The Lakeland Terrier was developed in the Lake District of northern England.
He has also been known as the Patterdale Terrier, the Colored Working Terrier
and the Fell Terrier. He is probably descended from an extinct black-and-tan
terrier. He was bred to protect sheepfolds from predators and to hunt foxes
with hounds for the purpose of extermination, not sport. He kills his quarry
rather than locating it for the hunter. The breed was officially recognized
in England in 1921 and in the United States in 1934.
The Lakeland Terrier is a friendly, self-confident dog. He enjoys barking
frequently. He is a single-minded terrier, best suited for owners with patience.
The head of the Lakeland Terrier is rectangular in shape. The length of
the skull equals the length of the muzzle. There is little perceptible drop
off (stop) between the skull and muzzle. The skull is flat on top and moderately
broad. The ears are v-shaped, set high atop the head and folded down along
the cheek. The fold is above the top level of the skull. The cheeks are
almost straight-sided. The nose is black or liver depending upon coat color.
The jaws are powerful with a level or scissors bite. The eyes are moderately
small, oval and set fairly wide apart. They are either dark brown or black
in color. The neck is long and slightly arched. the withers are noticeably
higher than the level of the back. The length of back equals the length
of the dog so that he has a square appearance. From withers to croup, the
topline is level. The legs are strongly boned and straight. The feet are
small and round. The tail is set high on the body and docked so that the
tip is level to the top of the skull. It is carried upright. The coat is
double with a soft undercoat and a hard, wiry outer coat. There are plentiful
furnishings on the muzzle and legs. Accepted coat colors include black,
blue, liver, black and tan, blue and tan, red, red grizzle, grizzle and
tan or wheaten. The average height is between thirteen and fifteen inches.
Average weight is between fifteen and seventeen pounds.
Name withheld by request of Virginia writes:
Lakelands are great!
Lakelands are wonderful dogs. Ours was sturdy, pulling us up mountains
on walks, and near death before we knew she was sick. The vet had her on
IV for liver failure, and the staff wanted to know what was wrong with the
perky dog. Ours often seemed to smile; she was single-minded when she scented
something, was stubborn, but not impossible for basic training. She did
well with an invisible fence. She was energetic until the end (died at age
fifteen). They are small enough to make them easy to bathe, travel and camp
with; little shedding. Only downside to this dog was our inability to limit
her barking when people were at the door. If we get another dog, it will
be a Lakeland.
Name withheld by request of Chicago, IL writes:
Gentle, healthy, playful.
This may be the smartest dog I've ever trained, gets along with everyone
but seems to be devoted to one person. Mine is especially gentle, allowing
vet procedures easily; lets me cut his toenails by just rolling over on
command. This breed is not widely bred and therefore with few (although
some) possibly inbred defects. This is the healthiest dog I have had, no
allergy, no coat problems, does not shed, hypoallergenic.
patmohr@attbi.com of Oregon writes:
A challenging breed with lots of rewards.
My Lakeland is just one year old, and definitely a constant challenge
but a real lover. As a puppy, I expect her to test the limits as she is
very smart and learns easily. The breed definitely tests the limits more
than a Miniature Schnauzer. The coat requires one to spend a lot of time
stripping and brushing to keep it in good condition. They make wonderful
pets but one needs the time and patience to work with them every day. You
must stay calm as this breed will just "talk back" to you if you
don't. Their energy level is high, entertaining themselves, wanting you
to play, or guarding their property until they finally "crash"
and you have time to yourself. I definitely enjoy our evening time when
she is laying draped across me on the couch. She is a wonderful companion
dog that loves my company, too.
jchalpin@snet.net of Connecticut writes:
A great all-around dog for the active individual or family.
The Lakeland Terrier is a great all-around dog, but certainly not for
the person who is not active. We have had a male Lakeland Terrier for over
seventeen years (yes, seventeen years!) and he is still is very active p;
"demanding" his three daily walks and playing with us and our
house-rabbit (a Jersey Wooly). The only signs of aging is a loss of hearing
and a little stiffness in the hips, but otherwise no problems throughout
the seventeen years. He is an extremely active dog that must always be the
center of attention. He is very affectionate, and always joyfully exuberant.
He does show the stubborness of the breed and is very vocal; the breed does
need patient training p; think of a child who knows what he should do,
but tries to get away with things he shouldn't do. Even at his age, he still
shows a trait of Lakeland Terriers that wows people p; that he can walk
and stand still while just on back legs. If you have the patience for training
and are active, I highly recommend this great all-around and quite handsome
dog.
ChrissyR1@aol.com of U.S. writes:
Challenging, but worth it.
This is definitely a challenging breed, but if you want a challenge
this is the breed for you. They are perennial puppies and do not begin to
show signs of aging until they are about five. Training can be difficult
and trying at times. But they are very loving and wonderful companions.
I have had two Lakelands and I cannot imagine life without one.