suffer from eye problems such as Conjunctivitis, Cataracts, and Glaucoma. They also often suffer from allergies gotten from food or medicine, which could affect either their skin or respiratory tract.
Border Terriers, however, are prone to several health problems, which include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Pulmonic stenosis
- Patellar luxation and;
- Seizures, amongst many others.
Then, there is also the common problem of obesity which often results from an improper diet.
Before choosing and adopting a Borderdale pup, you should request the health clearances of its parents. You should also ensure that your fluffy companion lives in the best conditions possible and eats right.
Grooming Requirements For The Borderdale
Both Patterdale Terriers and Border Terriers are low-maintenance breeds, which applies to Borderdale.
They shed moderately, and you would hardly see hair on your clothing and furniture. As expected, good grooming greatly reduces its shedding.
You should brush your dog at least twice weekly to rid it of tangles and dead hairs.
When the Patterdale experiences pain, it often doesn’t show it as such; you might have to observe its body language carefully.
If it is experiencing irritation or discomfort somewhere, you may never know. As such, you’d want to be checking them up while brushing.
After bathing your dog — which should be done once a month or when your dog is particularly dirty, you should observe its ears. Clean off any trace of moisture and check for redness or discharge.
You should also inspect inside its mouth to be sure that there are no rotten teeth.
Over-grown nails could also be a major source of discomfort to your dogs; hence; hence, you should ensure that they are always trimmed.
You can acquire some helpful grooming tools, including a deshedder, nail trimmer, pin, and slicker brush. You might also want to get a lint roller to remove hairs that your dog could shed on your furniture.
Dietary Requirements Patterdale Border Terrier Cross
One of the ways to ensure that your dog stays healthy and strong is through a good diet. Every dog deserves a healthy meal daily, and it is your duty as a responsible dog parent to ensure that yours gets just that.
If you intend on feeding your dog commercially manufactured dog food, that’s perfect, as that ensures that your dog gets the right amount of vitamins and minerals. You should also check to ensure that it’s quality food.
However, dogs could often enjoy the simplicity of certain meals, so you might want to vary their diet a little bit.
You can provide him with homemade food such as pasta, rice, boiled chicken, and vegetables like carrots and spinach.
You can include some raw meat in his meal from time to time as well. With diets like this, you wouldn’t have to bother about your dog getting a stomach ache from eating foods they are unfamiliar with.
Your dog should also never run out of a clean, good water supply.
Exercise Requirements Border Terrier Cross Patterdale
The Borderdale is a highly energetic dog; its energy levels have to be constantly managed.
You can’t keep a breed like this restricted to the house all day. You have to keep it both physically and mentally stimulated.
This would include taking it on regular walks for about 1-2 hours daily.
As a more effective way to let off excess energy, you can also engage it in jogging activities and be sure to pay regular off-leash visits to the park with it. That’s more on the physical aspect anyways.
Mentally, you can keep your dog stimulated by throwing balls and Frisbees at him. Through these, you are keeping it fit and ensuring that it stays alert at all times.
Training Requirements: Patterdale Cross Border Terrier
Both parents’ breed of Borderdale has a hunting history. That instinct is still very much active in this breed.
Its ancestry was bred to be independent, tough, and brave. Patterdale is also known for being stubborn and aggressive. You never can tell which traits would be dominant in your dog, as such early training is required.
Unlike the Border Terrier, Patterdale is not a very sociable dog. It often picks on other animals that are smaller than it. You need not worry if you see your dog displaying this trait. That’s just its innate predatory instinct coming to play.
A consistent training routine, therefore, should begin from its early years. You wouldn’t want your dog becoming a nuisance when it matures.
Also, let your dog get familiar with other pets and animals in its growing years. Children could be allowed to play with it under supervised conditions.
That way, your dog should adapt quickly to how things work around the home/environment and acquire the right social skills.
Determining If The Patterdale Border Terrier Cross Is For You
The Borderdale is a very active dog with high energy levels. As such, it would require an equally active family and a caretaker who loves being outdoors. If you are not an outdoor person, this dog might not exactly be suitable for you.
Due to its energy levels, this breed would thrive better in homes with a large backyard, as there would be plenty of space to play and move around.
Denying it of ways to let off its energy would lead to your dog being lonely, and shortly after, destructive tendencies would follow.
Also, if you have young children that haven’t been trained to be friendly to animals and other vulnerable pets in your home, you might want to reconsider before adopting a Borderdale.
As a result of its predatory instinct, this breed might not get along with children and other small animals.
However, this doesn’t compromise the loving, loyal and affectionate nature of Borderdale. With the right training and social skills, it is sure to get along with everyone well in no time.
More so, Borderdale is a low-maintenance dog. You wouldn’t have to spend several hours just to ensure that your dog is kept clean and free of awful smells.
Neither would you have to worry about getting hair all over your clothes as furniture, leaving you to clean up all the time.
Final Takeout – Border Terrier X Patterdale
Intelligent, courageous, and feisty, the Borderdale would make be a great plus to any family. It is confident and strong-willed and would do excellently well in its training and socialization. It might not be the best guard dog out there, but it is loving and loyal.
If you feed him well, provide him with a dry place to sleep, and give him lots of care, attention, and enough exercise, you are sure to have the most devoted furry companion you could ever ask for.
Related Question
How Much Does A Border Terrier Patterdale Cross Puppy Cost?
A Border Terrier X Patterdale puppy can cost anywhere between £300 to £700. However, residential location, the puppy’s quality, the breeder, and the puppy’s availability can influence the price.
