AKC Terrier Group
History
The Lakeland Terrier, originally called the Patterdale Terrier, was developed in England’s Lake District to hunt den animals such as badger, fox, and otter. The Lakeland was expected to chase and to kill the quarry. This beautiful, spunky terrier has since become a popular companion and successful show dog. The Lakeland Terrier was accepted into the AKC in 1934.
Description
The Lakeland Terrier is a solid, squarely proportioned dog similar to the Welsh Terrier, but a bit smaller. The Lakeland’s head is long with bushy hair on the foreface. The tail is carried up with a light curve, docked to the height of the occiput. Feet are round. The hard outer coat with its undercoat liner protects the dog from brambles and bad weather. Puppies are often born dark. The adult coat comes in many combinations of black, black and tan, reddish, red grizzle, wheat, liver and blue, blue and tan, grizzle, and grizzle and 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 eyes and nose are dark. The docked tail is set and carried high. The dog looks as if he is standing on his toes.
Key Facts
- Height: 14 to 15 in. (male); 13 to 14 in. (female)
- Size: Small
- Weight: Averages 17 lbs.
- Availability: Difficult to find
- Talents: Hunting, tracking, earthdog, and watchdog
Notes
Similar to the Welsh Terrier in many ways, but a bit feistier. Needs firm training and regular attention to his coat. Likes to dig and may be a barker. Tends to guard food and toys. Not friendly to other dogs. May be difficult to housebreak. This is a very hardy breed, subject to no serious hereditary diseases.
Personality
Peppy, merry, loving. Alert and confident. Can be feisty, willful, and determined. Courageous. This breed loves children.
Behavior
- Children: Best with older, considerate children
- Friendliness: Reserved with strangers
- Trainability: Easy to train
- Independence: Moderately dependent on people
- Dominance: High
- Other Pets: Not generally trustworthy with other pets
- Combativeness: Very dog-aggressive
- Noise: Average barker
- Indoors: Very active indoors
- Owner: Good for novice owners
Care
- Grooming: Regular grooming needed
- Trimming and Stripping: Professional trimming or stripping needed
- Coat: Wiry coat
- Shedding: Very light
- Docking: The tail is customarily docked
- Exercise: Moderate exercise needed
- Jogging: An excellent jogging companion
- Apartments: Good for apartment living
- Outdoor Space: Does OK without a yard
- Climate: Does well in most climates
- Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years)
Useful Links
AKC® Lakeland Terrier Breed Standard
http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/LakelandTerrier.pdf
Lakeland Terrier Breed Club
Search for a Breeder
akc.org/classified/search/landing_breed.cfm
Rescue Organizations
akc.org/dog-breeds/rescue-network/contacts/
