Lakeland Terrier

Other names: Lakeland

Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is very lively, courageous, fiery, and loyal to his owner (although independent). But he can be rather hostile towards strangers and other dogs. The Lakeland Terrier is perfect for the work he was bred for: he is very agile and determined, he is able to jump from rock to rock even without momentum, he can confront and kill prey that’s bigger and stronger than him. However, his  fiery temperament results in occasional fights with his peers.

Key facts about the Lakeland Terrier

Life expectancy :

8

20

13

15

Temperament :

Playful Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

This breed owes its name to the strait formed by the Lakes of the north-western English coast. In this region, the breed developed mainly out of necessity and not for sporting reasons as was the case with most Terriers. In fact, the Lakes region was populated by foxes with a higher-than-average size, who devoured chickens, rabbits, and deer. Fox-hunting was impossible in these inaccessible lands and it was therefore necessary to breed dogs for the hunt: these were the Lakeland Terrier’s ancestors. Several Terriers have participated in the creation of the breed we know today: The Bedlington Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Border Terrier, the Fox Terrier and the Airedale Terrier.  The first standard of the Lakeland was written in 1912 and the English Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1921. It was only in 1954 that the CFI officially recognised the breed.

Physical characteristics of the Lakeland Terrier

Adult size

Female : Between 13 and 15 in

Male : Between 14 and 15 in

Weight

Female : Between 13 and 18 lb

Male : Between 15 and 20 lb

Coat colour

Black
Brown
Red
Blue

Type of coat

Short

Eye colour

Brown

Description

The Lakeland Terrier is a bright, work-fit, balanced and compact dog. The head has a flat, refined skull, powerful jaws and a wide snout. The eyes are dark or hazel. The ears are small and "V" shaped; these are always twitching with cheerfulness. The neck has a good length, and is slightly arched. The body is slightly narrow, the back is short and elevated. The limbs are muscular and perfectly level. The tail moves joyfully, and never curls or moves over the back.

Good to know

In the 19th century, dogs that had the same origin as the Lakeland (lake area) came in different types and had various names such as Patterdale Terrier, Fell Terrier or even Working Terrier. All of these dogs were unified under the name Lakeland Terrier in 1912, to standardize the breed we know today.

Temperament

  • 66%

    Affectionate

    The Lakeland Terrier is described as a small dog that is sure of himself but remains, all the same, attached to his social group, with whom he is friendly and cheerful.

  • 100%

    Playful

    He generally gets along well with children because he enjoys playing with them. However, attention must be paid to chasing games, which may awaken this hound’s hunting instinct.

  • 33%

    Calm

    As with most Terriers, the Lakeland is fearless, fiery and full of energy, especially as a puppy.

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    He is very aware of his surroundings, and so he is very bright, which makes him a very clever dog with whom it is pleasant to interact.

  • 100%

    Hunter

    The Lakeland Terrier is a versatile hunter, who is as comfortable in water while hunting otter as on land when hunting a fox. He is a stubborn, determined and courageous hunter.

  • 100%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    He is loyal to and protective of his social group, and so is naturally suspicious of strangers. He doesn't easily trust people he doesn’t know and keeps his distance until introductions are made.

  • 100%

    Independent

    The Lakeland is a rather solitary and independent dog. Although he is attached to his social group, he can flourish without them.

    Behaviour of the Lakeland Terrier

    • 66%

      Tolerates solitude

      This very active dog will only be able to withstand the absence of his masters if his exercise needs are met. This terrier will not necessarily suffer from separation anxiety, but rather boredom or frustration.

      Otherwise, if his needs are met before and after each period of absence (which should not be too long), he can cope with loneliness without problem. Having an activity to keep him busy can be helpful.

    • 66%

      Easy to train / obedience

      Obstinate in nature, it is sometimes difficult to make the Lakeland Terrier cooperate because he is far from docile or submissive.

      Thus, a firm, coherent, early and attentive education is necessary to achieve a satisfactory relationship with this dog.

      Although he likes to delight his master, his strong temperament and his cunning instincts sometimes make him forget what the rules are. It is therefore necessary to never surrender anything to him and to offer regular treats when training.

    • 100%

      Barking

      This dog can be very noisy, especially if he is working, if an intruder is approaching, or if he is bored.

    • 100%

      Tendency to run away

      His hunting instinct is strong. If he lives in the countryside, it is important to secure his outdoor environment with a good fence to prevent him from running away.

    • 66%