Australian Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier

Compare the Australian Terrier to the Patterdale Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Terriers and Patterdale Terriers.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - Both the Australian Terrier and Patterdale Terrier are good choices for new or inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both the Australian Terrier and Patterdale Terrier are child friendly, but the Australian Terrier is a better choice for young children.
  • Grooming - Both the Australian Terrier and Patterdale Terrier are very low maintenance and easy to groom.
  • Barking - Both the Australian Terrier and Patterdale Terrier are very vocal and will bark/howl frequently.
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Australian Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier
Tan Patterdale Terrier
Breed NameAustralian TerrierPatterdale Terrier
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicYesNo
Lifespan11-14 yrs.11-13 yrs.
Height9-11 in.10-20 in.
Weight12-16 lb11-18 lb
IntelligenceHighHigh
History
Origin CountryAustraliaUnited Kingdom
Origin Year1820 AD1940 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessGoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyGoodBelow Average
Pet FriendlyBelow AverageBelow Average
Stranger FriendlyGoodGood
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentNoYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardYesYes
Medium YardYesYes
Large YardYesYes
Temperature Tolerance ¹50°F to 80°F55°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsVery OftenVery Often
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelVery HighVery High
Exercise RequiredHigh-Very HighVery High
Top Running Speed20 mph20 mph
StrengthLowMedium
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceLowMedium
SheddingLowMedium
DanderLowLow
Drool AmountNoneNone

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameAustralian TerrierPatterdale Terrier
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackYesYes
IndependentNoYes
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyYesNo
AverageNoNo
Focused & PatientNoYes
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageHigh
ChasingAverageHigh
Follow CommandsAverageAverage
FightingBelow AverageAverage
GuardingBelow AverageBelow Average
HerdingBelow AverageBelow Average
HuntingAverageHigh
ProtectionBelow AverageAverage
Remove VerminHighHigh
SleddingVery LowVery Low
WatchHighHigh
Health Comparison
Breed NameAustralian TerrierPatterdale Terrier
Lifespan
Lifespan11-14 yrs.11-13 yrs.
Common Health Issues
ConjunctivitisNoYes
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameAustralian TerrierPatterdale Terrier
Coat
FurYesYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesYes
Smooth CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
RoughYesYes
Coat Length(s)
MediumYesYes
ShortNoYes
Coat Color(s)
BlackYesYes
Black & RedYesNo
Black & TanYesYes
Blue & TanYesNo
RedYesYes
SandyYesNo
WhiteYesNo
BlueNoYes
BrindleNoYes
BronzeNoYes
ChocolateNoYes
TanNoYes