Charlie came to our branch on the 25th July 2024 from a house where his owner was struggling to cope with their own needs as well as their animals.
He has previously lived with another small dog and multiple cats, and is a very friendly boy who loves people. Despite his advanced age, he is a very active boy who loves nothing more than moseying around the garden and interacting with other dogs. He has black fur with white patches on his ears, making him very visible when he’s pottering around with his nose to the ground.
We haven’t advertised Charlie in the months he’s been with us up until now as the poor mite has been suffering from a chronic skin condition (luckily this isn’t itchy for him but meant he lost a bit of his beautiful coat), but he’s now feeling well enough to go to his new home. He’s also been diagnosed with a grade 1 heart murmur, but this is the least serious and requires the occasional checkup to ensure all is well.
Charlie’s a Patterdale Terrier, so here are some things to note about the breed:
- Terriers often have big personalities, so being aware that they may be feisty or need training to curb any behaviours from growing into issues will be helpful for ensuring they are happy.
- Patterdale Terriers in particular were originally bred as hunting dogs, so may not be suitable for you if you have small furries in the household.
- Long walks in rural areas and plenty of time to practise their sniffing make for a happy Patterdale, so be wary of them digging up the garden or attempting to escape if they don’t get enough stimulation!
- Specific types of activity can be good for these dogs, especially things that simulate their natural lifestyle, such as activities including hunting behaviours (hiding a high-value toy or treat), chasing (fetch) or their ragging need (when they violently grip and shake a toy).
