Origin
The Lakeland Terrier breed dates back to the 1800s and is one of the oldest terrier breeds that is still around today. The breed was originally called the Patterdale Terrier, however it is a separate breed from the Patterdale Terrier that we know of today. The Lakeland was developed by crossing the Bedlington Terrier, with the Old English Wirehaired Terrier in the Lake District of England. The dog was used to prevent fox and other vermin from destroying their crops and herds. It hunted den animals such as badger, fox and otter. It was able to hunt on both uneven terrain, woods, fields and water. It chased and killed the quarry.
Description
The Lakeland Terrier is small and sturdy. It is squarely proportioned much like the Welsh Terrier, but smaller. Their body is deep and narrow and his head is balanced and rectangular. The muzzle is strong and the nose is black and can be liver colored on liver dogs. The ears are small and V-shaped folding over. The eyes are moderately small with an oval outline. Eye color comes in black, brown, or dark hazel. The stop is barely noticeable. The front legs are strong and straight when viewed from the front. The teeth are relatively large and meet in a level, edge to edge or a slightly overlapping scissors bite. The Lakeland Terrier has a double coat. The outer coat is hard and wiry in texture and the undercoat is close to the skin and soft. The hair is usually cut so the hair is longer on the muzzle and legs.
| Size | Small |
| Colour | Coat colors come in solid blue, black, liver, red, and wheaten. It also comes in saddle markings where a second color covers the back of the neck, back, sides and up the tail. Saddle colors may be blue, black, liver, or varying shades of grizzle. Puppies are often born black and change coloring as they grow. |
| Coat Length | Short Medium |
| Weight/Height Range | The average height of dogs is 34 - 38cms and bitches are between 32 - 36cms and the ideal weight for dogs is 8Kgs and for bitches is 7Kgs. |
| Ailments | Lakeland are a very hardy breed with few breed-specific problems. Regular grooming will prevent skin complications and particular attention must be paid to around their ears and eyes to prevent excess hair developing infections. Manmade fibre can cause ear and chest infections, therefore it is best to use cotton bedding. |
Feeding & Ownership
They are relatively easy dogs to feed as they are not too fussy about their food.
| Food Cost | $5 to $10 |
| Other Expenses | Lakeland Terriers are not an expensive breed to keep. They are hardy dogs and so there should not be excessive veterinary bills. They will, however, need to be plucked 2 or 3 times a year and so this will add to their cost. |
Personality
The Lakeland Terrier is an alert, lively, cheerful, loving and affectionate dog, this breed loves children. They like to dig and may be a barker, the Lakeland Terrier gets along well with other dogs. Socialise them when they are still young with cats and other animals so they do not chase them when they are older.
| Intelligence | The Lakeland Terrier is bright enough to understand what is wanted of him but will be strong-willed and therefore needs firm, consistent handling. |
| Energy | High |
| Suitability for Children | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. In addition, they will enjoy running and playing off the leash at regular intervals in a safe area. They are certainly suitable for sports activities such as catch and agility skills. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | Low |
| Ease of Transportation | High |
| Level of Aggression | Medium |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Medium |
Grooming
The Lakeland Terrier should have its coat plucked two or three times each year by pulling the old hair out by hand. Remove loose hair also from the ear passages and trim excess hair between the pads of the feet.
| Grooming Requirements | Once a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Little |
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