The Origins and Legacy of the Patterdale Terrier

 A Historic Beginning

In 1873, the Patterdale and Matterdale hunts were combined to form the Ullswater Foxhounds, marking the beginning of a storied history for the Patterdale Terrier. In 1879, a young Joe Bowman, just 22 years old, was appointed master of the Ullswater, a position he held, with few interruptions, until 1924. Bowman’s tenure was succeeded by Joe Wear, who led the Ullswater for the next 47 years. Bowman, who passed away in 1940, became one of the most renowned huntsmen of all time, even inspiring a song about his exploits.

 Joe Bowman: The Early Breeder

Joe Bowman was an early breeder of Border Terriers and is credited with creating the Patterdale Terrier by crossing a blue-black Border Terrier with a black and tan Fell Terrier, also known as a working Lakeland Terrier. This crossbreeding aimed to produce a dog with the resilience and tenacity needed for the demanding work of the Ullswater Hunt.

 The Discovery of History

The detailed history of the Patterdale Terrier’s origin was pieced together from various historical documents and a close reading of an appendix in Jocelyn Lucas' book, “Hunt and Working Terriers.” Lucas’ book, published in 1931, notes that the United Hunt preferred a "Lakeland, Patterdale, from J. Boroman's strain (Ullswater kennels)." The name "J. Boroman" was likely a typo, possibly due to telephone or handwritten correspondence. The correct name was Joe Bowman.

 Establishing the Breed

By the 1920s, the Patterdale Terrier had emerged as a distinct type, largely centered around the Ullswater Hunt and Joe Bowman. This period also saw the publication of Richard Clapham’s “Foxes, Foxhounds & Foxhunting” in 1923, which included a picture of Joe Bowman and a Patterdale Terrier. The breed name “Patterdale” was thus established by the early 20th century, just before the Border Terrier was standardized for the show ring.

 The Breeders Who Followed

As Bowman’s involvement in dog breeding waned in the 1930s, Cyril Breay emerged as a significant breeder of Patterdale Terriers. Breay, who also started as a Border Terrier breeder, formed a pivotal friendship with Frank Buck, whose dogs descended from Joe Bowman’s Ullswater Terriers. Together, Breay and Buck further developed and popularized the Patterdale Terrier, maintaining its status as a premier working dog.

 Brian Nuttal’s Contribution

Brian Nuttal began breeding Patterdales in the late 1950s, maintaining that his dogs closely resembled those his father kept in the 1930s. It is likely that Nuttal’s lineage traced back to Joe Bowman’s original dogs, through either direct descent or intervening hands. By the time Nuttal’s father owned his dogs, the Patterdale Terrier was already recognized as a distinct and effective working breed.

 Preserving the Legacy

The pioneering work of Joe Bowman in establishing the Patterdale strain, and the contributions of breeders like Cyril Breay, Frank Buck, and Brian Nuttal, have ensured the breed’s continuity and excellence. These breeders not only maintained the Patterdale as a working dog but also improved and stabilized its characteristics. While it is relatively easy to name a new breed, creating a following based on field performance is a significant achievement.

The Final Resting Place

Joe Bowman was born in Patterdale, a fitting origin for the breed’s name. Patterdale was also the name of the hunt that Bowman was deeply involved with, further cementing the breed’s connection to its geographical and historical roots. Joe Bowman died in Patterdale in 1940 and was buried in St. Patrick’s Church burial ground. His successor, Joe Wear, continued to use dogs of similar type, ensuring the legacy lived on.

 An "Old Breed"

W.C. Skelton’s “Reminiscences of Joe Bowman and the Ullswater Foxhounds,” published in 1921, described the Patterdale Terrier as an "old breed," noting its distinctive characteristics: brown or blue in color, with a hard, wiry coat, a narrow front, and a strong jaw. These traits have been preserved and celebrated by breeders and enthusiasts alike.

The Patterdale Terrier Club of America (PTCA) honors the breed’s rich history and its foundational figures. The PTCA remains dedicated to preserving the Patterdale Terrier as a working breed, ensuring its unique qualities and heritage are maintained for future generations. The Patterdale Terrier’s journey from the Ullswater Foxhounds to its current status as an elite digging dog is a testament to the dedication of those who have nurtured and championed this remarkable breed.