Lakeland Terrier
BoldFriendlyConfident
England (Lake District) · 12–15 years
About the Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland Terrier is a sturdy, workmanlike terrier from England's Lake District, bred by farmers to protect lambs from foxes that raided the fells during lambing season. They are among the oldest working terrier breeds and had to be tough enough to follow foxes into rocky, mountainous dens. Lakelands are bold, confident, and cheerful dogs with a square build and a dense, wiry coat that provides protection against harsh weather. They are friendly, outgoing, and less aggressive than many terrier breeds, making them good companions for active families who appreciate the terrier personality.
Breed stats
- Height
- 13.5–14.5 in
- Weight
- 17–17 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Terrier
- Coat
- Dense, wiry, hard outer coat with soft undercoat
- Origin
- England (Lake District)
Coat colors
- Blue
- Black
- Liver
- Red
- Wheaten
- Black and Tan
- Blue and Tan
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.75–1 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Lens luxation
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar luxation
Not every Lakeland Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Lakeland Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Lakeland Terriers are relatively rare, particularly outside the United Kingdom. They consistently rank in the lower half of AKC breed registrations in the United States. Finding a reputable Lakeland Terrier breeder may require research and patience, with waiting lists common. Their rarity is partly because they are overshadowed by more popular terrier breeds like Yorkies and Westies. However, their scarcity also means the breed's gene pool has been carefully maintained by dedicated breeders focused on health and temperament. Prices typically range from $1,500 to $2,500.
- Lakeland Terriers are moderately dog-friendly by terrier standards. They are generally less aggressive than some terrier breeds and can get along well with other dogs, especially when properly socialized from puppyhood. However, they retain terrier assertiveness and may not back down from confrontations. Same-sex aggression can occur, particularly between intact males. They are usually better with dogs of the opposite sex. Early socialization and positive experiences with other dogs help develop good canine social skills. Supervision during play with unfamiliar dogs is always recommended.
- Lakeland Terriers require regular professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Their dense, wiry coat should ideally be hand-stripped to maintain the proper hard texture, though many pet owners opt for clipping, which is easier but softens the coat. Between grooming sessions, weekly brushing prevents matting, especially in the longer hair on the legs and face. The beard and leg furnishings collect debris and need regular cleaning. Despite the grooming commitment, Lakelands shed very little, making them a good choice for people who prefer a fur-free home.
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