Lakeland Terriers is a pure breed dog that is made to hunt vermins like foxes and rats. They have a weatherproof outer coat that can be harsh to the touch, and a soft undercoat that helps protect them from the cold. Here is all information you need to know before you get yourself a puppy.

History of The Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland terrier is a breed of dog that was developed in the Lake District in England. They are a Welsh terrier that was crossed with a variety of other terriers, including the Manchester terrier, the Cairn terrier, and the Scottish terrier. Lakeland terriers were originally bred to hunt foxes and other vermin and used to be known as patterdale terrier. The cousins of Lakeland Terriers are Bedlington Terrier and Border Terrier. The lakeland terrier is the smallest of the three, however, don’t let their size fool you. They have tons of energy and are always up for a good game of fetch.

This “earth” dog, a descendant of the ancient English Black and Tan and Fell Terriers, is one of the first Terriers (Latin derivation of earth), dating from the 1700s. Lakeland Terriers are named after Lake District of England, where they were used to protect the homes and farms from rodents. The rough, mountainous terrain in the Lake District of England makes horseback fox hunting there impractical, and foxes were pursued on foot. It has been suggested that the Lakeland Terrier’s remarkable endurance stems from running with the hounds for hours on end. The Lakeland Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934.

Appearance

The Lakeland Terrier is a small compact dog that looks very similar to Fox Terrier. The head is wedge shaped with a flat skull. The eyes are dark, almond shaped and set well apart. The ears are small, V-shaped and carried close to the head. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. Their tail is medium and thin and is carried gaily, but not over the back. They usually weigh about 17 pounds and stand about 38 cm at the shoulder. Lakeland Terriers have a double coat of medium length fur and soft undercoat. The topcoat is harsh, wiry and dense, short. Lakeland Terriers come in many colors, such as black and tan, blue and tan, liver (a reddish brown) and tan, wheaten (a light cream or goldbrown), red, black or grizzle. The Lakeland Terrier has a thick, wiry outer coat with longer hair on the legs and muzzle, giving him an apparent beard. The breed’s small frame enables him to squeeze into rocky dens in order to pursue rats.

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Maintenance and Activity

Stripping the coat improves its quality and texture and is essential to keep your terrier breed in a good condition. You should brush their coat for about 20 minutes weekly. They require also nail trimming, ear cleaning and teeth brushing. Lakeland terriers are medium shedders.

Lakeland terriers require a lot of exercise, they are very energetic dogs. A minimum of two 30-minute walks per day is essential, along with some off-leash playtime in a safe area. They also love to run and play fetch. They have a strong prey tendency, so it’s important to keep them on a leash when around smaller animals.

Lakeland terriers are very intelligent and easily trainable, but they can also be stubborn. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise. Training should be started at an early age and consistent throughout their life.

Lakeland Terriers: Grooming

As far as bathing is concerned, Lakeland Terriers should be bath once every 4 or 6 weeks. It is important to take care of their nails as well as they need to be trimmed in order to keep them healthy. Their ears also need to be checked and cleaned on a regular basis in order to avoid any sort of infection. It is also important to take care of their teeth as small-breed dogs are prone to have problems with them. Lakeland Terriers are relatively easy to groom as compared to other breeds and once you get a hang of it, it won’t be a problem at all.

Lakeland Terrier Temperament

Lakeland Terriers generally are very affectionate with family and they are quite friendly, although they may see little children as preys because of their hunting instincts. They are playful, bold, fearless and considered mischievous at times, but full of charm and love for their owners and family. They are moderately friendly with strangers, that is, they are not as trustworthy as other breeds, but they do not tend to be aggressive towards newcomers either. They can get along well with other dogs, but it is important that they’re properly socialized from an early age to avoid any territorial issues later on. They are quite well-adapted to living in an apartment, provided that they get enough exercise, but they will be much happier with a yard to run around in. lakeland terriers have high energy levels and need a lot of daily exercise, so make sure you can commit to that before getting one. They are also quite vocal dogs, so if you’re looking for a quiet breed then this is not the right one for you. The Lakelands are very intelligent and easily trained, but they can also be quite stubborn at times. With the right amount of patience and persistence, you should be able to train them to do most things you want them to.

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Health

Just like some other breeds, Lakeland Terriers are prone to develop certain diseases. They include conditions such as:

  • lens luxation;
  • cataracts;
  • microphthalmia;
  • legg-Perthes Disease.

Lens luxation is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes dislocated from its normal position.

Cataracts are another eye condition that can affect Lakeland Terriers. A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye.

Microphthalmia is a condition in which the eye is abnormally small.

Legg-Perthes Disease is a condition that affects the blood supply to the head of the thigh bone. This can cause the bone to die and eventually collapse.

While these conditions can be serious, lakeland terriers are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 13-14 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can enjoy a long and happy life.

For Whom?

Lakeland Terriers would make perfect company dogs for people who love the outdoors and have an active lifestyle. They are also great for people who live in small apartments or houses since they do not need a lot of space to run around as long as they get a lot of exercise every day. Lakeland Terriers are intelligent dogs but they’re quite stubborn and not at easy to train that others dog breeds, so they’re not the best choice for novice owners. They also not good at being alone. If left alone for a longer period of time, Lakeland Terriers may become anxious and destructive. If you’re looking for a companion that you would like to play with and spend active time, then the Lakeland Terrier is an excellent choice.

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Lakeland Terrier Puppies: Price

The price of a Lakeland Terrier may vary but is typically around $1,500. Some breeders may charge more or less depending on the litter size, coat color, and other factors. Some people may try to purchase a Lakeland Terrier for less money, but this is not recommended as it could be a sign of a puppy mill or backyard breeder. A responsible breeder will have the dog’s best interests at heart and will charge a fair price. It is also important to do a proper research on the reputable breeders before purchasing a puppy. They are not as popular breed but the demand for them is quite high.

Lakeland Terriers: Trivia

  • They are great at burrowing;
  • They have a thick coat that protects them from hot and cold temperatures;
  • They tend to shake from excitement and are known to be incredibly active dogs.

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