The Lakeland Terrier is a small, square-proportioned dog with a distinctive wiry coat and a confident, alert expression.

Small, typically 13.5-15 inches at the shoulder.

Around 15-17 pounds.

Double coat with a hard, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat.

Common colors include black and tan, blue and tan, red, wheaten, red grizzle, liver, or black.

Rectangular head with a strong jaw and keen, dark eyes.

Traditionally docked, carried upright; if undocked, it should be carried gaily but not curled over the back.

Lakeland Terriers are known for their bold, friendly, and self-confident personalities. They are intelligent and inquisitive, always ready for an adventure.

Possess a fearless and self-assured demeanor.

Generally friendly and outgoing, though they can be wary of strangers.

Highly intelligent and quick learners, but can be independent thinkers.

Energetic and playful, requiring regular mental and physical stimulation.

True to their terrier heritage, they can be determined and tenacious.

Lakeland Terriers are best suited for active individuals or families who can provide them with consistent training, regular exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation.

Generally healthy and long-lived.

May not be suitable for families with very young children without proper supervision.

The ideal owner for a Lakeland Terrier is someone who is active, patient, and committed to providing consistent training and socialization. They thrive in environments where they are considered part of the family and receive plenty of attention and activity.

Lakeland Terriers require regular grooming to maintain their wiry coat, a balanced diet, and a comfortable living environment.

Hand-stripping is recommended 2-3 times a year to maintain coat texture; regular brushing (2-3 times a week) is also necessary.

Bathe only when necessary to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

Check and clean their ears regularly to prevent infections.

Trim nails regularly, usually every few weeks.

Brush their teeth regularly to maintain good dental health.

Lakeland Terriers are intelligent but can be independent, making training moderately challenging. They require moderate daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Lakelands respond best to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial due to their independent nature. They can be prone to boredom, so training sessions should be kept short, engaging, and varied.

These terriers need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily. This can include brisk walks, runs, playtime in a securely fenced yard, or engaging in dog sports like agility or earthdog trials. Mental stimulation is equally important; puzzle toys and interactive games can help keep them occupied.

Be firm and consistent with commands to establish yourself as the leader.

Use positive reinforcement techniques; avoid harsh methods.

Expose them to various people, dogs, and environments from a young age.

Ensure your yard is securely fenced, as they have a strong prey drive.

Provide plenty of mental challenges to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Lakeland Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

A degeneration of the hip joint, causing pain and lameness.

An underactive thyroid gland, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.

Conditions like cataracts and lens luxation can occur.

A bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in a clotting factor.

The Lakeland Terrier hails from the Lake District in England, a rugged and demanding environment. Developed in the 1800s, the breed's primary purpose was to protect sheep flocks from foxes, which often preyed on lambs. They were bred for their courage, stamina, and ability to navigate the rocky, steep fells. The Lakeland Terrier is descended from several older terrier breeds, including the now-extinct Black and Tan Terrier, the Bedlington Terrier, and the Border Terrier. The Lakeland Terrier Association was formed in 1921, and The Kennel Club (UK) granted the breed official recognition in 1928. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Lakeland Terrier in 1934.

Lakeland Terriers can be good with older children who understand how to interact with dogs respectfully. Supervision is always recommended with any dog and young children.

They can be prone to barking, especially if bored or left alone for long periods. Training and mental stimulation can help reduce excessive barking.

While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Lakeland Terriers are considered low-shedding, which may make them a better choice for some allergy sufferers. However, individual reactions can vary.

Lakeland Terriers typically live for 12-15 years, with some living even longer.

Yes, they can adapt to apartment living, provided they receive sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation.

They can get along with other dogs if properly socialized from a young age. However, they may be assertive towards unfamiliar dogs, especially those of the same sex.

Hand-stripping is a grooming technique that involves removing dead hair from a wiry coat by hand, rather than clipping it. This helps maintain the coat's texture and color.

They are intelligent but can be independent, so training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

They need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, including walks, runs, and playtime.

You can find Lakeland Terriers through breed-specific rescues or reputable breeders. The Lakeland Terrier Club of America is a good resource for finding reputable breeders and rescue organizations.