Collie versus Patterdale Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Collie Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Patterdale Terrier.

Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Collie versus Patterdale Terrier

Collie versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Collie 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.

Collie versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the Patterdale Terrier

FactorColliePatterdale Terrier
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/52/5
Life Span10 to 14 years11 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/51/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/52/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder12 to 15 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/54/5
General Health3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/52/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/52/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Dog Friendly4/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/54/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Low Prey Drive2/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/54/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds11 to 13 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years12.5 years
Average Price$1480$640
Price Range$1000 – $1800$500 – $688
Temperament Score80.8 percent80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Patterdale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Collie 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 Collie and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size Comparison of the Collie versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Patterdale Terrier weighs 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. The Patterdale Terrier is 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Collie versus Size of Patterdale Terrier

    Lifespan of Collie versus Patterdale Terrier

    The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 years.

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

    The Patterdale Terrier live longer than the Collie.

    Temperament of the Collie Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Collie has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 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 80.8 percent, the Collie 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 Collie and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $640. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $500 – $688. 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 24 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Collie is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Collie Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1480 $640
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $500 to $688

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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.

    Check out our list of best Collie breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Patterdale Terrier

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Collies shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

    Collies 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 is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Patterdale Terrier?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

    Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Collie or the Patterdale Terrier

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Collies and Patterdale Terriers?

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

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

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

    Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Patterdale Terrier

    Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Patterdale Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:

    Collie versus Japanese Chin     Collie versus Canaan Dog     Collie versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Collie versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Collie versus Irish Setter     Collie versus Manchester Terrier     Collie versus Sussex Spaniel     Collie versus Whoodle     Collie versus Kishu Ken     Collie versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Collie versus Shetland Sheepdog     Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Collie versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Collie versus Doberman Pinscher     Collie versus Dutch Shepherd     Collie versus French Bulldog     

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