How Much Does a Patterdale Terrier Cost?

The Patterdale Terrier is a hunting dog breed and a type of Fell Terrier developed by crossing the Northumberland Pit Terrier and the Old Fox Terrier. The United Kennel Club started recognizing the Patterdale Terrier in January 1995 but it is as yet unrecognized by the AKC. The breed is also known as the Black Fell Terrier, Smooth Fell Terrier, or simply the Fell Terrier.

By appearance, this small dog measures between 10-15 inches at withers and weighs about 13 lb. It is available in black, chocolate, red, and black-and-tan colors. Its coat may be smooth, broken, or rough with a soft undercoat.

This working dog breed can make an excellent hunting dog for the right dog owner. 

Do not expect your Patterdale Terrier to be happy in an apartment though and neither is it the best choice for families with kids. Patterdales mainly need a hardworking owner who will give them a job to do.

Patterdale terriers are hard to come by in the United States. Also, they aren’t recognized by the AKC which makes them even rarer in the country. Add to this the fact that there are not too many breeders keeping them and you have a fairly expensive dog.

Are you looking to add the Patterdale Terrier to your household? Then this guide gives you the estimates of all of the costs you might incur on it. We will talk about Patterdale puppy price, training costs, food and medical costs, basic supply costs, and emergency and insurance costs. We will also cover some miscellaneous costs that every dog owner incurs at some point or other.

What is the Cost of a Patterdale Terrier Puppy?

As mentioned earlier, the median or average price of a Patterdale puppy from a reputed breeder is around $700. The price range for this dog is between $650 and $1000. Some breeders like the Roughneck Kennel sell their Patterdale pups for $1500 and also take a $500 non-refundable deposit.

Here are some factors that can affect this dog’s price:

Factors That Affect The Patterdale Terrier’s Price

Breeders

Some US breeders charge more for their Patterdale pups because of the fact that they do not originate in the country. Many of these breeders have to import their dogs from the UK. Also, their litter sizes are small which means there are very few pups born at a time. 

Pedigree

Many breeders like the Roughneck Kennels have championship-winning sires and dams. The litters of such winning pedigree dogs are likelier to cost more. Some breeders even raise show-quality puppies and these tend to cost more as well.

Deposit and shipping costs

Some breeders charge a non-refundable deposit for their pups. You might also have to factor in the shipping costs in the puppy’s purchase price if the breeder is not located near you. All these can significantly raise your pup’s price.

Here is a table showing the price brackets for the Patterdale terrier:

Adopting a Patterdale Terrier

There are some animal rescue homes in the United States that keep rescued Patterdale Fell Terriers. The price for adoption for this breed is around $300. 

Basic Supplies for Your Patterdale Terrier Puppy & Their Approximate Costs

A puppy starter kit containing some basic supplies will help your Patterdale pup feel more comfortable in its first few days in your home. This is what you must buy for your young furbaby:

Toys

Toys can help stimulate your Patterdale terrier mentally and physically. Doing so can prevent many issues in young dogs that arise out of boredom. Look for a mix of plush and spiky toys. You can also buy some teething rings, rope toys, etc. which help soothe a teething pup’s aching gums. The approximate cost of toys is $40.

Food and water bowls

For dinnertime, your litter buddy will need skid-proof and tip-resistant bowls. Some even come with silicone mats under them to contain food messes. For this small breed dog, the approximate cost of food and a water bowl with a mat is $25.

Puppy bed and crate

In the early days, you will housetrain your little dog. So, it is also a good time to start with crate training. A crate provides a comfortable and safe place for your little pet. Add in some blankets or a puppy bed and plenty of toys so your Patterdale will feel happier. The cost of a chew-proof bed plus crate can come to $75.

Training leash, collar, ID tags

A slightly heavy training leash will prevent your little dog from running or misbehaving during its walks. Look for nylon or leather leashes and collars. Ensure that the metal parts won’t rust and that the leash will not twist or chafe your little dog’s fur. The cost of the leash, collar, and tag is around $30.

Basic grooming tools

Include a brush, dog shampoo, pet wipes, nail clippers, and a dog toothbrush and paste in your pet’s basic grooming kit. This should not cost more than $75.

Training Costs for Patterdale Terrier

There are various options before you when it comes to training your Patterdale. It is a good idea to know these options and how much they cost. After all; the dog training industry is unregulated so it is possible that you could end up paying too much.

