Lakeland Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is a small, rectangular, narrow-chested terrier standing about 14 inches tall. It has a rectangular head with a short, strong muzzle, V-shaped ears that fold forward, and a harsh, wiry coat in a range of colors. The tail is carried high, and the whole dog has a perky, upright look.

It was developed in the Lake District of northwestern England to protect lambs from foxes. The terriers had to follow foxes into narrow rock crevices, so the chest is slim, the legs are long enough for rough terrain, and the courage is undiluted. Today the breed is a lively companion with the stamina for a full day outdoors.

Temperament and family life

Lakeland Terriers are cheerful, confident, and affectionate with their families, with a clownish streak. They usually do well with children who are respectful, though the breed is energetic and tends to bounce and bark. They can become demanding if they get no attention.

Visitors are greeted with enthusiasm after the alert barking subsides. Most Lakelands enjoy other dogs, but they can be pushy, and the terrier prey drive makes small pets unsafe. The dog digs, climbs, and squeezes through gaps, so fences need attention. It does best in a home where someone is around for much of the day.

Exercise and training

A Lakeland needs a good daily walk and time to run. It enjoys hiking, agility, and earthdog events, and it can keep going far longer than its size suggests. A tired Lakeland is a calmer one, and a bored one is a nuisance.

The breed is bright and pleased by praise, but it can be stubborn and distractible. Short, upbeat lessons with food rewards work best. Reliable recall is difficult because scent and motion trigger a chase. Early socialization to dogs, people, and noises supports a steady adult.

Grooming and shedding

The wiry coat sheds little but requires upkeep. It should be brushed a couple of times a week and hand-stripped about twice a year to keep the harsh texture. Clipped coats become softer and often lose color depth. Show-style grooming includes shaping the furnishings on the legs and face.

Check the beard after meals, clean the ears, trim the nails, and brush the teeth. Professional grooming helps those who do not want to learn stripping.

Health

The Lakeland is a generally robust breed. Primary lens luxation, which affects the position of the eye lens, is a recognized concern and a DNA test exists. Hypothyroidism, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease of the hip, von Willebrand disease, and skin allergies have been reported. Breeders may check eyes and thyroid function, test for available genetic conditions, and screen hips.

What is written here is general, so questions about an individual Lakeland Terrier belong with a veterinarian.

History

The Lakeland Terrier is generally traced to the Lake District of England, where farmers kept packs of terriers to deal with foxes that preyed on their sheep. The dogs were bred for working ability rather than looks. A breed association formed in 1921, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1934. A Lakeland took Best in Show at Westminster in 1968, which raised the breed's profile in America.

Is the Lakeland Terrier right for you?

A Lakeland suits active owners who like a lively, confident small dog and are willing to groom or pay for grooming. It is a poor match for people who want a quiet, easily managed dog, who have small pets, or who cannot secure a yard.

The Welsh Terrier is a close cousin with a more laid-back nature, and the Border Terrier is a more affable choice. The Wire Fox Terrier offers a similar energy level in a different package.