Patterdale vs Jack Russell 

In the battle of the terriers, which would you choose?

Both Patterdale’s and Jack Russell’s are ‘typical’ terriers.  So, let’s have a quick look at their similarities and differences.

Patterdale vs Jack Russell – what were they bred for?

Both Patterdale terriers and Jack Russell Terriers were originally bred and developed to go to ground to flush out foxes.  Both have reputations as great little hunters and vermin dispatchers.

Size and Appearance

Patterdale Terriers are athletic longer-legged terriers and come in at between 25-38cm 10-15″ and are in proportion and athletic in appearance.

Jack Russell Terriers are smaller, short-legged and come in at between 20-30cm 8-11.5”.  The Jack Russell height to length ratio will often see them appearing a little long in the back compared to their height. However, they are still medium length and should not appear Dachshund like. Height wise, they are one of the smaller terrier types being shorter-legged than Patterdales and Parson Russell Terriers and more athletic in appearance than Cairn terriers.  Originally Parson Russells and Jack Russells were considered the same breed; however that changed when the kennel club created a breed standard based on the long-legged version. The Jack Russell remaining the shorted legged variety and they now also have a kennel club breed standard.

Weight

Patterdale Terriers weigh approximately 5kg-10kg, but the main thing is that they are in proportion and athletic in appearance.

Jack Russell’s also weigh from approximately 5kg to around 9kg. Smaller Jack Russell’s often look heavier in appearance than Patterdale Terriers, with a deeper chest and rounder girth. 

Colours

Black is the dominant gene for Patterdale Terriers, although you will also see them in chocolate, red and brown.   It is not necessary, but not unusual, for a Patterdale to have a little white on their chest and feet.  More about Patterdale Colours

Jack Russell’s, on the other hand, are usually but not always primarily white with another colour or colours.  They come in white and tan, white and brown, white and black, white and lemon, tricolour.  Some are mainly or even all brown, brown and black or brown with some white; however, these colours are not recognised by the Kennel Club. 

Coat Type

Patterdales and Jack Russells both come in smooth, broken and rough-coated versions. However, you are more likely to come across a rough-coated Patterdale than a rough-coated Jack Russell.

Temperament & Personality

To be honest, most of the time, a Jack Russell terrier will win against any other breed for personality.  To generalise, they are bright, vivacious, full of mischief, fun-loving, lively, cheeky and intelligent.  Oh, and feisty, it’s not unusual to see a little Jack Russell terrier wanting to take on a much larger breed of dog!

Patterdales are intelligent, confident, independent and lively.

Both are loyal and affectionate companions who will protect their human family at any cost.  Both have a strong prey drive and are highly trainable to be safe around livestock.  Both come from a background of being bred to hunt foxes and vermin such as rats and mice, and both take their hunting genes very seriously.  Of the two, the Patterdale is the most likely to follow a scent trail. However, the Jack Russell is more likely to give voice when they ordain to follow a trail, or rather smell a rat and take a shortcut, yapping joyfully as they do so. 

Exercise

Patterdales are bred to be active and they enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise.  They benefit from at least two 30 minutes walks a day, plus free running time and something to occupy their minds.

Jack Russells, on the other hand, although also originally bred to be active, are more likely to accept less exercise as long as they can snuggle down with you or with a nice chewy.  This may be because the smaller Jack Russells have also frequently been lapdogs and companion pets and so may have developed that trait or more likely have in the past being crossed with amiable toy breeds to keep the size small.  That said, Patterdales love to spend time with their families too and are just as likely to want to snuggle with you.

Family Pet

Jack Russells often have a reputation of being snappy.  Well trained Jack Russells, just the same as well trained Patterdales, will not be snappy or possessive of toys if the correct, careful training has been put into place.  Because both are originally bred for hunting and let’s be honest, as little killing machines, you must be confident in your dog’s socialisation and training for them to mix with unknown children.  Both will be loving, loyal companions for family children with the correct training and terrier savvy kids.

Fun and Games

Patterdales love to be active, so they make a great choice to take running, or to do agility, flyball or canicross.  They will keep up and have endless stamina.

Jack Russells, on the other hand, love to be with their people and, given the choice, will follow you around all day long, but with their little legs, they are not an ideal choice if you want a dog to take on your regular 5K runs. They will take to agility and flyball if they WANT to but are better suited to slower or shorter bursts of activity.

Patterdale vs Jack Russell  – What’s the Verdict?

Well, I hope this has helped you decide on the Patterdale vs Jack Russell?  There is not really much to choose between the athletic Patterdale and the diminutive Jack Russell.  Although, as you can see from above, there are areas where one or other excels above the other terrier breed.