Lakeland Terrier breed: the spunky and lively terrier

Lakeland Terriers generally have a spunky and bold temperament. They are very playful and can sometimes be a bit mischievous. Their high intelligence also helps shape their personality, although they can be stubborn during training at times.

The Lakeland Terrier does not deny its terrier nature. It is an energetic, smart, and spunky dog with confidence that reaches the sky. Shyness is not at all characteristic of it, nor is aggression. However, if provoked, it will not back down. Although its personality is quite charming, it is considered an endangered breed in its homeland, Great Britain, which means that fewer than 300 individuals are born each year.

History of the Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier was born in Cumberland, named after the beautiful but treacherously rugged Lake District of England, near the Scottish border. The area is known for its lovely hills and mountains. Beatrix Potter had a farm here where, like many farmers in the region, she kept a rare and hardy sheep breed called the Herdwick. The rugged and uneven, picturesque landscape was dotted with sheep farms. At that time, a large and aggressive fox species preyed on the sheep, especially during the lambing season, which coincidentally overlaps with the time when foxes wean their cubs. The Lakeland Terrier’s job was to catch the wildlife threatening the sheep.

Some of the terriers were owned by miners and other workers who used them for hunting badgers, rabbits, rats, and foxes. They also held meetings where people could showcase their dogs. The Lakeland Terriers were initially categorized as colored working terriers to distinguish them from the white terriers (though sometimes both came from the same litter).

The Lakeland is related to numerous terrier breeds, including the Old English Black and Tan Terrier (now extinct), the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Bedlington Terrier, and the Border Terrier. It is one of the oldest working terrier breeds still in use today.

Champion of the Shows

In 1921, the Lakeland Terrier Association was established in England. They were first exhibited in England under various names, including the Fell and Patterdale Terrier.

The American Kennel Club first registered a Lakeland Terrier in 1934, Eaton What A Lad Of Howtownt, who was a regular participant in show rings both in the United States and England. Breeders worked to produce dogs with a show-winning appearance while preserving the highly valued working traits.

It seems they succeeded remarkably. The Lakeland Terrier has won most major shows and awards worldwide. The first major champion Lakeland Terrier was named Rogerholme Recruit, who won the prestigious Best in Show award at the 1963 Crufts dog show in England. Just three years later, in 1967, another English Lakeland Terrier, Stingray, won the Best in Show title at the 1967 Crufts and the Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 1968. This is truly a special and outstanding achievement.

Many other Lakeland Terriers have also demonstrated the breed’s appeal in the show ring by winning multiple Best in Show and other awards. Ch. Revelry’s Awesome Blossom, owned by Jean L. Heath and comedian Bill Cosby, had a remarkable show record that included over 100 All-Breed Best in Show wins, making her one of the best show dogs of all time.

Breed standard of the Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is a small-sized, lively, enduring, and courageous dog. Its body structure is proportionate and compact. Skull is flat, and its jaw is strong. Muzzle is broad and not overly long. Nose is black, and in liver-colored individuals, it may match the color of the coat. The stop divides the length of the head. Eyes are dark or hazel. Ears are moderately small, V-shaped, set moderately high, and mobile. Neck is well arched. The front legs are parallel and strongly boned. Chest is moderately wide, and the back is strong and moderately short. Hind legs are strong and muscular, with parallel hocks. Paws are compact, small, round, with elastic pads. Tail is carried upward, well set, but does not curl over the back.

Coat is dense, with weather-resistant and hard outer coat. The color can be black and tan, blue and tan, wheaten, red grizzle, liver, grizzle and tan, or solid blue or black. The average weight for bitches is 6.75 kg, and for dogs is 7.7 kg. Height at withers does not exceed 37 centimeters. Their expected lifespan is 12-16 years.

Character of the Lakeland Terrier

The typical Lakeland Terrier is bold and friendly. It has a spirited attitude, but is not aggressive or prone to starting fights. A true terrier, it is curious about everything, intelligent, and entertaining. It is generally reserved with strangers but loves its family, including children. It may not seek conflict with other dogs, but it certainly won’t back down from any. Alert and confident, it makes an excellent watchdog. Like all dogs, it needs early socialization—exposure to various people, sights, sounds, and experiences—while young. It enjoys learning and is an intelligent dog, but can quickly become stubborn or selectively deaf when bored with routine.

Ideal environment of the Lakeland Terrier

It is mostly recommended for active families rather than for the elderly, as it is a lively, energetic dog that requires keeping up with. With proper socialization, it gets along well with children. It’s not particularly recommended for novice owners, as with terriers in general, due to their stubbornness, strong-willed nature, and spirited demeanor. However, with adequate experience, this spirited little dog can be trained into a great family pet.

Care of the Lakeland Terrier

Its coat should be brushed at least once a week to remove dead hair. The coat needs regular trimming and stripping, which is best done with the help of a professional. Simple clipping alters its texture, making it softer and less weather-resistant.

Common health problems

The Lakeland Terrier is generally a very healthy breed. Some individuals may experience patellar luxation or eye issues, but overall, they are long-lived and hardy dogs.

(Literature: János Szinák – István Veress: A világ kutyái I. David Alderton: Kutyák. Joan Palmer: A Practical Guide to Selecting a Small Dog. Dr. Pál Sárkány: Nemzetközi Kutyaenciklopédia. Dr. Klára Király: Versek, legendák és bölcsességek Kutyabarátoknak. Paul McGreevy: Dogs)