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A Patterdor is a cross between a Patterdale Terrier and a Labrador. Here is all that you need to know about the crossbreed if you are thinking about inviting a furry new family member into your home:
Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier is a breed that descends from the terriers of the 18th century. Despite being a terrier, a breed known for being ‘yappy’, Patterdales are significantly less ‘yappy’ than other terriers.
They have short legs and quite a strong looking snout with triangular ears that hang down. Their tails tend to be docked, meaning that they are cut in order to avoid injury when the dog is hunting. The dog’s coat tends to be black with sometimes white markings on the chest and feet. However, it is not uncommon to see Patterdale Terriers in a range of other colours such as chocolate, and bronze. The fur is either smooth or rough.
The personality traits of a Patterdale Terrier include being bold and confident. They are more of a working dog which is not uncommon among terriers, known for their ability to search for prey with their energetic nature and determination. They are extremely high energy animals that can be difficult to socialise with other dogs for this reason. They were originally bred to be energetic and to pursue prey, however because of this it makes them rather too energetic for an ordinary household. This makes the breed particularly popular amongst farming households. They are often used to guard sheep and other livestock from foxes and other animals. Making them good hunters as well. However, due to this instinct, it does add to their difficulty in socialising as anything smaller than them they often see as prey. They can be known for being aggressive and stubborn, so when owning one, it is important to show them early on who is boss and to socialise them.
Labrador
The Labrador Retriever was bred to be a working dog and a companion on the island of Newfoundland. They helped the fisherman to haul nets, fetch ropes, and to catch fish, although they were also used as friendly family dogs. In the 1830s’ they were then brought to the United Kingdom as gun dogs, helping to retrieve game. Labradors have always been a working dog, even now they are still used for sport and hunting, but they also make great assistance dogs – making up 60-70% of the assistance dogs in the United States. They can be trained to aid those who are blind, autistic, and a variety of other people who need help. They gained popularity around the 1920s’ and even more so after World War II due to their reputation as both game finders and water dogs.
Labradors are a medium-large breed of dog, weighing around 25-36 kilograms. The appearance of labradors slightly differs between conformation and field dogs. The conformation labradors tend to be bulkier and shorter, with wider faces and a more calm nature. Field labradors are thinner and taller, with slightly longer noses and thinner faces as well as being more energetic. They have quite short and straight hair that sheds twice a year and comes in either yellow, black, chocolate, or fox-red. They also have webbed toes, making them excellent swimmers as well as their waterproof coat. They have triangular ears that hang at the side of their face, and brown or hazel eyes that radiate their kindness.
Labradors are a kind and loving dog that are highly intelligent and fast learners. They are outgoing and sociable dogs and are known to have very gentle mouths when picking things up, making them experts at picking game up. They are prone to chewing objects though, but this habit can be discouraged from a young age as they are very fast learners. They are known to be incredibly loving family dogs and do not have an aggressive bone in their body. Making them great with children and other animals. They are fun-loving and make an incredible addition to any family, although they mature at around three years old, being quite puppy-like until that time. They are quite high energy dogs and will require some attention. They are not loud dogs either and do not bark often, neither are they territorial. They are easygoing and trustworthy, making them not so great guard dogs. They love to have company and will follow their owners around just to be close to them, they are also an extremely curious breed who enjoy new experiences, but they are very greedy and enjoy eating. They are also considered the most popular dog breed in the World, it has to count for something, right?
Patterdor
Patterdors tend to look primarily like Labradors in size and shape, however their ears are more Terrier-like and smaller, their tails tend to be shorter, their faces more pointy like a terrier, and their hair shorter.
Labradors and Terriers are two very different breeds, so it’s quite surprising to hear that Labrador x Terriers are quite a popular mixed breed. Mixing the kind nature, intelligence, and sociability of a Labrador with a not so sociable and feisty Terrier comes with a variety of personalities. Even within Labrador x Terrier litters the puppies will all have varying personalities, all of which a mix of both of their parents. With cross breeds you can never guarantee what personalities the pups will inherit, you have to be ready to face either a feisty and energetic, intelligent pet, or a fun-loving, but unsociable dog.
This dog may be good for you if you are ready to deal with any combination of the Labrador x Terrier temperaments and qualities, then a Patterdor may be the perfect pet to introduce into your home. You should also keep in mind that both breeds tend to be full of energy, so a lot of exercise is required.
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Are these also called Labradales?
Is your info about temperament mostly theoretical, or based on real interaction with confirmed cross-breeds?
Both! Although the ones we have met have only been confirmed to be ‘Patterdor’ (or Labradale!) based on what owners have said. The best way to know for sure is through a DNA test. Also remember that you wil get variation in temperament even within a breed or crossbreed.