Lakeland Terrier Breed description: Character & Co

Facts & Origin

The Lakeland Terrier is a British, medium-sized terrier.

The origin of the Lakeland Terrier

The Lake District in the north of England is the original home of this hunting terrier. It was originally bred to hunt foxes. Small and agile, the Lakeland Terrier could squeeze into the branching burrows underground and drive the foxes out.

As it appears today, this primitive terrier originated in the course of the 19th century. The Old English Black and Tan Terrier, which is now extinct, the Bedlington Terrier, which is still active, and the Border Terrier are considered to be the progenitors. Earlier names were Fell Terrier, Cumberland Terrier or Westmoreland Terrier. It got its final name and breed standards in 1913.

The breed has become rare even in Great Britain and the USA. Here in Central Europe you can hardly see it.

The breed characteristics of the Lakeland Terrier

You could say that its appearance is his trademark! However, it is often confused with the very similar Welsh Terrier. The latter is much more common. Both dogs are very similar in type and stature. It has a strapping appearance and is easily recognizable by the typical elongated head shape with the curly hair and beard.

To this day it is a hunting terrier and very agile. Even though this dog can seem stoic at first, one should not underestimate its temperament.

Among the terriers, it is the smallest of the high running species. The FCI lists it under Standard No. 70, Group 3: Terriers and Section 1: Large and medium sized Terriers.

English hunting terrier from the Lake District
confusingly similar to the Welsh Terrier
smallest high running terrier

Banner: Shutterstock / Cynoclub

Lakeland Terrier Protrait, dog with wirehaired face, dog that looks similar to fox terrier

Lakeland Terrier between red rubber boots

Lakeland Terrier dog playing in a meadow

Alternate Name	-
Origin	UK
Life expectancy	10 - 15 years
Care requirements	low-maintenance

Activity level	average
FCI group	Large and medium sized Terriers
AKC group	Terrier Group
KC group	Terrier Group

Attitude, character and temperament of the breed

The typical character traits of the Lakeland Terrier

Lovers of the breed say it has a strong character, others would claim stubborn. You have to love the quirkiness of terriers and have an earthy nature yourself to understand these dogs. "Terrier" comes from the word for earth "terra." This dog wants to stay down to earth and wants to be raised that way. It is well-behaved in the house, but also wants to have its occupation.

Basically it is easy to train if you lead it with clear boundaries and solid. The hunting instinct can still be very pronounced. If you are active with this dog, go to dog sports and regularly walk it without a leash, it will be the sweetest guy.

strong character and stubborn
sweet and affectionate, if balanced
sporty and active dog

Character

independent
educable
friendly
intelligent
fearless

Usage

Hunting Dog

Lakeland Terrier black and Lakeland Terrier white

Health and breeding information

Breeding, acquisition and keeping of the Lakeland Terrier

Although rare, there are isolated Lakeland Terrier breeders throughout the German-speaking region. For a puppy with pedigree and papers the purchase price can start at 1000 Euro. Hobby breeders will certainly sell this pretty terrier for a little less.

Appearance and coat of the Lakeland Terrier

The medium length curly coat is inherited from the Border Terrier. This coat keeps bad weather and wetness at its best. The body shape of this dog is square with a clearly sloping back. Typical for this terrier are the steeply erected small tail as well as the hair on the long head. The ears are small and folded down to the sides. It exists in the colors brown-black, light brown, reddish brown and black.