Lakeland Terrier

Temperament:

Faithful, Alive, Learned, Courageous
Size: Small
Height: 33-38 cm
Weight: 7 kg
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Coat: Medium Hair
Colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Beige, Red
FCI Group: Terriers

Lakeland Terrier is one of the most popular British dog breeds. It is recognized by the FCI and is assigned to Group 3, high gaited terriers. The Lakeland Terrier is a great companion and family dog. Its countless positive character traits make this breed extremely interesting and desirable. They also get along wonderfully with children. They are loyal, lively, docile and courageous.

Lakeland Terrier
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Characteristics

The Lakeland Terrier is one of the small dog breeds. On average, the pretty four-legged friends reach a height of about 33 to 38 cm. It is similar with the weight of the terrier. This lies with a full-grown animal with approximately 7 kg. Males are usually somewhat larger and correspondingly heavier than females.

The overall appearance of the terriers is compact and coherent. Despite their body size, the dogs have a very bold and brash appearance. They have relatively long limbs. Therefore, they are also called "high-legged terriers". In addition, the dogs have a long tail, which they always carry upright. This shows self-confidence and courage. The head of the Lakeland Terrier is long and ends in a long beard on the muzzle. This beard is probably the most distinctive feature of the breed. The ears of the dogs are erect and folded forward. The expressive eyes complete the overall picture.

Lakeland Terriers have a very special coat. This is dense, rough, wiry and weatherproof. In addition, it is equipped with a thick undercoat. This protects the four-legged friends from temperature fluctuations. In winter it warms the dogs and in summer it protects them from excessive heat. In terms of coat color, different variations are possible. From black, blue, brown, beige and red to black and tan or blue and tan, everything is possible. Some animals also have small white markings. These are usually found in the chest area or on the paws of the animals. Such markings are not desired by the breed standard, but are accepted.

The nature of Lakeland Terriers is friendly and lovable. The dogs are great, loyal companions. They build a close and intimate bond with their families. Basically, the little terriers are open-minded and trusting towards people. When dealing with other dogs, they are courageous and self-confident, sometimes even overbearing. The pronounced hunting instinct of the quadrupeds evokes vigilance in the animals. They always keep a close eye on their surroundings and are on guard. With other small animals in the house there could be therefore problems. If the dogs are introduced to other small animals when they are still puppies, they get along well with them.

Lakeland Terriers, like most terriers, have quite a temperament. They have their own head and will. The four-legged friends are very active and want to be constantly challenged. Daily physical activity is therefore an absolute must. Walking alone is not enough in this regard. Rather, the dogs should be given a task or challenge. This keeps the terriers busy and fills them up. Lakeland Terriers are considered to be extremely intelligent, agile and resilient. They are not too easily upset. Nevertheless, they do not shy away from danger or threats.

Lakeland Terriers are also great playmates for children. They are up for any fun and are extremely robust. They also have no aggressive traits and take good care of children. For this reason, they make excellent family dogs.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

The diet of Lakeland Terriers is simple and uncomplicated. The dogs are not prone to allergies or any food intolerances. A balanced, healthy diet ensures a good development of the animals. In addition, a suitable diet contributes greatly to the health of the dogs. Through varied food, the well-being of the animals increases enormously.

Basically, the Lakeland Terrier is considered a vital and robust dog breed. Any breed-typical diseases are not known. The dog breed is not considered overbred and therefore has no known gene effects. The dogs are also not particularly susceptible to infections or inflammations.

The life expectancy of Lakeland Terriers is on average 12 years. If the animals enjoy the best health, they can also become much older.

Health & Care

Lakelnd Terriers are considered to be extremely low-maintenance and sociable dogs. They do not require any special care. Only with regard to the coat care of the four-legged friend, a little attentiveness is required from the dog owner. The fur of the dogs must be trimmed regularly and professionally. Since the dead fur does not fall out by itself, it must be helped by hand.

This can be done, for example, at regular intervals in a dog salon. With the right tools and a little sensitivity, trimming can also be done at home. However, you should already have some experience with trimming.

The attitude of a Lakeland Terrier is also uncomplicated. The dogs are considered very intelligent and inquisitive. They can be trained well and accept guidance from a human with pleasure. The only point of conflict could be the temperament of the terrier. You should appreciate and like this and not try to stop it. With consistent action and a trusting relationship, dog training will be a breeze.

However, the terriers need to be exercised and should not be underchallenged. This can be very hard on the animals. You should therefore take enough time for your dog and give him a lot of attention. Extensive walks, bike rides, dog sports are great measures to sufficiently challenge the lively terriers.

When out in the wild, keep in mind that a keen hunting instinct is still present. The dogs tend to pick up the scents of other animals and chase them. Therefore, in the wild, you should not let your Lakeland Terrier out of your sight.

Suitable accessories

The animals do not make any demands on their habitat. Due to their size, terriers find their place everywhere. They can be kept both in a small apartment and in a large house. The dogs feel most comfortable in nature, but they also do well in the city. With good training, the animals know how to behave well even when traveling or in pubs.

In order not to bore the lively four-legged friends, you should get enough dog toys. Lakeland terriers love to play and romp around. They like to be on the move a lot. Therefore, it is a good idea to enroll a Lakeland Terrier in dog sports. There, the dogs can have a good workout and prove their skills. In addition, the sport creates a closer bond between dog and master.

The four-legged friends should have their own place to sleep in the house. This is important so that the dogs can rest and recover. The position of the sleeping place is also important and should be chosen carefully. The terriers want to be able to follow all the happenings in the house. Therefore, it is recommended to position the sleeping place accordingly.

Origin & History

Lakeland Terrier originates from the British region. The birthplace of this breed is the county of Cumberland. This has a large, impressive lake landscape. It was this landscape of lakes that was decisive for the naming of the dog breed. The Lakeland Terrier is closely related to the well-known Welsh Terrier and the Airdale Terrier. Laymen often do not succeed in distinguishing the different terrier breeds from each other. Real connoisseurs, however, can easily identify the Lakeland Terrier as such.

The Lakeland Terrier was used as a guardian and protector of livestock and farm. The courageous four-legged friends guarded the stables and kept vermin away. They also fearlessly took on mice and rats. At the same time, the dogs protected their farm from attacks by maggots or foxes. Today, the Lakeland Terrier still clearly belongs to the hunting dogs. He is constantly on the lookout for a task.

The history of terriers goes back a long way. Nevertheless, they were first shown and recognized as purebred dogs by the Kennel Club in 1928. In 1954 they were finally officially recognized by the FCI. With this event the first Lakeland Terriers also came to us in Germany. Until today, however, it has not been possible to establish the terriers in Germany. Nevertheless, some dog lovers have fallen in love with the bright Lakeland Terriers. They have always taken over their breeding and give birth to an average of 40 to 80 puppies a year. By the way, the breed is looked after by the Terrier Club.