Private dog training is one of the best ways of training your terrier. You can look for a certified canine trainer who can “train you to train your dog”. These classes may be held at your home or you can take your pet to the trainer. Most certified dog trainers charge between $30 and $120 per session. This price varies from city to city and trainer to trainer. Fear, anxiety, and aggression training can cost more – between $150 and $400 per session.

Another option when it comes to dog training is group training classes. Group training will help your little dog socialize with other dogs. However, some dogs tend to get distracted by the presence of other dogs. The cost of group classes can be anywhere between $50 and $300 for six sessions although some like PetCo and PetSmart charge a lot less.

You can also choose the board-and-train option. Your pet will have to stay at the trainer’s facility where it will learn everything it needs – including obedience training, potty training, etc. This can cost around $1250 per week.

If you find the above expense a bit out of your budget, you can opt to train your dog yourself. Take some lessons from YouTube or online videos – many are free. Be consistent with the training and you will soon see great results.

The following table shows these different training costs:

Food Costs for the Patterdale Terrier

Food and water are your pet’s basic needs and you will want to give your pet the very best. In the first few days when your Patterdale puppy comes home, feed it the same food the breeder was feeding. This will reduce digestive upsets and protect your little pet from unnecessary stress.

As your dog grows, it will need different nourishment based on its age, activity, and overall health. Your vet can guide you in choosing the right food and feeding the correct quantities based on these factors.

Here are some general feeding guidelines for a Patterdale terrier:

• For pups between 6 and 12 months of age, feed 3 meals per day.
• Feed your adult Patterdale terrier 2 meals a day. For a dog weighing 15 lb. feed 1.5 cups of dry food or kibble. If you feed your pet twice a day, divide this into 3/4th cups per meal.
• If you choose to feed wet or canned food to your Patterdale terrier, then your pet will need 13 ounces of food per day or 6.5 oz. per meal.
• Pregnant or nursing bitches and older dogs will need different quantities as advised by your vet.

The following table shows the approximate food costs and quantity per month:

Patterdale Terrier Dog Food Comparison

There are many great dog food brands available these days. If the sheer variety is confusing, you can consult your veterinarian to determine the exact feeding quantity as well as the type of food to feed.

Patterdale Terrier puppies need protein-rich food but it should also contain essential minerals and omega fatty acids. This is necessary for their bone and brain development. Your vet might even recommend some supplements although, if you feed a balanced diet, your pup won’t need any. 

Older Patterdales will do well with protein-rich dog food that also contains superfoods, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This is important for their immune system. You can also look for food with probiotics and prebiotics for improved digestion and immunity and fiber for adding roughage. 

Always choose high-quality food instead of cheaper foods. The latter does not provide any real nutrition and also produces a lot of waste. Higher-quality foods with premium ingredients are rich in nutrition and you will see the results in the form of a shinier coat and overall well-being.

Medical Costs of Patterdale Terrier

The average vet visit in the United States costs between $40 and $100 depending on the veterinary practice. Your Patterdale will need at least two wellness checkups per year – so set aside at least $200 for them. Dental care can cost nearly $500.

Your puppy will also need several vaccinations in the first year and subsequent booster shots in the weeks and months that follow. These are very important as they help prevent deadly canine diseases like parvovirus, canine influenza, etc. Some vets also recommend non-core or optional vaccines like Lyme disease, Rattlesnake, and rabies, depending on the area you live in. 

Most vets charge between $30 and $100 for vaccines. Some might even recommend flea-tick prevention and deworming. These can cost around $30 for a 2-3month supply.

If you choose to spay or neuter your dog, then factor in another $100 to $300 on medical costs in the first year. 

Here is a table showing vaccinations and approximate costs.

Additional Medical Costs and Emergency Costs

A dental cleaning can cost between $50 and $300 depending on the vet’s practice. An ear infection can be expensive to treat – almost $40 to $150 for medication. Diarrhea and stomach upset can also set you back by $100.

Should your dog need hospitalization, then expect to pay anywhere between $500 t0 $1000, even more in some cases. You may want to set aside some funds for emergency procedures like blood/urine/fecal tests, fracture treatment, etc.

