Lakeland Terrier: Your Complete Guide

Few things can melt a person quicker than the soft-eyed stare of a Lakeland terrier. Hailing from England, the floppy-eared furball is a quirky, charismatic companion who can easily win over the most skeptical people. They are handy dogs that can be far more than a roommate; the breed is hypoallergenic and capable of several small-sized jobs.

They can also be profoundly stubborn and self-sufficient and have a passion for barking at the foot traffic outside their window. They can suit most people and even novice pet parents, but they don’t mind regularly testing their boundaries.

For people who have found themselves batting around the idea of adopting a Lakeland terrier, this guide will give you all the fundamentals and much, much more.

Quick Look at the Lakeland Terrier

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Lakeland Terriers?

The Lakeland terrier is widely believed to be one of the earliest examples of a terrier that humans adopted. Like most terriers, folks found a cozy coworker in the breed who could sniff through various hiding spots and root out any unwanted pests. They were able to take out rodents and proved adept at hunting down foxes who threatened livestock.

They held several advantages over other terriers of similar skill sets, particularly in their stamina. The breed came from the mountainous northwest region of England that proved difficult for horses to tread through. Because of this, hunters needed a companion to keep up through the rugged terrain.

The Lakeland terrier was fantastic and finding footholds throughout the region, and could also keep up with larger hunting dogs on foot. This made it unique, as other terriers would need to be carried until they got close to the hunter’s mark.

There is some debate over when the terrier was officially recognized, though it was either in 1921 or 1928. Across the Atlantic, the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1932.

Unfortunately, due to their limited population, they have become a vulnerable dog breed and are one of the less common breeds found today.

What Do Lakeland Terriers Look Like?

The small terrier comes in various colors, with the black, blue, red, cream, and fawn all appearing in the breed. They are small, floppy-eared, and have a wiry, short double-coat that can be uniform or multicolored.

Fur will usually grow bushy with a thick perimeter surrounding the dog’s nose. The hair will stay close to the body before growing slightly longer around the legs of the breed.

What Size Is a Lakeland Terrier?

The terrier is a small dog that will typically stay between thirteen to fifteen inches, with females sitting a bit below their male siblings. The dog’s weight is specific, with a healthy Lakeland revolving between fifteen to seventeen pounds. While they aren’t as big as other terriers, their diminutive size gives them an advantage in sneaking through tight spaces.

What Is a Lakeland Terrier’s Coat Type and Length?

They have a deceptively dense mane that won’t get very long but will always be relatively thick. Their coat is wiry and mildly coarse on the outer layer, with a cushy and comfortable undercoat. It will grow heavier around the upper eyebrow of the dog and fluffy outward around the bridge of the nose.

What Is a Lakeland Terrier’s Temperament?

The Lakeland terrier is a suave, shaggy guy with a great personality, far larger than the pooch itself. They are very pleasant and will get along with everyone they meet for more than fifteen minutes. The terrier is cuddly and playful and will keep people entertained for hours with no sign of slowing down.

They may be wary of strangers at times, leading to a more vocal pet than some people can deal with. This is made worse by their staunch stubbornness, which can make it hard for people to train and get the dog to listen.

Are Lakeland Terriers Good With Kids?

They have a very excitable nature that should be monitored around very small kids to avoid either one getting hurt, though they tend to get on famously with children. The two should be introduced with adult supervision, and the child should have clear instructions on how to handle the pet.

They are very social and rarely shy, which helps break the ice when the two first meet. Past that, keep an eye that the dog doesn’t get too spunky as it can struggle to calm itself once it gets going. However, they are good breeds for full families and will make adults and adolescents alike very happy.

Are Lakeland Terriers Good With Other Animals?

The terrier is not always cordial with other animals, though they aren’t irredeemable for a house with other pets. Other dogs can get along with the terrier if they are raised together or are used to socializing with other canines. The Lakeland is a brave and stubborn dog, however, which can be an issue if other dogs are pushy or aggressive.

For cats and critters, things can be a bit more tricky as the animal has a built-in chase trigger that will cause them to bolt at the sight of a fleeing animal. Cats can be raised with the breed and may even get along quite well, though gerbils and birds may need to be supervised around a terrier.

Are Lakeland Terriers Aggressive?

While they can struggle to turn off their hunting instinct in the presence of certain pets, they are not an aggressive breed. Typically, the Lakeland terrier will only show aggression if they feel that they or their family are being threatened.

They are pretty friendly to most humans and will rarely do more than bark when visitors come over. Those planning to adopt should still pay attention to the attitude of puppies in a litter to get an idea of a dog’s personality.

Do Lakeland Terriers Bark?

They have a higher-pitched yap that can get under the skin of apartment neighbors and annoyed owners, and it will take work to quiet them down. Obedience training and getting the dog used to its home and surroundings will be essential to lessen the likelihood of a mouthy Lakeland.

The breed will not be great for people who need a quiet home, and their stubborn streak can make quieting them down difficult. While they aren’t destined to wake up your house on a daily basis, they can become a headache if not properly trained.

Are Lakeland Terriers Affectionate?

The terrier is unbelievably sweet and quite cuddly to its family, whom it will usually take exceptional preference for. For kids that want a cozy couch companion, the breed grows attached to the younger people in a house that can match their playful energy. People concerned about a cold, uncaring dog can set their minds to rest with the Lakeland terrier.

