What's this?

Avid terrier people in Yorkshire and the Lake District breed strictly working stock, generally referred to as fell terriers. As is common with working dogs, they show physical variation, because mating is based only on working qualities and gameness. But one distinct type that emerged is the Patterdale Terrier, named for a village in Cumbria. The fells of the north country, with the protection afforded foxes in borrans, rock tips and mines, created the need for a hard terrier able to scramble over the terrain and fearless enough to go to ground. The Patterdale is game and tough when hunting, willing to go after anything with fur: woodchuck, fox, raccoon or even badger. Patterdales are sensible dogs. When they first enter a burrow, they'll bark and fuss, trying to incite the quarry to bolt. Only if the prey refuses to budge will the terrier go in for a hold. It's a solid little dog that weighs 12 to 13 pounds and generally stands no taller than 12.5 inches. Coat colors are usually black, red, chocolate, or black and tan. This is a laid-back terrier, not as yappy as some, who enjoys "curling up by the heat duct" in the house. Owners say it can be kenneled with two or three other terriers, as long as it has enough work and hunting to keep it exercised and content. If stale or bored, it may pick fights with another kennel mate.

.