The Lakeland Terrier has a distinct look due to its long and dense wiry coat with longer hair on muzzle and legs. This is a small and sturdy dog with a workmanlike appearance; the narrow frame of the dog allows it to get through rocky dens while chasing vermin. Generally a show dog, this makes a good companion too.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: England
Used for: Show ring, companion
Average Life Span: 10-12 years
Color: Blue, black, liver, red and wheaten with or without a patch of color on the shoulders and back
Coat: Hard and wiry outer coat; soft undercoat
Average Height: About 14 inches
Average Weight: 15-17 pounds
Group: Terrier
History and Domestication
The Lakeland Terrier is one of the oldest breeds still around today and dates back to the 1800s. Originally this breed was known as the Patterdale terrier but it is a different breed from the Patterdale we know today. This breed was developed by crossing an old English Wirehaired Terrier with the Bedlington Terrier in the Lake District of England. The dog was used to hint vermin and den animals like fox, badger and otter.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Lakeland Terrier is a small and sturdy dog with the appearance of a workman dog. It is quite proportioned like the Welsh Terrier, only smaller. The head is balanced and rectangular over a deep and narrow body. The muzzle is strong with a stop that is hardly noticeable and the nose can be black or liver depending on the coat color. The small and V-shaped ears fold over. The small eyes are black, brown or hazel. The front legs are strong and straight.
Care, Grooming and Health
The Lakeland Terrier requires plucking of its coat twice or thrice a year by pulling the hair with hands. Excess hair from the ear passages has to be removed and trimming is required between the pads of the feet. This breed sheds little or no hair.
This dog needs to be taken on long daily walks or jogs. They will also love running alongside your bicycle. In addition to it, they will also love running and playing off-leash in a safe area. This is generally a healthy breed with no hereditary problems.
Living Conditions
The Lakeland Terrier is recommended for apartment life. This breed is fairly active indoors and will do okay in the absence of a yard.
Temperament
This is an alert, cheerful, lively, loving and affectionate dog. These dogs love kids. They are brave and confident dogs that need firm and consistent training. These dogs love to bark and dog and need to be hushed at times. This breed is difficult to housebreak but tends to learn quite easily. These dogs get along well with other dogs but still need to be socialized early on. They may also become unsure around strangers and chase smaller animals. Watch out for small dog syndrome as this breed may get affected.
