A Detailed Comparison of the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier.

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Harrier Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Harrier versus Patterdale Terrier

Harrier versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Harrier versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier

Factor Harrier Patterdale Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Height 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 15 inches
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds 11 to 13 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Price Range No Data $550 – $950
Average Price No Data $680
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier is a better pet than the Patterdale Terrier. So, you should get the Harrier!

    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 Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier are not easy to train.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Harrier and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Patterdale Terrier

    The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers 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 Harriers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Patterdale Terrier

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Harriers shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

    Harriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Patterdale Terrier

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Patterdale Terrier

    Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Harriers 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 Harriers and Patterdale Terriers?

    Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

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

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Harrier:

  • American Foxhound (82 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Patterdale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Patterdale Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Patterdale Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Patterdale Terrier to other breeds:

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Harrier versus Barbet     Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Harrier versus Mastiff     Harrier versus French Spaniel     Harrier versus Miniature Poodle     Harrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Harrier versus Australian Kelpie     Harrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Harrier versus Pointer     Harrier versus Sloughi     Harrier versus Valley Bulldog     Harrier versus Bullmastiff     Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Harrier versus Chihuahua     Harrier versus Field Spaniel     Harrier versus Great Dane     Harrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Harrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Harrier versus Lowchen     Harrier versus American Water Spaniel     Harrier versus Kai Ken     Harrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Harrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Harrier versus Lancashire Heeler     

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Dachshund     Patterdale Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Patterdale Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Basenji     Patterdale Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Patterdale Terrier versus Akita     Patterdale Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Patterdale Terrier versus Weimaraner     Patterdale Terrier versus Bich Poo     Patterdale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Cairn Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Patterdale Terrier versus Schipperke     Patterdale Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Patterdale Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Patterdale Terrier versus Dachshund     Patterdale Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Patterdale Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Patterdale Terrier versus Cavapoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     

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