The Lakeland Terrier hails from the rugged Lake District of northern England and was originally bred to hunt and dispatch foxes that preyed on sheep. Developed in the 19th century, this hardy and courageous little terrier was designed to be tough enough to chase quarry through rough terrain while small enough to go to ground.
It shares lineage with other British terriers such as the Border Terrier and Bedlington Terrier, and though its working roots are still respected, today the Lakeland Terrier is more commonly seen as a charming companion and show dog.
The Lakeland Terrier is somewhat of a hidden gem in the terrier world. While not as popular as its cousins like the Jack Russell or West Highland White Terrier, it enjoys a devoted following among enthusiasts who appreciate its bold personality, striking looks, and relatively non-shedding coat.
Its small size, intelligence, and dapper appearance have also made it increasingly popular in urban settings where a spirited but compact companion is ideal.
This is a small, squarely built terrier with a wiry coat and an alert, confident demeanor.
Coat:
• Dense, hard, and wiry outer coat with a soft undercoat.
• Requires regular hand-stripping to maintain texture and appearance.
Color:
• Common colors include black and tan, grizzle and tan, blue, red, wheaten, liver, and solid black.
• Some may have a saddle pattern or subtle shading.
Size:
• Height: 13–15 inches (33–38 cm)
• Weight: 15–17 lbs (6.8–7.7 kg)
Head & Expression:
• Long, flat head with a strong muzzle and a keen, intelligent look.
• Eyes are dark and oval, full of curiosity and mischief.
Ears:
• Small, V-shaped, and fold forward close to the cheeks.
Tail:
• Traditionally docked in some countries, carried erect and alert when undocked.
Body:
• Compact, muscular, and athletic—built for endurance and agility.
True to its terrier heritage, the Lakeland is a bold, lively, and tenacious little dog with a cheerful and outgoing personality.
Fearless and Confident:
Always ready to explore, investigate, and take on a challenge—especially in the backyard.
Affectionate with Family:
Forms strong bonds with its humans and enjoys cuddling and attention at home.
High Energy:
Needs regular physical and mental stimulation—easily bored if under-exercised.
Playful and Entertaining:
Great with older children who can match its energy and enjoy active play.
Independent but Trainable:
May test limits but is intelligent and capable with consistent, positive training.
Watchful and Alert:
A natural watchdog—quick to sound the alarm, but not aggressive.
The Lakeland Terrier is ideal for people who want a compact, low-shedding dog with a bold spirit and stylish looks.
Perfect for Active Owners:
Whether hiking, playing fetch, or learning tricks, this dog is always ready.
Compact and Travel-Friendly:
Easy to take along on adventures or errands.
Minimal Shedding:
Wiry coat traps loose hair—good for cleanliness and some allergy concerns.
Fun-Loving Personality:
Keeps life interesting with its antics and big personality in a small frame.
Stylish and Unique:
Its well-groomed, bearded face gives it a distinguished, almost aristocratic charm.
This breed is spirited and strong-willed, but thrives with the right care and attention.
Training:
• Needs early socialization and structured training.
• Benefits from short, fun sessions—terriers bore easily.
• Crate training and recall are especially important.
Exercise:
• Requires daily walks and interactive play.
• Terriers love to dig and chase, so a secure yard is a plus.
• Dog sports like agility or earthdog trials are great outlets.
Grooming:
• Hand-strip the coat every few months or have it professionally groomed.
• Regular brushing keeps coat tidy and prevents matting.
• Clean ears and trim nails regularly.
Nutrition:
• Feed a balanced, high-quality diet—watch for overfeeding due to their small size.
• Many do well on food formulated for small, active breeds.
Companionship:
• Loves spending time with its family.
• May not tolerate long hours alone without stimulation or companionship.
The Lakeland Terrier is generally a robust breed, with a typical lifespan of 12–15 years. Still, some health issues may occur, including:
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
• Lens luxation and other eye disorders
• Allergies or skin sensitivity
• Dental disease (common in small breeds)
Responsible breeders screen for inherited conditions and maintain good genetic diversity.
Compared to the Wire Fox Terrier, the Lakeland is smaller and more laid-back. It’s more energetic than the Cairn Terrier and a bit less intense than the Welsh Terrier. Its coat is similar to an Airedale Terrier’s but on a smaller, more manageable frame.
If you want a dog with a bold personality, manageable size, and distinctive appearance, the Lakeland Terrier could be a fantastic fit. It suits homes with active individuals or families who can provide regular activity and training.
Not recommended for households with small pets like rodents or birds, or those looking for a low-energy lapdog.
United Pet Club is here to support you on your Lakeland journey—offering grooming tips, training guides, and breeder referrals. With its boundless charm and stylish looks, the Lakeland Terrier makes every day a little brighter.