Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

6-8 kg

Height

33-38 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Lakeland Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

The Lakeland Terrier is a marvellous addition to just about any family. The Lakie (as it is often known) is a clever, affectionate dog and adaptable to many environments.

These cheerful chaps sport a rather stylish beard and walk with a spring in their step. They still require proper training and care, however.

Our guide to Lakeland Terriers will help you to figure out if this is the right dog for you.

What is the history & origin of the Lakeland Terrier?

Lakeland Terriers are among the earliest recognised terrier breeds. The Lakie is named for the English Lake District, where it was originally bred by farmers to hunt the foxes who worried their sheep. Their small but sturdy build and slim body make the Lakeland Terrier the perfect pooch to squirrel into fox dens after its quarry.

This breed of dog has been helping farmers out since the 1700s. They have also been known as the Patterdale Terrier as well as Fell Terriers. The Lakeland breed standard became more precise during the early 1900s, allowing them to be recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1934.

What is a Lakeland Terrier breed?

A pooch comprised of many other terriers, Lakies are small but energetic, with an iconic rectangular head and folded ears. They have rather long legs for their petite stature, ideal for traipsing their rugged Lake District homeland. This hardy breed is courageous and loyal – but also stubborn with a penchant for good-natured mischief.

The breed standard was set in 1921 but their long history makes it difficult to be entirely sure just how many dogs contribute to their heritage. It is generally accepted that the Old English black and tan Terrier, as well as the Welsh Terrier, are the major ancestors; with a little bit of Dandie Dinmont, Border Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier mixed in too… along with several other breeds.

Who is a Lakeland Terrier best for?

Despite their original profession as working dogs, these charming terriers make excellent family pets. Most Lakeland Terriers become quickly affectionate to family, especially children. They tend not to be overly fond of other animals unless introduced at a young age, so they might not be the ideal choice for a multi-pet family.

The small stature of these dogs makes them quite well suited to apartment or small house living. They are active though, so they will require extra time at the park to compensate for smaller living quarters. Lakies are quick-on-the-uptake but a natural stubborn streak can make them difficult to train for inexperienced owners.

Lakeland Terrier Grooming & Shedding

These impish dogs have a double coat; wiry on the outside to protect them from the damp conditions and rugged underbrush of their ancestral home, with a soft undercoat to keep them warm. Grooming Lakeland Terriers should be a weekly thing to remove loose hair and dirt but bathing is only necessary every four weeks or so – unless it rolled in something nasty.

Lakies are a low shedding breed, provided you strip or trim excess hair away. A good breeder or experienced groomer can show you how to do this by hand or with a special tool.

Do Lakeland Terriers bark a lot?

Like lots of small dogs, these guys have a lot to say. The petite stature of an adult dog makes them well suited for apartment or condo living, but you’re going to need to teach them to be quiet.

They have a relatively quiet disposition at home but like many terriers, they tend to bark at other dogs, or strange sounds, or just because they’re bored. Socialising your pup from a young age by enrolling in a puppy kindergarten class or something similar will familiarise it with strange people and other dogs, making them less inclined to yap as an adult.

What is the average weight & height of a Lakeland Terrier dog?

This breed of dog typically measures 33-38 cm in height and weighs in at 6-8 kg.

Are Lakeland Terriers easy to train?

Start obedience training your new puppy ASAP. These Lakeland dogs are highly intelligent and quick to learn… and quick to ignore, too. They are independent thinkers and quickly lose interest in whatever deeply uninteresting lesson (in their view!) you might be trying to teach.

Their kindly nature will respond well to positive reinforcement but keep things varied, these little chaps are too clever to bother with repetitive training methods. Start training equipped with patience and a sense of humour – you’re gonna need it!

How do Lakeland Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

What is the Lakeland Terrier’s temperament like? is placid and friendly toward humans, making it a generally easy-going pooch. They might be a little bit hesitant to befriend strangers but early socialisation should help. They often don’t get along well with other dogs or any animal really, unless they have been raised together from a young age.

The Lakeland is an active dog and is known for finding mischief to keep itself amused. This might include digging or chewing or using its small, squirrely size to play escape artist. Bred as a working dog, this breed has the energy to spare! We recommend that you take your Lakie on lots of long walks or try out some dog sports.

Does the Lakeland Terrier have any common health issues?

Overall they are a very healthy breed and are not known to suffer from genetic health problems. Look for a reputable breeder who abides by Kennel Club ethics to make sure you add a healthy pup to your family.

What is the lifespan of a Lakeland Terrier?

The life expectancy of this breed is 12-15 years.

How much does a Lakeland Terrier need to be fed?

Just like any dog, these guys require a diet of high-quality dog food to live a long and healthy life. It is recommended you feed your pooch about one cup of food per day but divide it into two meals to prevent it all from being gobbled up in seconds, because yes, that is likely to happen.

The exact food that is right for your dog will depend on its age and lifestyle, as well as its personal taste (just like people!). Speak to your veterinarian to make sure you are serving up all the vitamins and nutrients it needs.

How much can you expect to pay for a Lakeland Terrier in Australia?

These little terriers are a rare and sought-after breed, so expect to spend anywhere between $1800-$2500 for a pup. Look for a breeder registered with the Lakeland Terrier Club or Lakeland Terrier Association.

Despite being purebred dogs, their penchant for mischief often lands these guys in rescue centres, so check there for a slightly older dog looking for a forever home!

Lakeland Terrier FAQs

Is a Lakeland Terrier ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Temperament-wise, yes. They are affectionate and fun-loving, and they will quickly become part of the family.

From a training perspective though, maybe they aren’t the ideal first dog. The Lakeland Terrier requires consistent training and a clear leader to become an obedient and well-mannered dog. If it decides you’re a newbie, it is definitely smart enough to take advantage.

Do Lakeland Terriers suffer from separation anxiety?

Being the super smart puppy that it is, members of this breed bore easily when left alone. This can lead to separation anxiety which in turn, is likely to lead to bad behaviour. If your dog is unaccustomed to being left alone it might panic and find its own amusement – and a word to the wise: it probably isn’t going to be anything you will find amusing when you return home.

They also bark. A lot. An anxious terrier is likely to bark at the window or door if it hears people walking past outdoors. Terriers are prone to boredom so if you do have to leave it alone make sure to leave plenty of fun toys to play with.

Seek advice from your veterinarian if you need to desensitise your Lakie from being left alone… but if you have a lifestyle that keeps you out of the house most of the day, this is probably not the right pooch for your pack.

Are Lakeland Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Good news; yes the Lakie sheds very little of its curled, wiry coat so if you are susceptible to allergies brought on by hair or dander, this little guy is a good choice. Regular grooming will help keep shedding to an absolute minimum too!

Will a Lakeland Terrier need professional grooming?

Lakies have a double coat of wiry dog hair on the outside with a softer coat underneath. Their short, coarse hair means they are easy to groom but you should probably start this early so they are used to being groomed and willing to be patient.

If you are thinking of showing your pooch, then you might need the help of a professional groomer. The ideal show coat and distinctive beard take a bit of practice to get just right.