Lakeland Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Lakeland terrier is a small terrier dog breed from England with a short, wiry coat that can come in an array of colors and doesn’t shed much. While this dog is small in stature, they still have fairly long legs that allow them to be a sturdy, swift athlete. Their head is rectangular with small, V-shaped ears and fairly small, oval eyes.

Overall, the Lakeland terrier dog breed resembles its larger cousins, the Welsh terrier and Airedale terrier. This is a little dog with a big personality, and was bred to be a fearless hunter.

Learn about the Lakeland Terrier’s history, care needs, diet, health, and more.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier

Height: 13.5 to 15 inches

Weight: 15 to 17 pounds

Coat: Short, wiry double coat

Coat Color: Black, black and tan, blue, blue and tan, grizzle and tan, red, red grizzle, or wheaten

Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Temperament: Bold, bright, fearless

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Origin: England

Characteristics of the Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland terriers generally have a spunky and bold temperament. They can be quite playful and sometimes even a little mischievous. High intelligence also helps to shape their personality, though they can be stubborn about training at times.

History of the Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland terrier breed can trace its roots back to the 1700s. It’s actually one of the United Kingdom’s oldest terrier breeds, and its name comes from the Lake District of Northern England. It has also been known as the Fell, Patterdale, Cumberland, and Westmoreland terrier. Farmers in this area used packs of terriers to exterminate vermin on their property, as well as to hunt foxes that threatened their sheep and other livestock. 

The Lakeland’s breed standard was honed in the early 1900s. The now-extinct Old English black and tan terrier and the Welsh terrier are thought to be part of its makeup. And the Bedlington terrier, wire fox terrier, border terrier, and Dandie Dinmont also might have contributed to the modern breed.

The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1934. And the United States Lakeland Terrier Club formed in 1954.

Lakeland Terrier Care

The Lakeland terrier prefers a fairly active lifestyle. Their coat stays relatively clean but does need some specific grooming. And the breed should receive training and socialization from a young age.

Exercise

Plan to give your Lakeland terrier at least an hour of exercise per day. Ideal activities include:

• Long walks  

• Jogs

• Hikes

• Vigorous games of fetch

Dog sports, such as tracking and agility, also can provide some much-needed mental stimulation for this smart breed. 

Always keep your Lakeland terrier on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outdoors. The breed’s strong prey drive can cause them to take off quickly chasing perceived prey, and they might ignore your recall commands. 

Grooming

Brush your Lakeland terrier’s coat at least weekly to remove any loose fur and dirt. The coat also should be hand-stripped periodically to remove the dead fur that doesn’t shed out on its own.

Clipping the coat will change its texture, turning it softer and not as weather-resistant. 

Bathe your dog every four to six weeks, depending on how dirty they get. But check their ears at least weekly to see whether they need cleaning. Also, aim to brush their teeth every day, and trim their nails roughly once a month.

Training

Lakeland terriers are very bright, but they also can be stubborn and independent. If they don’t want to do something, it’s very difficult to force them into it. Start training and socializing ideally from puppyhood to instill good manners and prevent bad habits.

Always use positive-reinforcement training methods, and be consistent in your commands. Plus, try to keep training sessions fun and varied so your dog doesn’t become bored. This breed is too smart for repetitive tasks. 

Common Health Problems

The Lakeland terrier is generally a very healthy dog breed. It is not prone to any known hereditary health issues. The official breed club does not recommend any mandatory testing.1 However, some breeders still screen for issues that are often seen in other dog breeds, including:

• Eye problems: Dogs can develop various eye problems, such as injuries, conjunctivitis, cataracts, and glaucoma. These should be treated by a vet.  

• Heart disease: A vet might be able to diagnose heart disease by listening to your dog’s heart with a stethoscope to see if there’s a murmur. For this reason, have your dog examined regularly by a vet to help catch problems early.   

• Patellar luxation: This is when the dog’s kneecap slips out of the groove that it should stay in. It can lead to pain, inflammation, ligament tears, and cartilage damage.

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water accessible for your Lakeland terrier. And feed them a quality canine diet with balanced nutrition, typically via two measured meals per day. Also, limit treats and other extra food to prevent overfeeding. 

Discuss the amount and type of food with your vet to ensure that you’re meeting your dog’s individual needs. Some dogs need a special diet depending on their age, activity level, and other factors.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland terrier is not a very common dog breed, though it is still possible to find at animal shelters and rescue organizations. See whether you can get your name on a breed wait list. In addition, breeders might be difficult to find, depending on where you live.

For a puppy from a responsible breeder, expect to pay around $1,200 to $2,400 on average.2

For more information to help you find a Lakeland terrier, check out:

• United States Lakeland Terrier Club

• Lakeland Terrier Rescue

Lakeland Terrier Overview

The Lakeland terrier is energetic and active, as well as intelligent and sometimes stubborn. This dog requires a family that will give them the exercise they need and the training they require to be well-mannered. If you have other pets, keep in mind that this dog has a high prey drive. 

Pros of Lakeland Terriers

• Generally healthy breed

• Playful and entertaining

• Doesn't shed much

Cons of Lakeland Terriers

• High prey drive

• Can be stubborn about training

• Needs specialized grooming

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before you decide to bring a Lakeland terrier home, be sure to do plenty of research. Talk to Lakeland terrier owners, reputable breeders, rescue groups, and veterinary professionals to learn more about day-to-day life with this breed.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Airedale Terrier

• Welsh Terrier

• Border Terrier

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!