Patterdale Terrier Grooming

Patterdale Terriers have short-haired, double-layered coats that come in both smooth and broken varieties. Neither coat type is too difficult to manage, and need brushing only every few days and baths every few months. See below for more detailed info on maintaining the Patterdale Terrier coat.

Both the smooth- and broken-coated varieties don't need a lot of care, so Patterdale Terrier grooming is an easy process overall. Patterdales will need brushing once or twice per week, and baths are necessary every 2-3 months (or if the dog gets especially dirty or stinky). Haircuts are not required for these short-haired dogs.

In regards to brushing, grooming a Patterdale Terrier is relatively simple. These dogs shed some, and though the coats are short, they will mat or tangle a bit, so a slicker brush works best. First wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then brush the dog section by section in the same direction as hair growth; if you encounter a stubborn tangle or mat, first try separating it with your fingers, then finish working through it with the brush.

If you follow the brushing with a bath (and most dogs should be thoroughly brushed prior to bathing), use either a bathtub or an outdoor kiddie pool and a garden hose. Make sure to use canine shampoo, as the human kind can irritate a dog's skin and make it itchy. First wet the coat, then apply a quarter-sized amount of shampoo to the dog's back, then lather well as you work downward and backward (and don't forget the legs!). Save the head for last, making sure not to get shampoo in the dog's eyes. Rinse until the water running through the coat turns clear; towel-dry, then give the coat another quick brush-through to make it look neat and clean.

Though it's not necessary, some owners take their Patterdales to professional groomers a few times each year. The groomer can give the dog a thorough brushing and cleaning, and provide tips on how to best groom the dog yourself.