Introduction

Hailing from the scenic Lake District in northwest England, the Lakeland Terrier is a lively and affectionate companion that makes a wonderful addition to any family.

Originally bred to hunt foxes, Lakeland Terriers were unique among terriers because they didn’t ride horseback during the chase like the Wire Fox Terrier. Instead, these spirited dogs had to keep pace with the hounds over rugged and rocky terrain using their own sturdy legs. This demanding job forged a compact, muscular dog with impressive stamina and resilience.

Known for their loving nature, Lakeland Terriers often thrive as family pets, especially when their physical energy and mental stimulation requirements are met.

Caring for a Lakeland Terrier

As one of the smaller terrier varieties—typically weighing no more than 17 pounds and standing 14 to 15 inches tall—Lakeland Terriers adapt equally well to countryside life or urban living. These quick-witted dogs learn rapidly but benefit greatly from early socialization to fully bring out their naturally outgoing and sociable personalities.

Their exercise needs are moderate, requiring at least an hour of daily activity. They relish having a meaningful job or puzzle to solve, so mental and physical engagement is crucial. Supervised time in the backyard is best to prevent inappropriate digging or clever escape attempts under fences.

Sporting a wiry double coat that sheds very little and produces minimal dander, Lakelands require routine hand-stripping or clipping to maintain their signature textured look. Aside from this specialist coat grooming, their maintenance needs remain fairly low.

Lakeland Terrier Health Issues

The Lakeland Terrier is generally a robust breed with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, they can be prone to some health concerns common to small dogs.

Dental Disease

Like many small breeds, Lakeland Terriers are especially susceptible to tartar buildup, which can lead to painful dental disease. Maintaining their oral health is key to preventing tooth root abscesses, tooth loss, and even jawbone deterioration. Severe dental problems can sometimes affect organs such as the kidneys and heart.

Introducing daily tooth brushing early on can help control tartar, though most terriers also benefit from professional dental cleanings under anesthesia at least once a year. Your veterinarian will regularly check your dog’s teeth during annual exams to advise when a cleaning is needed.

Patella Luxation

Patella luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal joint position, causing lameness or a characteristic hopping gait on three legs.

Diagnosis involves x-rays, and mild cases are often managed with joint supplements and weight control. More severe situations can result in painful ligament damage and difficulty walking, potentially requiring surgery to correct.

What To Feed a Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terriers don’t have breed-specific dietary needs but thrive on a balanced commercial dog food formulated to meet the nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Since they are a small breed, selecting a formula with appropriately sized kibble helps them chew comfortably. Consult your veterinarian to choose the best diet to suit your Lakeland Terrier’s age, size, and activity level.

How To Feed a Lakeland Terrier

Puppies benefit from multiple small meals throughout the day (four or five) to maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is important for all small-breed pups.

Adult Lakeland Terriers do well with two or three meals daily to keep them satisfied and nourished. You can also use puzzle feeders or lick mats during meals to challenge their sharp minds and make mealtime more entertaining.

How Much Should You Feed a Lakeland Terrier?

Feeding measured portions aligned with your dog’s calorie needs is essential to prevent obesity and related health issues. Use the feeding guidelines on your chosen dog food’s packaging and work closely with your vet to tailor portion sizes to your dog’s ideal weight and lifestyle.

Remember, treats and dental chews contribute calories too. While treats are great for training and bonding, they should never exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake.

Nutritional Tips for Lakeland Terriers

As long as they eat a complete, balanced diet meeting AAFCO standards, healthy Lakeland Terriers usually don’t require additional supplements. Always consult your veterinarian before adding any supplementation.

Lakeland Terrier Personality and Temperament

Lakeland Terriers are renowned for being fantastic family companions—especially when kept active and mentally challenged. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them enthusiastic participants in games and adventures.

They may be cautious around strangers at first but typically warm up quickly and become loyal members of the household’s social circle.

Like many terriers, Lakelands are best suited to families with older, responsible children, and all interactions with youngsters should be supervised. They generally get along well with other dogs, but caution is advisable around cats or small pets due to their natural prey instincts carried over from their fox-hunting ancestry.

