Description

The Lakeland Terrier is a solid, squarely proportioned dog similar to the Welsh Terrier, but a bit smaller. It is an elegant dog with a beautiful, elongated head and straight, strongly boned legs. The long head has bushy hair on the foreface. The teeth are either overshot or undershot. The hard outer coat with its undercoat liner protects the dog from brambles, and bad weather. It has powerful jaws and dark or hazel eyes. Puppies are often born dark. The thick, hard, adult coat is resistant to bad weather and comes in many combinations of black, black & tan, reddish, red grizzle, wheat, liver & blue, grizzle, and grizzle & tan. The dog may or may not have a saddle. The tan color is like straw, not rich and dark. The v-shaped ears fold over. The nose is dark. The docked tail is set and carried high. The dog looks as if he is standing on his toes.

Origin

The Lakeland Terrier was originally called the Patterdale Terrier. It was developed from crossings between the Bedlington and the Old English Wirehaired Terrier in England's Lake District. It was used to hunt den animals such as badger and fox, and also otter. This dog hunted in water and uneven terrain and was expected to chase and kill the quarry. This beautiful, spunky Terrier has since become a popular companion and a successful show dog. The Lakeland Terrier was recognized in 1921 and accepted into the AKC in 1934. Some of the Lakeland Terriers talents include: hunting, tracking and watchdogging.

Temperament

The Lakeland Terrier is a peppy, cheerful, loving and affectionate dog. It is similar to the Welsh Terrier in many ways, but is a bit feistier, willful and more determined. Alert and confident. Courageous. This breed loves children. The Lakeland Terrier needs firm training. They like to dig and may be a barker. This breed tends to guard their toys and food. The Lakeland Terriers may be difficult to housebreak, but tend 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, which is unusual for Terriers. They can be unsure around strangers, but this does not usually become extreme. Socialize them when they are still young with cats and other animals so they do not chase them when they are older.

Height

Height: Not above 14½ inches (36.8 cm.)

Weight

Weight: Dogs 17 pounds (7.7 kg.) Bitches 15 pounds (6.8 kg.)

Known Health Problems

This is a very hardy breed. They are subject to no serious hereditary diseases.

Conditions for Living

The Lakeland Terrier is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do all right without a yard.

Exercise Requirments

alongside you when you bicycle. In addition, they will enjoy running and playing off the leash at regular intervals in a safe area. They are certainly suitable for sports activities such as catch and agility skills.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years. Some as much as 16 years.

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.

Group

Terrier, AKC Terrier