Borderdale Dog Breed

The Patterdale and Border Terrier cross, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group--but since both parent breeds are terriers, the Borderdale would obviously fit nicely in that category. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Border Terrier mixed with Patterdale Terrier has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Border Terrier x Patterdale Terrier mix likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. Regardless, these confident, intelligent, (usually) friendly dogs can be great pets for the right owners--but they'll need training and socialization starting during puppyhood.

A few facts about the Patterdale Terrier-cross-Border Terrier: they're small-sized, averaging 12 inches at the shoulders in height and 13 pounds in weight; their medium-length coats can vary in texture, but are most often fairly wiry; and they're very energetic and will need a good bit of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Borderdale:

The Borderdale Terrier is, of course, the offspring of two similar terrier breeds--which means these hybrids are basically terriers in every manner of speaking! Borderdales are small-sized: height at the shoulders is typically 10-14 inches, and weight is generally 11-15 pounds. Their coats can vary in both length and texture, depending on whether the Patterdale parent has a smooth, broken, or rough coat--but a medium-length, wiry coat is most common. Borderdale coats come in brown, blue, red, tan, and black, among other colors, and they usually have multi-colored patterns.

Like other terriers, the Borderdale has what's called the "Triple T": typical terrier temperament. A Borderdale is feisty and confident, and is prone to digging, chewing, and even aggression if the dog doesn't get its way. This means owners will need to provide plenty of obedience training and socialization, starting during puppyhood if possible, to help the dog learn calm, respectful behavior.

And it goes without saying that a bored Borderdale is a mischievous one! These hybrids are lively both mentally and physically, and will need stimulation--walks or jogs, fetch or other games, canine sports--on a daily basis.

Lively, affectionate with family members, intelligent, and at times stubborn and overly feisty, the Patterdale-Border Terrier cross temperament is one of confidence and activity. These hybrids will usually be friendly to their family members, and they're protective of loved ones--but on the flip side, they're strong-willed and bossy. Owners need to train and socialize their Borderdales early and often! That said, a Borderdale--a properly socialized one, at least--will get along pretty well with kids and other pets (though the dog's high prey drive means it might instinctively chase small animals). It's best if your Borderdale grows up alongside any kids or household pets, so they learn to be accustomed to each other.

These dogs are also pretty smart, and can respond well to training--but their potential for stubbornness means they may need a few repetitions when learning commands, tasks, or tricks. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

Another good feature of the Border Terrier-cross-Patterdale temperament is the dog's watchdog skills. These hybrids' confidence, alertness, and loyalty mean they'll be quick to bark at and investigate most any unknown sight or sound.

The Patterdale-Border Terrier mix, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the common breeds including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and hypothyroidism, among others. The Border Terrier is also prone to epilepsy, a condition which the Borderdale could possibly inherit. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Borderdale is 11-15 years.