Which is Better Between the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier?

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Belgian Tervuren Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren or the Patterdale Terrier.

Belgian Tervuren versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Belgian Tervuren belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs 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.

Belgian Tervuren versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier

Factor Belgian Tervuren Patterdale Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 15 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 70 pounds 11 to 13 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1630 $570
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $525 – $550
Temperament Score 81.4 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Patterdale Terrier is not better or worse than the Belgian Tervuren. So, you can get the Patterdale Terrier or the Belgian Tervuren!

    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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier

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

    • Belgian Tervurens have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Patterdale Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier

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

    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Tervuren versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    Belgian Tervurens weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Tervurens are 21 to 26 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 Belgian Tervuren versus Patterdale Terrier

    The lifespan of Belgian Tervurens is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Tervurens is 11.0 years.

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

    Patterdale Terriers live longer than Belgian Tervurens.

    Temperament of the Belgian Tervuren Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Belgian Tervuren has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Belgian Tervuren is 81.4 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 81.4 percent, the Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 521 Belgian Tervurens and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Belgian Tervuren versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    The average price of the Belgian Tervuren puppy is $1630. The price of the Belgian Tervuren typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 27 Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Tervurens. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Tervurens. 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 Belgian Tervuren 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: Belgian Tervuren versus Patterdale Terrier

    Belgian Tervurens do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Tervurens shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

    Belgian Tervurens shed. They are not recommended 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 Belgian Tervuren or the Patterdale Terrier

    Belgian Tervurens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Tervuren or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens are moderately easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Tervuren Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Belgian Tervurens Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Tervurens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Tervuren vs. Patterdale Terrier

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Tervurens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Tervurens good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens and Patterdale Terriers?

    Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Belgian Tervuren Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Tervuren Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Belgian Tervurens adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Tervurens are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Belgian Tervuren 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 Belgian Tervuren and the Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.