In the event your dog is diagnosed with canine cancer, then chemotherapy could cost $1000 to $4000. Arthritis, which is a common disease in these small dogs, can cost around $700 to $1000 for diagnosis and treatment.

Common Health Issues in Patterdale Terriers

Hip/elbow dysplasia

Hip or elbow dysplasia are genetic diseases that occur due to the abnormal formation of the hip or elbow joint. It can cause extreme pain to your Fell terrier. There is surgery available for it but the cost can run into thousands of dollars. Good breeders refrain from breeding affected dogs.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful condition that can impact your dog’s quality of life considerably. However, it is a treatable condition. Exercise, physical therapy, and pain medicines can help to a great extent.

Eye diseases

Some eye diseases in Patterdales are glaucoma, cataracts, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. The majority of these eye problems tend to cause redness, pain, lens cloudiness, and, when left untreated, can even lead to partial or complete vision loss. The cost of treating these eye problems can run into thousands of dollars.

Heart disease

Many small dog breeds like the Patterdale terrier are known to suffer from heart-related issues including dilated cardiomyopathy, mitral valve disease, and heart arrhythmia. Your pet will need regular medication to deal with the issue.

Pet Insurance for your Patterdale Terrier – is It Worth It?

Here is a summary of costs you might incur if your Patterdale terrier is sick or grievously injured:

• Intervertebral disc disease – $3282
• Ruptured bile duct – $$2245
• Torn knee ligament – $1578
• Foreign object in the stomach – $1502
• Broken limb – $1000

This is why more and more pet owners are insuring their dogs and cats to help cover routine and emergency medical costs.

Today, more than 15 companies offer pet insurance in the United States. Many of these not only cover accident and illness costs; they even cover wellness checkups, preventive treatments, alternative therapies, and health supplements.

Since there are many choices in pet insurance companies, it is important that you do your homework before signing on the dotted line. Read the policy carefully. If you do not understand something, make it a point to have the company representative explain it to you. Most importantly, you must understand terms like co-pay, deductibles, and cap. It is also a good idea to find out what isn’t covered by the policy.

Here is a table showing the best insurance companies, their pros and cons, and approximate monthly costs:

Additional Costs of Raising a Patterdale Terrier

Here are some other costs you might incur when you own a Patterdale Fell Terrier:

Travel

If you choose to board your pet at a hostel, you’d spend almost $50 a night on onboarding charges. If, on the other hand, you travel with your pet by air, then you might spend between $125 to $250 one-way. You’d also need to rent or buy a travel carrier which costs about $50.

If you decide to get a pet sitter to watch your dog, then most charge between $30 to $50 per hour depending on the tasks they perform.

Dog walker

Patterdale terriers do not need too much exercise but they still need daily walks and activity. Without physical exercise, they can get depressed, bored, and even destructive. You must walk your dog at least 2 times a day for 20-to-30 minutes each. Alternatively, you could hire a dog walker – most charge between $10 and $40 for a 30-minute walk.

Grooming

Patterdale terriers do not need too much grooming but you can choose to groom your dog professionally once or twice a year. Grooming services for dogs include bathing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal-gland expression, etc. These basic services can cost around $45 to $75 depending on the groomer.

Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Patterdale Terrier Cost?

As can be seen, owning a dog, including a small one like the Patterdale Terrier, can be fairly expensive. Generally, the Patterdale is a healthy and relatively low-maintenance dog but you still might incur unexpected expenses when raising it. 

Here is a summary of the costs of Patterdale terrier ownership:

First-year cost

Spaying/neutering ($100 to $300), medical exam with vaccinations (around $200), basic supplies like a leash, bowls, etc. ($150), training ($100) combined with the cost of a Patterdale puppy ($average $700) brings the first-year cost to $1500.

Annual/yearly cost 

The annual or yearly cost of owning a Patterdale terrier includes the cost of food ($150), regular vet checkups ($100), toys and treats ($50), deworming and flea and tick prevention ($200), pet insurance ($300), license ($25), and other miscellaneous costs ($100). This comes to about $1000.

Lifetime cost

The average lifespan of Patterdale terriers is between 10-12 years. This brings the total cost of owning a Patterdale terrier between $10,000 and $15,000. Should your dog get sick in its golden years, then add around $500-$1000 more per year on treating it.

We hope this brief price guide helps you estimate the cost of owning the Patterdale Terrier.