A Detailed Comparison of the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier.

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Irish Terrier Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Irish Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier

Irish Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the Irish 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.

Irish Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish 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 Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier

Factor Irish Terrier Patterdale Terrier
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 14 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 15 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 11 to 13 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1280 $680
Price Range $1000 – $1500 $550 – $950
Temperament Score 80.0 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish 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 Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

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

  • Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Patterdale Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Irish Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Patterdale Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Irish Terriers 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish 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 Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    Irish Terriers live longer than Patterdale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Irish Terrier has the same temperament score as the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Irish 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 Irish Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 10 Irish Terriers and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of the Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Irish Terrier is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Irish Terrier Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1280 $680
    Price Range $1000 to $1500 $550 to $950

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish 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 Irish 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: Irish Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Patterdale Terrier

    Irish 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 Irish Terrier or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Patterdale Terrier

    Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Irish 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 Irish Terriers and Patterdale Terriers?

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

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

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

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

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

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish 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 Irish Terrier:

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • 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 Irish Terrier vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Border Collie     Irish Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Weimaraner     Irish Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus American Bulldog     Irish Terrier versus Havanese     Irish Terrier versus Maltipoo     Irish Terrier versus Berger Picard     Irish Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Irish Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Irish Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Irish Terrier versus American Foxhound     Irish Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Irish Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Bolognese     Irish Terrier versus Puli     Irish Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Irish Terrier versus Morkie     Irish Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Irish Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Irish Terrier versus English Setter     Irish Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Irish Terrier versus Golden Retriever     

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Cockapoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Patterdale Terrier versus Plott     Patterdale Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Patterdale Terrier versus Frenchton     Patterdale Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Patterdale Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Collie     Patterdale Terrier versus Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Patterdale Terrier versus Cockapoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Patterdale Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Patterdale Terrier versus Cavachon     Patterdale Terrier versus French Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus American Bulldog     Patterdale Terrier versus Maltipoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Pug     

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