hi

ive seen a gorgeous puppy today that ive been told is a Patterdale Terrier.  Can i have some general advice please on these breeds.  I would especially like to know what size these dogs grow to, advice re their coats and temperament with kids.

many thanks

ruth

About 12" short terrier type coat, extremely active and a feisty working terrier requires (determined) handling IMO not a first time dog.

Yep Jackie, I'll second that.  Primarilly a WORKING Terrier, very spirited and a strong working instinct.  In the right hands can make excellent companions, but they need a job to do.  Many of the working folk I know have them and they have children too, no problems, but the dogs are worked.
Dawn.

I'll agree with Dawn and Jackie.  I made the mistake of getting a patterdale without properly first researching about the breed and having always had larger breeds.  I had problems with mine for months, but now he's finally realised who's boss we have a much better relationship.  They really do need to work....they are so active and take a lot of tiring.  My main problem was getting him to realise I was more interesting than rabbits, birds, other dogs, men etc, to install any obedience whatsoever! But now he's matured a bit he seems to have mellowed! I do agility with mine now...he's like a bullet, but is still a little headstrong and still occasionally takes his own line!

PS He was also very difficult to housetrain.  I don't know if that's normal within the breed or it was just him, but he wasn't reliable until he was 10 months.