Patterpoo

by Mary Simpson

Published: September 7th, 2017

About Patterpoo

Weight

10-20 lb

Height

10-15 inches

Lifespan

10-13 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

seasoned pet owners, active families with kids, homes without non-canine pets, houses with fenced yards

Temperament

confident, loyal, affectionate, energetic

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Patterdale Terrier

Patterpoo Basics

The Patterpoo is a lovely little family pooch who brings the feisty, high-energy nature of the Patterdale Terrier together with the loyal, low-shedding characteristics of a Poodle. While not a large dog, the terrier side of the Patterpoo can make him a handful for a novice pet owner and his need to expend energy means he needs an owner with the time to keep him mentally and physically stimulated.

The Patterpoo is a hybrid of a Patterdale Terrier and a Miniature Poodle.

Origin

The allure of producing popular breeds with the low-shed characteristics of a Poodle took off in the 1980s and resulted in the Designer Dogs you see today. The Patterpoo is one such dog and brings the feisty little Patterdale Terrier who until the 1950s was a relatively unknown breed out of Northern England, together with the Miniature Poodle that harkens back to Germany in the 1500s.

Pedigree

The Patterpoo’s cross-breed status prevents him from becoming a member of the American Kennel Club (AKC) however one of his parent breeds is a long time member; the Poodle joined the “sporting” group in 1887. While the actual Patterdale Terrier is not a member, he is in fact classed as a “working version” of the Lakeland Terrier who joined AKC’s “terrier” group back in 1934.

Food/Diet

The Patterpoo is a small but active dog and requires a high quality kibble that delivers the vitamins and nutrients needed to keep him fit and healthy. Because has the potential to become obese, you should select a dry food without carb fillers and plan to feed him 2 to 3 small meals a day versus free feeding. Due to his Poodle DNA he may also be prone to digestive issues including pancreatitis so avoid anything with a high fat content.

The Patterpoo is a wonderful little companion dog.

Training

While the Patterpoo is the product of two breeds that are intelligent and eager-to-please, the terrier side results in a pooch who can be easily distracted and a challenge to train. Don’t relent! Because he can be territorial around other animals, it’s important he be socialized and trained in obedience at an early age. If you feel out of your depth, bring in an expert but don’t ignore this need. As with any breed, rewards-based training with lots of praise and well-earned treats will help you get the results you’re looking for.

Weight

The weight of a Patterpoo can range between 10 and 20 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

The Patterpoo is a wonderful little companion dog who is highly affectionate and loves to snuggle up in the evening with his family. He’s an intelligent pooch who can have a mind of his own but is truly loyal to his human pack and loves to play with kids. He doesn’t do well when left on his own for any length of time so really needs a home where someone is available to keep him company, exercised and supervised during the day.

Common Health Problems

Health issues that present in purebreds can often bypass a cross of the breed however potential pet parents need to learn what their new pet may inherit. With the Patterpoo, he can inherit a propensity for dental disease and obesity from the terrier side as well as joint and digestive issues from the Poodle side.

Life Expectancy

The average life span of a Patterpoo is 11 to 13 years.

Exercise Requirements

If you want a calm Patterpoo when he’s indoors you’ll need to devote time to meeting his daily exercise needs. A good long walk is ideal coupled with active playtime in a fully fenced yard to satisfy his need to chase and catch. Because of his terrier DNA, off-leash dog parks are not a good idea as he tends to run after anything that moves and may be tough to corral afterwards.

The Patterpoo is highly affectionate and loves to snuggle up with his family in the evening.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as the Patterdoodle, the Patterpoo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club however he is recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

The Patterpoo typically has a rough double-coat comprised of thick, waterproof hair that is longer around his face, ears and muzzle. He is relatively low-maintenance, requiring brushing or combing periodically to remove loose hair and stripping in warmer weather when light shedding may occur. Overall, he is a low shedding dog however he does come from a breed that was bred to hunt underground so digging can very well be an issue – which may make bath-time a frequent occurrence!.

Puppies

Patterpoo puppies are high energy and can be quite confident in their interactions with humans and other animals alike. In fact they develop strong bonds with their owners quite early on. Because the Poodle side of this little guy can be prone to joint issues it’s important to not over-do the walks and active playtime – no matter how much you want to tire him out!

Photo credit: tetxu/Depositphotos; adogslifephoto/Depositphotos

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Hypothermia puts your cat’s health at risk, and if not treated in time, can be fatal. So, it’s wise to know even just the basics about hypothermia so you can recognize the symptoms and get your cat the help they need right away. Here’s a short guide to get you started.

Why is My Cat Suddenly Acting Aggressive?

Cats are well-known for their independent and aloof nature. It’s part of their mysterious and majestic presence. But what do you do when your once docile companion suddenly becomes angry or aggressive?Understanding why your cat may have shown such an abrupt behavior change is important. Why? This could be a sign of much bigger trouble that demands your attention. There are many explanations for this type of change in demeanor, including physical pain or illness. The best solution to create harmony once again in your home is to get to the bottom of it!In this article, we will look at the most common reasons for a cat to suddenly exhibit aggression and what you should do to help your furry best friend.What Does Aggression Look Like in Cats?If you are a first-time cat owner or have never encountered an aggressive cat, you may wonder what aggression looks like. Our feline friends aren’t always as outwardly friendly and affectionate as their canine counterparts, but aggression refers to behaviors that go a step further. Rather than being aloof or disinterested, an aggressive cat outwardly expresses upset, anger, and frustration toward a trigger.Cat parents who seek help with an aggressive cat often refer to their cat biting or swatting, causing physical harm out of nowhere. But there are often other signs of trouble that are overlooked or unnoticed.Early signs of aggression include:Thrashing or fast twitching tailDirect stareDilated pupilsEars flattened back against the headStiff or crouched postureRaised hacklesHissing, growling, or yowlingWhen these warning signs are ignored, a cat may feel they have no choice but to react further to protect themselves from the perceived threat or trigger. It is at this moment that a cat will swat or bite. Learning to recognize the early warning signs will help you prevent the situation from escalating to the point that someone is hurt.How Do You Tell if a Cat is Playing or Being Aggressive?Some cats, especially young kittens, may play in a way that is similar to or mimics the signs of aggression. This can make it harder to identify if your cat is truly upset or simply playing around. Luckily, there are a few minor differences that can help you differentiate between the two.When a cat is being playful, they usually have their claws retracted. This means they may swat at you during play, but they aren’t scratching or causing harm with that action. The same can be said when they pounce on you – landing on you with their paws, nails retracted. If your cat is biting at your hand during play, they often have a threshold they won’t cross. They may bite hard enough that you feel some discomfort, but they aren’t trying to break the skin.There is a grey area that shouldn’t be overlooked between play and aggression, where a cat either didn’t learn where that line exists or fails to acknowledge it. This is known as play aggression, which we will touch on later.

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