Discover Everything About Lakeland terriers
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Lakeland Terrier is a small, compact and well-proportioned breed of dog native to the Lake District in northwest England. The body is strong and athletic, which helps the dogs move quickly and nimbly over rough terrain. They belong to FCI Group 3: Terriers and are known for their hard, dense fur that protects them from the elements. The Lakeland Terrier's face is a distinctive feature with dark, oval eyes and an intelligent and alert expression. Their ears are small and V-shaped that fall forward. Their tail is usually carried erect, giving them a happy and lively appearance.
| Height | 37 - 37 cm (Female), 37 - 37 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 7 - 8 kg (Female), 8 - 9 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Active, intelligent, confident |
| Coat | Hard, dense, undercoat present |
| Coat Color | Black, blue, red, wheat, gray or saddle colored |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € € |
History
The Lakeland Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds and comes from the picturesque Lake District in northwest England. Originally it was used as a working dog whose main task was to hunt foxes and other pests that posed a threat to sheep herds. Their size and agility allowed them to pursue foxes into their dens, a talent that was particularly useful in the harsh and mountainous landscape of their home range. The breed was developed in the early 1800s and is likely descended from a mix of Bedlington Terrier and Fox Terrier. However, they were not officially recognized by the Kennel Club in Great Britain until 1932.
The Lakeland Terrier was bred to hunt foxes and other predators in the Lake District fells.
England
1900
Character & Temperament
Lakeland Terriers are active and intelligent dogs that are known for their cheeky and confident personality. They are cheerful and tireless, which makes them great companion dogs. Their work instincts are still strong, meaning they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. As terriers, they are independent thinkers who like to explore the world in their own way. They can also be quite stubborn, which can make them a challenge at times. Despite their independence, they are very people-oriented and build strong bonds with their families. They love being the center of attention and are always ready to start a game or activity. Although they are small, they are brave and will not hesitate to defend themselves against larger dogs. Their high energy and strong hunting instincts make them enthusiastic and persistent hunters. Therefore, it is important to provide them with a safe and enclosed environment to play and explore. Lakeland Terriers are also very alert and will quickly become aware of any suspicious noises or movements. They tend to bark a lot, especially when they are bored or calm. Although they can learn to stay alone, it is better not to leave them unattended for long periods of time as they can be prone to destructive behavior when bored or anxious. The Lakeland Terrier's social nature tends to make them good companions for other dogs, although they should exercise caution around smaller pets, such as cats or rodents, due to their prey drive. Early socialization and training are crucial to ensure they get along well with other dogs and people. They tend to get along well with children, especially when growing up with them, but due to their energy and roughness they should always be supervised. Overall, the Lakeland Terrier is a fun and charming companion that is perfect for active families willing to meet his needs for exercise and mental stimulation. Her intelligence, wit, and stamina make her a unique and rewarding companion for those willing to embrace her quirks and meet her needs.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the Lakeland Terrier was originally bred to repel foxes and other pests from the rocks and caves of the Lake District in England? This explains their ability to crawl through narrow spaces and their fearlessness against larger animals!
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The Lakeland Terrier comes from Cumberland, the most northwestern, high-altitude, bare, lake-rich county in England. The Lakeland hunting grounds were located in the rugged highlands of Cumberland and neighboring counties. Bred from the "Old English Black and Tan Terrier", the Bedlington was crossed to improve its temperament and the Border because of its wiry, water-repellent hair. The Lakeland is endowed with a lot of self-confidence and has an uncomplicated, happy nature that makes him a very good family dog. Enterprising and persistent, fearless in his demeanor, he is very suitable as an attentive guard. Difficulties can arise when meeting other dogs. However, if trained consistently, the Lakeland is an active, spirited companion who is ideal as a playmate for children.
Housing & Care
Despite their high energy and hunting instincts, Lakeland Terriers can be kept as city dogs as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They generally get along well with children but should always be supervised to avoid excessive play or rough behavior. With early and proper socialization, they can also get along well with other pets, including cats.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Lakeland Terriers are intelligent and eager to learn, making them good candidates for training and education. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can learn a variety of commands and tricks. However, they can also be stubborn, so training requires patience and consistency. Because of their hunting instincts, it is important to begin leash and recall training early. They also enjoy various dog sports such as agility and flyball, which can help channel their energy and keep them mentally stimulated. However, it is important to be careful not to over-busy or over-stimulate them, as this can lead to stress and anxiety. Lakeland Terriers tend to develop a strong bond with their owners, and they can exhibit frustration and separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. Therefore, it is important to teach them to stay alone and train their impulse control.
Nutrition & Care
The Lakeland Terrier's diet should be balanced and nutritious to support its high energy and health. High-quality dog food that contains meat as the main ingredient is always a good choice. Make sure you control portion sizes to avoid becoming overweight, as they can be prone to weight gain if overfed. Grooming the Lakeland Terrier is relatively straightforward, thanks to its hard and dense coat that doesn't shed much. They have an undercoat that protects them from extreme weather conditions. Their coat should be brushed regularly to keep it clean and tangle-free. They get along well with the climate in Germany.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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