Which is Better Between the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier?

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Australian Terrier Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Terrier and for the Patterdale Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Terrier or the Patterdale Terrier.

Australian Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Australian Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Terrier to the Patterdale Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier

Factor Australian Terrier Patterdale Terrier
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 2/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 15 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Weight 14 to 16 pounds 11 to 13 pounds
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1250 $570
Price Range $1050 – $1500 $525 – $550
Temperament Score 82.4 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Patterdale Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Terrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Terrier is a better pet than the Patterdale Terrier. So, you should get the Australian Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are most different:

    • Australian Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Patterdale Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Australian Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier

    The Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier.

    Australian Terriers weigh 14 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Australian Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier

    The lifespan of Australian Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Australian Terriers live longer than Patterdale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Australian Terrier

    The Australian Terrier has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Australian Terrier is 82.4 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 82.4 percent, the Australian Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 17 Australian Terriers and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Australian Terrier versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    The average price of the Australian Terrier puppy is $1250. The price of the Australian Terrier typically ranges from $1050 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 13 Australian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $570. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $525 – $550. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 11 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Australian Terrier is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Terrier and Patterdale Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Terrier puppies or how many Patterdale Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Terrier puppy or the Patterdale Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier

    Australian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Terriers shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

    Australian Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Terrier or the Patterdale Terrier

    Australian Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Terrier or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Australian Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Australian Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Patterdale Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Australian Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Terrier vs. Patterdale Terrier

    Australian Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Patterdale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Terrier or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Australian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Terriers good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Australian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Terriers and Patterdale Terriers?

    Australian Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Terrier Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Australian Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Australian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Australian Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Terrier or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Australian Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Patterdale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.