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A smart, workmanlike dog, the Lakeland Terrier is a compact dog with a thick, harsh coat.
Like many small breeds, they can suffer from:
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Microphthalmia¹ which is a birth defect where one or both of the eyes are smaller then normal.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
¹R. D. Clark, 'Medical, Genetic and Behavioral Risk Factors of Purebred Dogs: Volume 3', 2019
Because of their working roots, the Lakeland Terrier is fearless and fast when they need to be – but in the home, as a pet, they are friendly, loving and affectionate dogs, who are fun and mischievous and love being involved with everything and everyone. Some Lakeland Terriers can be feisty with other dogs and so early and ongoing socialisation is essential.
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 2/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Like other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 2/5 |
As the name suggests, this terrier breed comes from the Lake District, where they were bred by farmers to work with hounds and go to ground after foxes to protect their lambs.
Various breeds have contributed to their make-up, including the old Black and Tan Terrier, the Bedlington Terrier, the Welsh Terrier and the Border Terrier - the idea being to breed a long-legged terrier that could keep up with hounds but still be small and agile enough to be able to crawl into holes and rocky crevices.
The Lakeland’s ideal person is experienced with terriers, active and capable of long walks and lots of training. They’ll be child free or have children old enough to follow instructions and give a dog space and respect. A secure garden is vital, access to a haybarn or muckheap for ratting practice is optional, but the Lakeland will fare best with a job to do or at least games that simulate hunting, chasing and catching/killing!
The Lakeland Terrier needs about an hour's daily exercise, but will happily accept much longer walks if you can offer them. In addition, they will enjoy games and playing in the garden, but with their history of being bred to squeeze down small holes and through tiny gaps, it goes without saying that garden boundaries should be fully escape-proof.
The Lakeland Terrier is equally happy as a town or country dog - although as they alert their owners to any intruders (real or imagined), they might be better without close neighbours! They aren’t good for the garden-proud though as many enjoy digging.
Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.
The coat consists of a thick undercoat and a dense, harsh topcoat that is designed to protect against the bitter conditions of the Lake District and also to protect the dog from earthwork. The Lakeland Terrier's coat, which does not shed, needs combing through a couple of times a week. In addition, show dogs are trimmed, but pet dogs are usually clipped a couple of times a year.
The Lakeland Terrier is smart and clever - although surprisingly sensitive - and will enjoy reward-based training and can do surprisingly well. They should be taught a reliable recall and also to walk on a harness and lead.
The Lakeland is one of the terriers that has more patience with children than many and is affectionate with their families.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
