Lakeland Terrier

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Lakeland Terrier Profile

Lakeland Terriers are a small, workman-like dog of square, sturdy build who resemble the wire fox terrier. They are thought to be the exact copy of the Airedale Terrier, miniaturized. They have short drop ears that are round on the ends, and quite a face with facial hair. They have rather narrow bodies, but deep chests. They are smaller dogs, but with the same amount of ability as any bigger dog. Lakeland Terriers generally like everyone they meet and can distinguish friends from strangers. They are good watch dogs, and good guard dogs for their size. They are lively, intelligent and stubborn. Lakeland Terriers are level headed and of sound temperament. The Lakeland Terrier is an enthusiastic breed who enjoys playing with adults or children and has a way of getting its own way, making them an entertaining pet.

Type: Terrier

Height: 13 - 15 inches.
Weight: 15 - 17 lbs. Females: 15 lbs. average; Males: 17 lbs. average.

Colors: Comes in various colors. Black and tan, blue and tan, red-gray, red, wheat, liver, blue or black.
Coat: Thick, hard and sheds water. Coat sometimes has a slight wave to it.

Temperament: Lakeland Terriers are brave and hardy. They are intelligent, alert, confident and bold. They are wary with strangers, but will warm up to them. They are friendly to almost anyone, and get along with children well. They have the energy to match them. Lakeland Terriers are level headed, fun, and have the ability to get what they want usually.
With Children: Yes, good with children, they will play with them for as long as the children want to.
With Pets: Yes, they get along with other dogs and pets. But they will stand their ground against other dogs and they need to be taught when they are young not to chase cats.
Special Skills: Hunting dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High. Lakeland Terriers are very alert, and very good at letting their masters know what is going on.
Guard-dog: Medium. Although a good watchdog and having the mindset to take on animals much bigger than itself, the Lakeland is mostly friendly to anyone it meets.

Lakeland Terrier Care and Exercise: Pluck or strip the double coat of a Lakeland Terrier to maintain strong color and proper texture. A coat which is properly textured will shed dirt easily. Lakeland Terriers need regular grooming that should consist of brushing at least three times a week. Bathe only when necessary, otherwise their coat will become too dry. The Lakeland Terrier's exercise should consist of long walks and a secured backyard to play in.
Training: Needs to be trained and socialized early in life. An intelligent dog, the Lakeland will learn quickly. Positive training is always better than deterrence or negative training.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Low. Problem Solving - Medium. Although the Lakeland is highly intelligent, being a terrier it is independent. They are creative in ways of getting what they want.

Activity: Very High. Lakelands are a very energetic breed, and owners should be aware of this before buying one.
Special Needs: Fenced yard, leash, grooming, socialization and training.
Living Environment: Urban environment or country, they will fit well into any home situation. An apartment is adequate if they are given daily exercise. The best owner for this breed would be an active owner or individual living in the suburbs or country.

Lakeland Terrier Health Issues: Legg-Perthes disease (degenerative disease of the hip bones), cataracts and lens luxation.

Life Span: 12 - 16 years.
Litter Size: 3 - 5 puppies.

Country of Origin: England
Lakeland Terrier History: Lakeland Terriers are related to the Border, Bedlington, Welsh and Dandie Dinmont Terrier. They are an Airedale Terrier in miniature form. They were developed over a long period of time to be a digging and hunting dog, thus creating some of the unattractive habits of today. They were especially bred for their gameness. The Lakeland Terrier was used to hunt vermin in the rugged shale mountains of the Lake District of Cumberland in northern England, as well as to protect farmer's sheepfolds from foxes and bigger animals. Farmers would organize hunts with both hounds and terriers to rat out foxes raiding their sheep pens. The Lakeland was said to spring to a threat much larger than itself. Today, however, the breed has become much more friendly than its ancestors. The breed was called the Patterdale Terrier or Fell Terrier for a time, and came in a variety of colors. White terries were used specifically for otter hunts, because white terriers were often mistaken to be otters by other hounds, and therefore attacked by the other hound. Eliminating all other workers for otter hunting except the white terriers solved this problem. The other terriers were called Colored Working Terriers. Although working with hunters for hundreds of years, the Lakeland Terrier was not in the show ring until 1912. After being shown in both England and America after the first World War, the breed was accepted by the AKC in 1921. In 1928 the official name of Lakeland Terrier was given to the breed. Its popularity went down before WWI, but soon regained its status after the War. One Lakeland Terrier, Ch. Stingray of Derrybah, won Best in Show at the Crufts Dog Show in England in 1967, and the following year won the same award at Westminster Dog Show in New York. This is the first breed to ever achieve Best in Show at both of the top dog shows on both sides of the Atlantic.

First Registered by the AKC: 1921
AKC Group: Terrier Group
Class: Terrier
Registries: AKC, ANKC (Group 2), CKC (Group 4), FCI (Group 3), KC (GB), UKC(Terriers)

Lakeland Terriers

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