Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland Terrier is a small breed known for its agility, energy, and independence. It is a playful and sturdy breed that is highly adaptable to a variety of lifestyles.


Lakeland Terrier Breed overview
Lakeland Terriers are high-maintenance but affectionate dogs that make loyal companions for their owners. They are highly alert and vocal, making them excellent watchdogs, but can be wary of strangers if not properly socialized. They are playful and energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. They have a strong hunting instinct and require ongoing training and socialization to perform well in working environments. With consistent training and plenty of attention, Lakeland Terriers can make wonderful pets for active and experienced dog owners.
Explore other breeds
What To Expect When Caring For a Lakeland Terrier
Training
Lakeland Terriers are a highly intelligent and trainable breed, but they can be stubborn and independent. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed, and they respond well to treats and praise.
They should be socialized from an early age to prevent them from becoming overly protective or aggressive. Training should start early to help prevent unwanted behaviors such as digging and excessive barking.
Health
Lakeland Terriers are a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
They are also at risk of developing allergies and skin issues due to their dense and wiry coat. Regular grooming and check-ups with a veterinarian can help prevent and treat these conditions.
Grooming
The Lakeland Terrier's coat is hand stripped two to four times a year to maintain its texture and functionality. This process involves removing the dead hair from the dog's coat by hand, rather than using clippers.
Lakeland Terriers also require regular brushing and trimming of the hair around their eyes and ears to prevent matting and tangling. They should be bathed as needed, but too much bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils.
Exercise
Lakeland Terriers are a highly energetic breed that requires daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as walking, running, and playing fetch.
They are also highly intelligent and enjoy training activities such as obedience and agility classes. Without proper exercise, the breed can become bored and destructive.
Nutrition
Lakeland Terriers should be fed a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level. It is important to avoid overfeeding this breed and to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet.
Owners should work with their veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount and type of food for their Lakeland Terrier. Treats should be given in moderation to prevent weight gain.
Open your heart and home to a furry friend eagerly waiting to become your loyal life companion. By choosing to adopt, you are giving a deserving dog a second chance at happiness and supporting the fight against pet overpopulation.
Lakeland Terrier Traits & Characteristics
The AKC breed standard for the Lakeland Terrier requires the breed to be between 13 and 15 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh between 15 and 17 pounds. The breed's coat should be hand stripped two to four times a year to maintain its texture and functionality, and it should be devoid of curls or waves.
Lakeland Terriers are an agile and friendly breed. They are known for their alert and curious nature, and they make excellent watchdogs. The breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Lakeland Terrier thrives when showered with love and attention from their family members, but can be aloof or reserved with strangers. They are known to be loyal and affectionate companions for their owners.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Lakeland Terriers generally get along well with children who treat them with respect and kindness. However, they can be prone to chasing and nipping at smaller children who run around or make sudden movements. Adult supervision is recommended when introducing them to kids.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Lakeland Terriers have a strong prey drive and may not get along well with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Early socialization and training can help them learn to play well with others, but owners should always keep an eye on them when around unfamiliar dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Lakeland Terriers can be wary of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. However, if not properly socialized, they can become aggressive towards people they don't know. It's important to introduce them to new faces on a regular basis to reduce the likelihood of this behavior.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Lakeland Terriers are playful and energetic dogs, but they can also be independent and stubborn. They love to play and need plenty of exercise to thrive, but they may choose their own playtime over training sessions.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Lakeland Terriers are highly alert and vigilant dogs, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They are always on the lookout for potential threats or intruders and will bark to alert their owners of any unusual activity.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Lakeland Terriers are adaptable dogs that can thrive in both urban and suburban environments. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Lakeland Terriers have a wiry, double-layered coat that requires regular brushing and stripping to keep it in good condition. They shed moderately throughout the year, which makes them unsuitable for allergy sufferers.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Lakeland Terriers are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming requirements. Their coat needs to be stripped every few months to remove dead hair and maintain its texture. Additionally, they need regular brushing and bathing to keep them looking their best.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Lakeland Terriers are not droolers.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Lakeland Terriers are a medium-sized breed that typically weigh between 15-18 pounds and stand 13-14 inches tall at the shoulder.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Lakeland Terriers are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise and play to stay healthy and happy. They love to run and play, and require consistent exercise to avoid destructive behavior.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Lakeland Terriers require daily exercise and opportunities to play to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are active dogs that love to run and play, and may develop destructive behaviors if not provided with enough physical activity.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Lakeland Terriers have a moderate suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and can excel at terrier trials, but require ongoing socialization and training to perform well in working environments.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Lakeland Terriers have a strong natural hunting ability and were originally bred to hunt small game such as foxes and badgers. Their tenacity and courage make them excellent hunting companions.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Lakeland Terriers have a high level of physical stamina and endurance, which makes them excellent working and hunting dogs. They require consistent exercise and opportunities to play to maintain their energy levels.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Lakeland Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health conditions such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and cataracts. Regular veterinary checkups can help prevent or treat these issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Lakeland Terriers have a tendency to gain weight and become overweight if not properly exercised and fed a balanced diet. Owners should monitor their calorie intake and provide plenty of opportunities for exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Lakeland Terriers have a moderate tolerance to cold weather, but they should still be protected from extreme temperatures. Their wiry coat provides some insulation, but they may require additional layers during the winter months.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Lakeland Terriers have a moderate tolerance to heat, but they should still be protected from extreme temperatures. Owners should provide shade and plenty of water when their pet is exposed to hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Lakeland Terriers can adapt to living in an apartment, but they require daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. They may also become vocal if left alone for long periods of time.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Lakeland Terriers can have a moderate to high wanderlust potential, so it's important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside. They may also require additional supervision when going on walks or playing in open spaces.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Lakeland Terriers can be sensitive dogs that require positive reinforcement and consistent training. Harsh or negative training methods can cause them to become anxious or fearful.