Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed Information

Key Facts

Ratings

Key Facts

Lifespan:	12 – 16 years
Weight:	7 – 8kg
Height:	34 – 48cm
Colours:	Black and tan, blue and tan, red, wheaten, red grizzle, liver, blue or black
Size:	Medium
Kennel Club Group:	Terrier

Ratings

Family-friendly:	4/5
Exercise needs:	4/5
Easy to train:	2/5
Tolerates being alone:	2/5
Like other pets:	3/5
Energy level:	5/5
Grooming needs:	3/5
Shedding:	2/5

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Personality

Because of their working roots, the Lakeland Terrier is fearless and fast when they need to be – but in the home, as a pet, they are friendly, loving and affectionate dogs, who are fun and mischievous and love being involved with everything and everyone. Some Lakeland Terriers can be feisty with other dogs and so early and ongoing socialisation is essential.

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History and Origins

Country of Origin: England

As the name suggests, this terrier breed comes from the Lake District, where they were bred by farmers to work with hounds and go to ground after foxes to protect their lambs.

Various breeds have contributed to their make-up, including the old Black and Tan Terrier, the Bedlington Terrier, the Welsh Terrier and the Border Terrier - the idea being to breed a long-legged terrier that could keep up with hounds but still be small and agile enough to be able to crawl into holes and rocky crevices.

Health and Common Issues

Like many small breeds, they can suffer from kneecaps that may temporarily slip out of place (luxating patellas).

The breed club monitor the health of the breed carefully and should be contacted for the most up-to-date information and details of any DNA or additional testing they recommend. Breed Clubs can be found on the Kennel Club website.

Exercise Needs

The Lakeland Terrier needs about an hour's daily exercise, but will happily accept much longer walks if you can offer them. In addition, they will enjoy games and playing in the garden, but with their history of being bred to squeeze down small holes and through tiny gaps, it goes without saying that garden boundaries should be fully escape-proof.

Space Requirements

The Lakeland Terrier is equally happy as a town or country dog - although as they alert their owners to any intruders (real or imagined), they might be better without close neighbours! They aren’t good for the garden-proud though as many enjoy digging.

Nutrition and Feeding

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Grooming Lakeland Terriers

The coat consists of a thick undercoat and a dense, harsh topcoat that is designed to protect against the bitter conditions of the Lake District and also to protect the dog from earthwork. The Lakeland Terrier's coat, which does not shed, needs combing through a couple of times a week. In addition, show dogs are trimmed, but pet dogs are usually clipped a couple of times a year.

Training Lakeland Terriers

The Lakeland Terrier is smart and clever - although surprisingly sensitive - and will enjoy reward-based training and can do surprisingly well. They should be taught a reliable recall and also to walk on a harness and lead.

Best Family Dog Breeds

The Lakeland is one of the terriers that has more patience with children than many and is affectionate with their families.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

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Did You Know?

A Lakeland Terrier called Stingray of Derryabah won Best in Show at Crufts in 1967 and then the next year went on to win Best in Show at America’s Westminster Dog Show. This is the only dog ever to win the ‘double crown’ of the dog world.
The first president of the Lakeland Terrier Association had a Lakeland Terrier that pursued an otter into a 23-foot burrow and it took three days to rescue the dog!
They’re thought to be a threatened native breed and are becoming increasingly rare.
One of the top-winning show dogs of all time was a Lakeland Terrier owned by Jean L. Health and Bill Cosby.
Before being called the Lakeland Terrier, this breed was known as the Patterdale, Fell and Elterwater Terrier.

Similar Breeds:

Wire Hair Fox Terrier

Irish Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier

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