Lakeland Terrier Behavior

With a history of chasing and digging after foxes, these energetic dogs have a tendency to dig holes in gardens or underneath fences when left unsupervised. Keeping them engaged with active play helps prevent destructive behaviors—so leaving them unattended in the yard is not recommended.

Lakelands are quite vocal and will frequently bark to alert you of changes or unfamiliar sights or sounds. Their high-pitched bark may be less welcomed in apartment settings. While training can reduce excessive barking, it typically won’t eliminate it altogether. Be prepared for a naturally alert and expressive little watchdog.

Lakeland Terrier Training

Smart and quick learners, Lakelands are bright but can be somewhat independent, occasionally testing boundaries. Starting training early with gentle, positive reinforcement and consistency will set the foundation for excellent behavior.

Their tendency to get bored means keeping training sessions varied and rewarding will help maintain their enthusiasm. Early puppy socialization and classes are crucial to ensuring your Lakeland Terrier grows up to be friendly and confident around people and other dogs.

Fun Activities for Lakeland Terriers

• Agility trials
• Long, invigorating walks
• Hiking adventures
• Barn hunt events
• Obedience competitions
• Earthdog trials

Lakeland Terrier Grooming Guide

Lakeland Terriers shed very little, earning them a reputation as a somewhat hypoallergenic breed. However, no dog is entirely allergen-free, as allergens come from skin, saliva, and urine, not just fur. Still, Lakelands may be suitable companions for people with mild allergies.

Companion Lakelands should be brushed regularly to prevent tangles in their wiry coats and bathed as needed. Show-quality dogs require hand-stripping, a specialized grooming technique that removes dead hairs at the root to preserve the breed’s distinctive textured appearance, but this is not necessary for pets kept as family companions.

Skin Care

Bath your Lakeland Terrier with a gentle dog shampoo at least once a month to keep their skin clean, healthy, and free from dirt or debris.

Coat Care

Weekly brushing keeps the signature wiry coat from matting.

Grooming with clipping or hand-stripping every two to three months helps remove dead hair. While both methods maintain coat health, clipping tends to yield a softer, fluffier look, whereas hand-stripping preserves the breed’s traditional harsh texture.

Eye Care

These terriers do not generally require special eye care. However, if you notice redness, discharge, or any changes in their eyes, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Ear Care

Their upright, triangular ears rarely need special attention, but ear infections can occur. Discuss routine ear-cleaning habits with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s ear health.

Considerations for Pet Parents

The Lakeland Terrier is a superb choice for families seeking an engaged, spirited canine companion. With minimal health concerns and a relatively low-maintenance coat, they pack plenty of character into a small frame.

Early socialization and consistent training build a strong, rewarding bond with this independent breed. Well-socialized Lakelands thrive with older children and other dogs alike. Activities such as agility, obedience training, and exploring new places while on leash keep both pet and owner happily occupied.

Regular preventive care, vaccinations, and attentive home health maintenance will support your Lakeland Terrier’s well-being well into their golden years.

Is a Lakeland Terrier a good family dog?

Absolutely! Lakeland Terriers make wonderful family dogs as long as they’re properly socialized, exercised, and given clear guidelines. They bond with multiple family members and flourish in lively, active homes.

Are Lakeland Terriers cuddly?

Though affectionate, Lakelands are also quite independent. They enjoy relaxing on the couch with their humans but thrive most when engaged in play and exploring safely within a fenced yard.

Are Lakeland Terriers hyper?

They are energetic and alert but usually maintain polite behavior if well exercised and trained. They tend to bark to communicate, but regular activity and interaction help keep them calm and balanced.

What’s the difference between a Lakeland Terrier and an Airedale Terrier?

While these breeds share some distant ancestry and have a similar look, Lakeland Terriers are significantly smaller, weighing around 15 to 17 pounds compared to the much larger Airedale Terrier, which typically weighs between 50 and 70 pounds.