Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is a hardy and courageous earthdog that originated in the rugged, mountainous Lake District of northern England, one of the oldest working terrier breeds. For centuries, farmers in this region relied on these tenacious terriers to protect their sheep flocks by hunting and dispatching the hill foxes that preyed upon lambs. Lakelands were also used to hunt other vermin, such as badgers and otters, often working in challenging rocky dens and harsh weather conditions. Their job was to “go to ground” after their quarry.

Their ancestry likely includes various old English terrier types, possibly the Black and Tan Terrier (an ancestor of the Manchester Terrier), the Bedlington Terrier, and the Border Terrier. They were bred for their gameness, agility, stamina, and a weather-resistant wiry coat. For many years, different local strains of these working terriers existed, but by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, efforts were made to standardize the breed. The Lakeland Terrier Association was formed in 1921, and the breed was recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in the same year. The American Kennel Club recognized the Lakeland Terrier in 1934. While still possessing their working instincts, today they are also cherished as spirited and engaging companions.

The Lakeland Terrier is known for its confident, bold, and spirited temperament, embodying the classic terrier “zest for life.” They are intelligent, inquisitive, and always ready for an adventure or a bit of fun. Despite their small size, they possess a “big dog in a small package” attitude and are generally fearless and self-assured. With their families, Lakelands are typically very affectionate, loyal, and can be quite playful and even comical. They form strong bonds and enjoy being involved in household activities.

True to their terrier heritage, they can also be independent, strong-willed, and sometimes stubborn. They have a strong prey drive and an instinct to dig, chase, and bark. Lakelands are alert and make excellent watchdogs, quick to announce strangers or anything unusual. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-mannered, especially around other dogs, as terriers can sometimes be feisty or assertive if not properly introduced. They require an owner who appreciates their spirited nature and can provide confident, positive leadership.

The Lakeland Terrier has a distinctive double coat: a hard, wiry, and dense outer coat and a soft undercoat. This weather-resistant coat requires specific grooming to maintain its texture and characteristic appearance, which includes longer hair (furnishings) on the legs and muzzle (beard and mustache).

They are considered low-shedding dogs. Regular weekly brushing with a slicker brush or pin brush and a comb will help prevent tangles in the furnishings and remove loose dead hair. To maintain the correct harsh, wiry texture of the outer coat, especially for show dogs, hand-stripping (a process of plucking the dead outer hairs) is typically done two to three times a year. This encourages new, hard coat growth. Many pet Lakeland owners opt for professional clipping every 6-8 weeks for easier maintenance, though clipping will soften the coat’s texture over time. Their beard and leg furnishings should be kept clean and free of debris. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also essential grooming tasks.

Lakeland Terriers are active and energetic little dogs that require moderate to high levels of daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. They were bred for stamina and enjoy having opportunities to explore and use their keen senses. A short, slow walk around the block will not be sufficient for this busy and intelligent breed.

Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of activity per day, which should include more than just leash walking. Good exercise options include:

• Brisk daily walks, with opportunities to sniff and investigate.
• Playtime in a very securely fenced yard. Lakelands have a strong prey drive and an instinct to dig and chase, so the yard must be escape-proof.
• Interactive games like fetch with a sturdy toy, tug-of-war, or puzzle toys to engage their clever minds.
• Canine sports such as Earthdog trials (which cater to their natural instincts), agility, barn hunt, or even obedience if training is kept fun and positive.

Without a proper outlet for their energy, Lakeland Terriers can become bored, which may lead to undesirable behaviors such as excessive digging, barking, or destructiveness. They thrive when they have activities that challenge both their bodies and their minds.

Lakeland Terriers are generally a hardy and healthy breed with a good lifespan, but like all purebred dogs, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A hip joint disorder affecting small breeds, leading to degeneration of the head of the femur bone.
• Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, common in small terrier breeds.
• Eye Conditions: Such as cataracts, lens luxation, and distichiasis (ingrown eyelashes). Eye certification is important for breeding stock.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD):** An inherited bleeding disorder, though less common.
• Primary Lens Luxation (PLL):** A painful eye condition that can lead to blindness. DNA testing is available.
• Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland.