Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terrier

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The Lakeland Terrier is a dog breed, one of many Terrier breeds, that originated in the Lake District of England as a descendant of the old English Black and Tan and Fell Terriers for the purpose of hunting vermin. The Lakeland Terrier originated in the Lake District of Cumberland, England near the Scottish border in the 1800s. He is related to several terrier breeds and is one of the oldest working terrier breeds still in use today. His diverse ancestors include the now extinct Old English Black and Tan terrier, the early Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Bedlington Terrier and Border Terrier.

For generations, the Lakeland has been used in the Lake District for the purpose of exterminating the fell foxes which raid the farmer’s sheep fold during the lambing season. 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. Despite his reputation for courage and tenacity, the Lakeland is a gentle and loving companion.

Appearance: The breed is similar to the Welsh Terrier and has thick, hard hair that is coloured black and tan, blue and tan, red-gray, red, wheat, liver, blue, or black. They have an upright tail. Lakeland Terriers grow to between 33 and 38cm (13 to 15 inches) in height measured to the withers with a weight of between 7 and 8 kg (15 to 17 lbs). They are known for their minimal shedding of hair.

The Lakeland Terrier is a solid, squarely proportioned dog similar to the Welsh Terrier, but a bit smaller. It is an elegant dog with a beautiful, elongated head and straight, strongly boned legs. The long head has bushy hair on the foreface. The teeth are either overshot or undershot. The hard outer coat with its undercoat liner protects the dog from brambles, and bad weather. It has powerful jaws and dark or hazel eyes. Puppies are often born dark. The thick, hard, adult coat is resistant to bad weather and comes in many combinations of black, black & tan, reddish, red grizzle, wheat, liver & blue, grizzle, and grizzle & tan. The dog may or may not have a saddle. The tan color is like straw, not rich and dark. The v-shaped ears fold over. The nose is dark. The docked tail is set and carried high. The dog looks as if he is standing on his toes.

History: In 1925 the breed attained homogeneity following a cross-breeding with the Fox Terrier and the Airedale Terrier. The Lakeland Terrier is suitable for fox and rabbit hunting and for sheep predator control. The working dog version of the Lakeland is often know as the Fell Terrier or Patterdale Terrier.

Temperment: The dogs are friendly, bold, and confident. Shyness is very atypical, as is aggressiveness. The Lakeland Terrier is a peppy, cheerful, loving and affectionate dog. It is similar to the Welsh Terrier in many ways, but is a bit feistier, willful and more determined. Alert and confident. Courageous. This breed loves children. The Lakeland Terrier needs firm training. They like to dig and may be a barker. 

This breed tends to guard their toys and food. The Lakeland Terriers may be difficult to housebreak, but tend to learn quite easily otherwise. Make sure that the training is full of variety and offers the dog a challenge. You will find the dog quickly learns what you want from him. The Lakeland Terrier gets along well with other dogs, which is unusual for Terriers. They can be unsure around strangers, but this does not usually become extreme. Socialize them when they are still young with cats and other animals so they do not chase them when they are older.

Famous Lakelands: Zelda Van Gutters- Nickelodeon Magazine’s Roving Reporter/Mascot, Champion Revelry’s Awesome Blossom – Top winning Lakeland Terrier in the history of the breed. Owned by Jean L. Heath and Bill Cosby.

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