Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Lakeland Terrier
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | Males: 17 lbs. (7.7 kg) Females: 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Not above 14½ in. (36.8 cm) |
| Coat | The outer coat of the Lakeland Terrier is wiry and rough and provides weatherproofing for the dog's body as well a protection for going through dense foliage and bushes. The softer inner coat is relatively fine and provides warmth and another layer of protection for the skin. The hair on the body is usually wavy but not very tightly curled and is consistent in length over the body. The hair on the face and muzzle is shorter but still curly. |
| Colour | Coat colours come in solid blue, black, liver, red and wheaten. It also comes with saddle markings, where a second colour covers the back of the neck, back, sides and up the tail. Saddle colors may be blue, black, liver or varying shades of grizzle. Puppies are often born black and change colouring as they grow. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 5 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 – 15 years. Although many have been known to live much longer . |
| Origin & History | The UK Kennel Club claims to have recognised Lakeland Terriers in 1921, whereas the Lakeland Terrier Club suggests this was closer to 1928. The Lakeland Terrier Association (now defunct) was founded in 1921. In 1925 the breed attained homogeneity following a cross-breeding with the Fox Terrier and the Airedale Terrier. The Lakeland Terrier Club was founded in 1932 and promoted the breed nationally through Kennel-Club sanctioned shows. In the Lake District of the UK, the mountainous, rocky terrain is unsuitable for hunting fox on horseback and foxes were hunted on foot. It has been suggested that the Lakeland Terrier's great stamina derives from running all day with the hounds, unlike his close cousin, the fox terrier, who would have been carried in a saddle bag to be released only when the fox had gone to earth. As one of the earliest Terriers (Latin derivation of earth), dating from the 1700s, this "earth" dog is a descendant of the old English Black and Tan and Fell Terriers. The Lakeland's original service was "going to ground" on the farm in hunt for vermin. Its size and energy make it popular as a hunter in hard to reach places; the breed is among those eligible for competition in sanctioned Earthdog trials. The working dog version of the Lakeland is often known as the Fell Terrier or Patterdale Terrier. Whereas most terrier breeds have only to bolt their quarry, or to mark it by baying, the Lakeland must be able to kill the foxes in their lair. |
| Personality | The Lakeland Terrier is an alert, lively, cheerful, loving and affectionate dog. This breed loves children. Confident and brave, it needs unyielding training along with a firm, consistent, confident pack leader. The Lakeland Terrier likes to dig and may be a barker, and needs to be told to hush if it becomes obsessive. This breed may be difficult to housebreak, but tends to learn quite easily otherwise. Make sure that the training is full of variety and offers the dog a challenge. You will find the dog quickly learns what you want from him. The Lakeland Terrier gets along well with other dogs. Socialize your dog when it is still young with cats and other animals so it does not chase them when it is older. Dogs that are allowed to take over the home will become feisty, willful, determined, and will tend to guard their toys and food. They may become unsure around strangers. They may also become dog aggressive and bark obsessively, as they try and rule those around them. These are NOT Lakeland Terrier traits, but rather human induced traits, brought on by the lack of leadership from the people around them. Dogs that do develop Small Dog Syndrome, will change for the better as soon as the dog starts getting firm, consistent rules to follow, limits as to what it is and is not allowed to do, along with a daily pack walk. In other words, do not be a meek owner, be a real pack leader. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Lakeland Terrier is one of the many terrier breeds that is free from any of the serious hereditary conditions found in other breeds breeds. Occasionally Lakeland Terriers will have lens luxation, a condition of the eye, and they may also have a bleeding disorder known as von Willebrands Disease. A simple blood test administered by a veterinarian can check for this condition which is not life threatening and can be easily managed. Puppies may also be born with Legg-Perthe's disease that is a degenerative condition of the hip joint, although this is typically very rare. Checking the lineage of the parents will ensure that this is not a concern in a Lakeland Terrier puppy. Always check both Health records and temperaments of the parents if possible to ensure you get a healthy puppy that has a friendly and even temperament. |
| Grooming | The Lakeland Terrier should have its coat plucked two or three times each year by pulling the old hair out by hand. Remove loose hair also from the ear passages and trim excess hair between the pads of the feet. The coat of show dogs will require more intensive grooming. This breed sheds little to no hair. |
| Exercise | This dog needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. In addition, it will enjoy running and playing off the leash at regular intervals in a safe area. The Lakeland Terrier is certainly suitable for sports activities such as catch and agility skills. |
| Other Considerations | The Lakeland Terrier is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do alright without a yard. Famous Lakelands; Stingray of Derryabah - the first dog to win Best in Show/Supreme Champion at both the top US and UK shows Westminster and Crufts (1967) Zelda Van Gutters - Nickelodeon Magazine's Roving Reporter/Mascot Champion Revelry's Awesome Blossom - Top winning Lakeland Terrier owned by Jean L. Heath and Bill Cosby Kevin, owned by Neil Tennant (Singer of the Pet Shop Boys) |