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Lakeland Terriers can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They may benefit from crate training and gradual increases in alone time to reduce separation anxiety.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Lakeland Terriers are vocal dogs that love to alert their owners to any potential dangers. Owners need to be careful not to encourage excessive barking, as this can become a nuisance behavior.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Lakeland Terriers are highly intelligent dogs that need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They love to learn new things, and require ongoing training and interactive play to keep their minds engaged.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Lakeland Terriers are independent and strong-willed dogs that can be difficult for novice owners to handle. They require a firm, consistent hand in training and socialization.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Lakeland Terriers are intelligent dogs that can be trained, but they have an independent streak that can make them difficult to handle at times. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successful training sessions.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Lakeland Terrier thrives when showered with love and attention from their family members, but can be aloof or reserved with strangers. They are known to be loyal and affectionate companions for their owners.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Lakeland Terriers generally get along well with children who treat them with respect and kindness. However, they can be prone to chasing and nipping at smaller children who run around or make sudden movements. Adult supervision is recommended when introducing them to kids.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Lakeland Terriers have a strong prey drive and may not get along well with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Early socialization and training can help them learn to play well with others, but owners should always keep an eye on them when around unfamiliar dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Lakeland Terriers can be wary of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. However, if not properly socialized, they can become aggressive towards people they don't know. It's important to introduce them to new faces on a regular basis to reduce the likelihood of this behavior.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Lakeland Terriers are playful and energetic dogs, but they can also be independent and stubborn. They love to play and need plenty of exercise to thrive, but they may choose their own playtime over training sessions.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Lakeland Terriers are highly alert and vigilant dogs, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They are always on the lookout for potential threats or intruders and will bark to alert their owners of any unusual activity.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Lakeland Terriers are adaptable dogs that can thrive in both urban and suburban environments. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Lakeland Terriers have a wiry, double-layered coat that requires regular brushing and stripping to keep it in good condition. They shed moderately throughout the year, which makes them unsuitable for allergy sufferers.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Lakeland Terriers are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming requirements. Their coat needs to be stripped every few months to remove dead hair and maintain its texture. Additionally, they need regular brushing and bathing to keep them looking their best.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Lakeland Terriers are not droolers.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Lakeland Terriers are a medium-sized breed that typically weigh between 15-18 pounds and stand 13-14 inches tall at the shoulder.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Lakeland Terriers are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise and play to stay healthy and happy. They love to run and play, and require consistent exercise to avoid destructive behavior.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Lakeland Terriers require daily exercise and opportunities to play to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are active dogs that love to run and play, and may develop destructive behaviors if not provided with enough physical activity.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Lakeland Terriers have a moderate suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and can excel at terrier trials, but require ongoing socialization and training to perform well in working environments.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Lakeland Terriers have a strong natural hunting ability and were originally bred to hunt small game such as foxes and badgers. Their tenacity and courage make them excellent hunting companions.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Lakeland Terriers have a high level of physical stamina and endurance, which makes them excellent working and hunting dogs. They require consistent exercise and opportunities to play to maintain their energy levels.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Lakeland Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health conditions such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and cataracts. Regular veterinary checkups can help prevent or treat these issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Lakeland Terriers have a tendency to gain weight and become overweight if not properly exercised and fed a balanced diet. Owners should monitor their calorie intake and provide plenty of opportunities for exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Lakeland Terriers have a moderate tolerance to cold weather, but they should still be protected from extreme temperatures. Their wiry coat provides some insulation, but they may require additional layers during the winter months.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Lakeland Terriers have a moderate tolerance to heat, but they should still be protected from extreme temperatures. Owners should provide shade and plenty of water when their pet is exposed to hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Lakeland Terriers can adapt to living in an apartment, but they require daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. They may also become vocal if left alone for long periods of time.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Lakeland Terriers can have a moderate to high wanderlust potential, so it's important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside. They may also require additional supervision when going on walks or playing in open spaces.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Lakeland Terriers can be sensitive dogs that require positive reinforcement and consistent training. Harsh or negative training methods can cause them to become anxious or fearful.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Lakeland Terriers can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They may benefit from crate training and gradual increases in alone time to reduce separation anxiety.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Lakeland Terriers are vocal dogs that love to alert their owners to any potential dangers. Owners need to be careful not to encourage excessive barking, as this can become a nuisance behavior.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Lakeland Terriers are highly intelligent dogs that need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They love to learn new things, and require ongoing training and interactive play to keep their minds engaged.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Lakeland Terriers are independent and strong-willed dogs that can be difficult for novice owners to handle. They require a firm, consistent hand in training and socialization.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Lakeland Terriers are intelligent dogs that can be trained, but they have an independent streak that can make them difficult to handle at times. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successful training sessions.
Similar breeds

History of the Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland Terrier was developed in the 19th century in the Lake District of England, which is known for its rugged terrain. The breed was originally used for hunting small game such as foxes and rabbits and became popular in the early 20th century as a show dog.
During the First World War, the breed was used as messenger dogs and carried messages between the front lines with great success. In 1921, the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in the UK.

Lakeland Terrier Puppies
Lakeland Terrier puppies are highly energetic and require lots of exercise and attention. They should be socialized from an early age to prevent them from becoming overly protective or aggressive.
The breed is known to dig and bark excessively, and owners should train them to control these behaviors. Puppies should be fed a high-quality diet to ensure their growth and development. The average litter size is between four and six puppies.