Lakeland Terrier
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United Kingdom ( England )
intro
The Lakeland Terrier is a dog breed , which takes its name from its place of origin, [ 1 ] the Lake District in England . The dog is a small to mid-size member of the Terrier family. While independent in personality, it interacts well with owners and all family members. [ 2 ] In the United Kingdom , the Lakeland Terrier is considered a vulnerable dog breed at risk of going extinct through low levels of breeding, according to The Kennel Club . [ 3 ] In the United States , the Lakeland Terrier ranked 156 out of 202 breeds by number of American Kennel Club puppy registrations in 2024. [ 4 ]
Health
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14.2 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . [ 14 ]
History
As one of the earliest Terriers (Latin derivation of earth), dating from the 1700s, this "earth" dog is a descendant of the old English Black and Tan and Fell Terriers . [ 2 ] The Lakeland's original service was "going to ground" on the farm in hunt for vermin. Its size and energy make it popular as a hunter in hard to reach places; the breed is among those eligible for competition in sanctioned Earthdog trials . The working dog version of the Lakeland is often known as the Fell Terrier or Patterdale Terrier . Whereas most terrier breeds have only to bolt their quarry, or to mark it by baying, the Lakeland must be able to kill the foxes in their lair. [ 2 ] In the Lake District of England , the mountainous, rocky terrain is unsuitable for fox hunting on horseback, and foxes were hunted on foot. [ 2 ] It has been suggested that the Lakeland Terrier's great stamina derives from running all day with the hounds, unlike his close cousin, the fox terrier, who would have been carried in a saddle bag to be released only when the fox had gone to earth. [ 2 ] The UK Kennel Club claims to have recognised Lakeland Terriers in 1921, [ 10 ] whereas the Lakeland Terrier Club suggests this was closer to 1928. [ 1 ] The Lakeland Terrier Association (now defunct) was founded in 1921. [ 1 ] In 1925 the breed attained homogeneity following a cross-breeding with the Fox Terrier and the Airedale Terrier . [ 2 ] The Lakeland Terrier Club was founded in 1932 [ 1 ] and promoted the breed nationally [ 1 ] through Kennel Club-sanctioned shows. [ 2 ] The American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1934. [ 11 ] Lakeland Terriers have twice won Best in Show at Crufts [ 12 ] and at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show . [ 13 ]
Appearance
At 15–17 lb (7–8 kg), the Lakeland Terrier is the smallest of the long legged, black and tan terriers. [ 2 ] It is similar in appearance to the slightly larger Welsh Terrier but is finer-boned. [ 2 ] The largest of the threesome in this similar group of Terriers is the Airedale. [ 2 ] The Lakeland is a sturdy dog, [ 5 ] compact, free moving and able to cover ground with little effort and much quickness. [ 2 ] The dog is relatively narrow in the chest and has a broad muzzle, yet slightly narrower than the Welsh Terrier , with small, V-shaped ears. [ 2 ] The Lakeland breed has a thick bushy wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat. [ 5 ] It comes in a variety of colors. The Kennel Club lists the following as acceptable colors: black and tan, blue and tan, red, wheaten, red grizzle, liver, blue or black. [ 5 ] Lakeland Terriers have an upright tail, which was previously customarily docked in the United Kingdom [ 5 ] and continues to be customarily docked in the United States. [ 6 ] Most Lakeland Terriers grow to between 13.5 and 15 inches (34 and 38 cm) in height, measured to the withers . [ 7 ] The eyes are small and dark colored and of oval shape. [ 2 ] The nose and pads of the feet are black except in liver colored dogs where the nose and pad coloring will be liver colored. [ 2 ] Liver colored dogs will have a slightly lighter colored eye. [ 2 ] The dog will not shed if properly groomed. [ 8 ] It is suggested that "[r]egular stripping and trimming improves the texture and quality of the coat" and is "necessary to enhance the dog's utilitarian purposes" as well as "enhancing him for the show ring". [ 9 ]
Temperament
The dogs are friendly, bold, and confident. [ 10 ] It is rarely shy and not usually aggressive. [ 2 ] Very intelligent and independent minded, they are quick to learn and easy to train, though terriers often exhibit " selective deafness " when their interest level is aroused. [ 2 ] The Lakeland is receptive to crate training . [ 2 ] As with most terriers, the Lakeland is energetic, and daily exercise is a must. [ 2 ]