Are Lakeland Terriers Intelligent?

Lakelands are bright little dogs that are naturally curious and prone to long stretches of attentive sniffing. They have a background in hunting, which has helped develop their senses, and they have the aptitude to catch on quickly, though they may not have the desire. The breed is quite capable and can shock folks with its awareness, intelligence, and natural aptitude.

Are Lakeland Terriers Energetic?

The dogs have an origin that saw them walking miles through uphill terrain next to much larger dogs. Because of this, they have developed the lung capacity of miniature marathoners and will need regular playtime and an area to allow them to zoom around for a while. Typically speaking, they will need about one to two hours of active time daily.

Because of this, they are not suitable for people who don’t have a bit of time during the day to let them run themselves loose. If folks can spare the hours, the dog can be amusing to let loose and watch, and playtime can prove invaluable for bonding.

Are Lakeland Terriers Easy to Train?

No one will ever accuse the Lakeland terrier of being a stupid dog, though many will speak to its self-assurance and willful attitude. The dogs tend to let commands fall on floppy, deaf ears, particularly if they are peppy or otherwise occupied. Because of this, it can be challenging to get a new terrier to calm itself and pay attention to commands.

Once they do get a taste for the art of learning tricks, they will catch on quickly. Because of their natural athleticism, they can become excellent agility runners. The biggest hurdle owners will come across is a dog that may want to do its own thing. Patience and positive encouragement will bring them around soon enough, however.

Are Lakeland Terriers Good Watchdogs?

The breed has very good senses and can detect noises and smells well. They are protective by nature, though they may not always be focused on what’s going on around the house. They have a loud bark that can quickly wake up homeowners to a potential intruder.

The breed is so brave they seem entirely unaware that they rarely get above twenty pounds and can make solid choices for watchdogs. If folks are looking for a dog that is ideal for the role, however, similar-sized breeds may be able to fit the position more competently.

Are Lakeland Terriers Good Service Dogs?

The breed may be suited for certain service positions if the individual dog has a suitable personality. They have excellent ears and can give people with hearing disabilities the extra help they need, and can even work in smaller-sized mobility positions. While they won’t be able to help someone up, they can fetch medicine bottles and other smaller items.

As emotional support dogs, they can be hugely beneficial. Lakeland terriers have big hearts and friendly personalities that can help ease the suffering of people with emotional or mental afflictions.

While they have limitations due to their size, they are a good choice for specific service and support roles.

How to Care for a Lakeland Terrier?

The breed is going to require weekly attention, both physical and emotional, from their families. Exercise will require an hour or more each day, and they may grow difficult if left alone for too long. Their grooming habits are not extensive but must be looked after to keep the dog healthy and handsome.

Do You Need to Groom a Lakeland Terrier?

The terrier very rarely sheds and can be managed with a thorough brushing once a week. By stripping the coat or removing dead hair by hand, you can minimize shedding to be nearly nonexistent compared to other breeds. When the terrier is groomed, try to run your hands through to see if there are any bumps or dry skin along the coat.

Outside of its fluffy mane, keep the nails close to the paw by cutting them down once a month or more. Similar to all dogs, they will need to have their teeth looked after a few times a week, and their ears should be checked daily to ensure no dirt has compacted inside.

Do Lakeland Terriers Shed?

The Lakeland terrier is a good choice for people suffering from allergies as they are hypoallergenic. They will shed, albeit rarely, and stripping and brushing can minimize any excess hair they have. As a disclaimer, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, and people with severe canine allergies should be cautious before leaping into an adoption.

What Health Problems Do Lakeland Terriers Have?

The spunky sprinters are enduring dogs on average and usually live long, healthy lives. They can get some health issues, however, which are worth noting.

The most common health issues a Lakeland terrier may encounter are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Patellar luxation
• Hip necrosis
• Progressive retinal atrophy

Regular checkups with a local veterinarian can limit the likelihood of any afflictions arising or worsening. Several breeders and adoption centers also have detailed information about a dog’s medical background, which is essential to know before getting a dog.

How Long Do Lakeland Terriers Live?

Owners of the Lakeland terrier can expect a dozen or more years of incredible companionship. On average, the breed will live between twelve and fifteen years, with some exceptions.

What Should a Lakeland Terrier Eat?

Their diet should be able to accommodate small dogs with an active lifestyle, preferably a food that is high in protein and vitamins to keep the dog in top shape. As puppies, their diet can stay consistent with what they were given before you took them home unless signs point to the food not agreeing with them.

As they become full-grown, the terriers can adjust to two half cups that should be distributed for breakfast and dinner. Size, medical background, and the amount of exercise the dog receives will determine how much it needs to be fed or if their food needs to be switched.

Is a Lakeland Terrier the Right Dog for Me?

Lakelands are wonderful companions with a sunny disposition and incredibly fun, entertaining personalities. They do take work, however, and will be tricky for timid first-time owners or people who can’t spare the time to give them the exercise and attention they deserve.

They may also be incompatible with cat homes or houses with several small critters running around.

They work well with those suffering from canine allergies and houses with kids, who they will adore and dote on. Similarly, Lakelands are exceptional for people interested in spending more time outside with a four-legged friend to frolic around with.