Mary Allen
Introduction: The Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier is a small, sturdy breed of dog that is known for its tenacity and hunting abilities. Originally bred in the Lake District of England, this terrier is a popular choice for hunting enthusiasts and has a long history of being used for various types of hunting, including fox hunting, ratting, badger baiting, and otter hunting.
Origins of the Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the Lake District of England. The breed was developed by crossing various terriers, including the Welsh Terrier, the Fox Terrier, and the Border Terrier. The goal was to create a small, agile dog that could work effectively in the rough terrain of the Lake District and hunt a variety of game.
Early Use of Patterdale Terriers for Hunting
Patterdale Terriers were originally used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and rats, in the Lake District. They were also used for fox hunting, badger baiting, and otter hunting. The breed’s tenacity and determination made them effective at tracking and capturing their prey, and they were highly valued by hunters for their hunting abilities.
Hunting Techniques of Patterdale Terriers
Patterdale Terriers are known for their fearless and determined hunting style. They are often used for flushing out game and chasing it down. They use their keen sense of smell and hearing to track their prey, and their small size and agility allow them to navigate through rough terrain. They are also adept at digging, which makes them useful for flushing out game that is hiding underground.
Patterdale Terriers and Fox Hunting
Patterdale Terriers have been used for fox hunting for many years. They are often used to flush out the fox from its den or to chase it down once it is on the run. Patterdale Terriers are valued for their speed, agility, and determination when it comes to fox hunting, and they have become a popular choice for hunting enthusiasts.
Patterdale Terriers and Ratting
Patterdale Terriers are also used for ratting, which involves hunting rats in barns or other areas where they are causing a problem. Patterdale Terriers are particularly effective at this type of hunting, as their small size and agility allow them to navigate through tight spaces and catch the rats quickly.
Patterdale Terriers and Badger Baiting
Badger baiting was once a popular sport in the UK, but it is now illegal. Patterdale Terriers were often used for this type of hunting, as their tenacity and determination made them effective at capturing badgers. However, this type of hunting is now considered cruel and inhumane, and it is no longer practiced.
Patterdale Terriers and Otter Hunting
Patterdale Terriers are also used for otter hunting, which involves tracking and chasing down otters. This type of hunting is still legal in some parts of the UK, and Patterdale Terriers are highly valued for their hunting abilities in this area.
Patterdale Terriers and Gamekeeper Work
Patterdale Terriers have also been used for gamekeeper work, which involves helping to manage game populations on estates and farms. They are often used to flush out game, such as pheasants and partridges, and to help control the population of pests, such as rabbits and rats.
Patterdale Terriers Today: Hunting or Companionship?
Today, Patterdale Terriers are still used for hunting in some areas, but they are also kept as companion animals. They are valued for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature, and they make excellent family pets. However, their hunting instincts are still strong, and they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Controversy Surrounding Patterdale Terrier Hunting
There is some controversy surrounding the use of Patterdale Terriers for hunting, particularly when it comes to practices such as badger baiting. While some hunters argue that these practices are part of their cultural heritage, others argue that they are cruel and inhumane, and that they have no place in modern society.
Conclusion: A Versatile Hunting Dog
The Patterdale Terrier is a versatile hunting dog that has a long history of being used for various types of hunting. While some of these practices are no longer legal or acceptable, the breed’s hunting abilities continue to be highly valued by hunters and enthusiasts. Whether used for hunting or kept as a companion animal, the Patterdale Terrier remains a popular and beloved breed.