Lakeland Terriers are small-sized dogs, standing at a height of 17 inches, with big personalities. The Lakeland Terrier has a squarely-built body covered with harsh double coats that come in several colors. They also feature folded V-shaped ears, a straight, rectangular head, and expressive eyes.
Lakelands are cheerful and energetic dogs, staying true to their terrier origin. They can be difficult to house train, so they need someone who can give him lots of attention. They may not be the best fit if you are not at home most of the time. They are also not low maintenance breeds, so you need to dedicate lots of your time.
Lakeland Terrier Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Terrier |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Height | 14-15 inches (male); slightly smaller (female) |
| Weight | 17 pounds (male); slightly smaller (female) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Lakeland Terrier Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Lakeland Terrier History
Lakeland Terriers originated from England, in Cumberland County, and are believed to be among the oldest of Britain’s Terriers. They were mainly developed in the Lake District, where they got their name.
The Lakeland District is known for its beautiful hills and mountains. Farmers in the area raise a sheep called Herdwicks, which are always hunted by foxes, especially during the lambing season. So, breeders bred the Lakelands for the very purpose of hunting these foxes.
Lakelands were the first to be classified as colored working terriers, to differentiate them from the white terrier breed. And by 1921, the Lakeland Terrier Association was formed. Soon, the dogs were introduced to England under the named Fell and Patterdale Terrier.
By the year 1934, the American Kennel Club registered their first Lakeland Terrier, and the breed was suddenly a hit. They were winning most of the major shows and awards around the world, from the Crufts dog show to the Westminster Club dogs shows.
The dogs currently rank 147th as the most popular dog in the US and are considered one of the rarest dog breeds. However, there’s no denying that these dogs excel in their unique kind of way, and their owners love them for that.
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
Lakeland Terriers are friendly, confident, and bold dogs. They are typical terriers, small dogs with big personalities. Most owners describe them as having an overly confident and domineering attitude, but they are never aggressive.
These dogs, like many terriers, are curious at almost everything. But unlike most terriers, they don’t argue much. Instead, they are very lively and love to entertain.
Lakelands have strong working instincts, and they need exercise, which is why they’ll do best with an active owner. They thrive for human companionship and attention, so be sure to include them in family activities.
Though typically reserved with strangers, Lakelands are loving and affectionate to their family, especially with the kids. They also get along well with dogs they grew up with compared to other terrier breeds. However, when challenged, especially by strange dogs, they won’t back down.
They are also alert and self-confident, which makes them excellent watchdogs. Just remember to socialize them at an early age, so they don’t become aggressive. This will also help them become more well-rounded.
Training might also be challenging, but it’s nothing that can be worked on with consistency. Just remember to be firm and don’t let him get what he wants all the time. These dogs can be independent and stubborn, so you must be confident, too.
Lakeland Terrier Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Lakeland Terriers don’t have any special dietary requirements. Just simply feeding them high-quality and well-balanced meals are enough to keep them healthy and happy. You need to pay strong attention to the number of calories you feed them in a day. Like any other small dog breeds, Lakeland Terriers are easy to overfeed, which may cause them to get overweight. So, it’s best if you ask your vet for a guide regarding the right feeding measurements. If you’re preparing home-cooked meals, make sure that you only buy high-quality ingredients. Even dog food and dog treats should be of premium quality to ensure that you’re only providing the best. You should also know if your dog is allergic to any ingredients and make sure to stay away from those.
- Grooming: Lakeland Terriers have harsh, double coats that shed infrequently. However, this coat requires weekly brushing to help prevent mats and tangles from forming. Maintaining the coat should be done by hand plucking. And since this is not an easy job, it’s best to take your dog to a professional groomer. Clipping should also suffice, but the results are not as great if the coats are hand plucked. Baths can be given occasionally, too, depends on if your dog needs it already. However, ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infection. Nails should be trimmed regularly also, as long nails can cause pain and discomfort for your dog.
- Exercise: Lakeland Terriers are not very active breeds, but they need to get a low-impact and regular exercise daily. This can be in the form of long walks, brisk jog, or running in a securely fenced yard. All these are very important, so your dog grows up fit, healthy, and happy. Their minds should be stimulated, too, so create play sessions that you can do together.
- Health: The Lakeland Terrier is probably one of the few dog breeds with known hereditary health conditions. They are hardy dogs and don’t have any significant health conditions that affect them. However, some minor diseases you should watch out for are lens luxation and distichiasis. A thorough eye exam is recommended for your dog to take. You should also continuously monitor your dog’s behavior, and upon noticing some changes, take them immediately to your vet.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Lakeland Terriers is 12-15 years.
Famous Lakeland Terriers
- Stingray of Derrybah: The first dog to win Best in Show at Westminster and Crufts dog show in 1967
- Revelry’s Awesome Blossom: Jean Health’s and Bill Cosby’s top-winning Lakeland Terrier
- Kevin: Lakeland Terrier owned by Neil Tennant
- Waffle: A Lakeland Terrier in New York with a collection of 1000 balls
- Zelda Van Gutters: The Lakeland Terrier mascot of Nickelodeon magazine
- Eaton: The first registered Lakeland Terrier by the AKC
Fun Facts About Lakeland Terriers
- Lakeland Terriers originated from England in the 1700s.
- They were developed in a district named Lakeland, where they got their name.
- They were also called by other names: Fell, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Patterdale Terrier.
- This breed was originally developed to hunt foxes.
- They have won several championships and awards in prestigious dog shows.
- They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934.
Check Out Other Terrier Dog Breeds:
Airedale Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Border Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Cesky Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terriers, Skye Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier