Caring for Your Patterdale Shepherd: Key Health Concerns and Solutions

by Taylor Morgan. Reviewed by Fitpetgo

Updated: Sep 15, 2024

Introduction

The Patterdale Shepherd is a lesser-known breed of dog that has been gaining popularity among enthusiasts and pet owners alike, particularly for its versatility as both a working dog and a loyal companion. Originating from England, this breed is part of the herding group and has been bred specifically for hunting game, such as grouse and pheasant. Their exceptional qualities make them an attractive choice for those who seek out a breed with a strong work ethic, high intelligence, and unwavering loyalty.

In this article, we will delve into various aspects of caring for these remarkable dogs, including their general care needs, specific issues they might face, feeding requirements, training tips, grooming considerations, and other factors relevant to potential owners.

General Care

To care for your Patterdale Shepherd effectively, understanding its physical and psychological needs is essential. One key aspect is providing sufficient exercise; the breed requires regular activity to remain physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks or runs are not enough; they also need opportunities for free exercise outside enclosed spaces like parks or yards where they can run freely.

In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is crucial. Engaging them in activities such as hiding treats around the yard, agility training, and teaching command-based games will help keep their mind engaged and prevent boredom. A spacious living situation allowing your dog room to roam around safely is ideal.

Another important aspect of care for Patterdale Shepherds is attention to health concerns, including certain breeds that can affect the hip joint leading to issues with movement.

Patterdale Shepherd Issues

While highly versatile, breed-specific traits, lifestyle adaptations, and health considerations present unique challenges that can arise when caring for a Patterdale Shepherd. Their original purpose as hunting dogs, particularly for flushing game birds, gives them an energetic, competitive nature. If left unaddressed or improperly stimulated, this energy can manifest as destructive behavior inside the home.

Furthermore, Patterdale Shepherds have higher energy levels and their original training may not be sufficient for pet companionship, implying that they might require obedience training early on to prevent unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or digging up surroundings.

Another key challenge specific to this breed is dealing with hip dysplasia issues. Many people who purchase such dogs might choose them due to their small size and low-maintenance overall care requirements, but Patterdale Shepherds are actually prone to inheriting the issue commonly reported in larger Shepherd breeds.

Proper weight control through regular feeding and preventing overwork can mitigate this particular health issue as a preventative measure. Consulting with experienced trainers or owners familiar with raising Patterdale Shepherds is often recommended for those new to dog care specifically dealing with issues common amongst this breed.

Feeding a Patterdale Shepherd

Your Patterdale Shepherd's diet will require some thought, given the unique blend of athletic prowess and herculean appetite that comes naturally with such pets. For instance, they must obtain adequate protein through their diet in order to meet their high energy demands. A balanced dog food rich in protein sources (meat-based protein) will be required for optimal health maintenance.

It might seem paradoxical to address low-maintenance in feeding a highly energetic pet breed because while the average needs of your average Patterdale Shepherd may need less specialized, overall the dietary requirements are going to demand a higher-protein diet which naturally requires some planning on your part of what to feed them.