Lakeland Terrier
Updated December 2, 2025
Bred in the Lake District of England to hunt foxes, the Lakeland Terrier is a bold and zesty 'big dog in a small package.' They are known for their hard, wiry, low-shedding coat and friendly, self-confident personality, making them an entertaining and loyal family pet.
Confident, Friendly, Intelligent, Bold, Playful
15-17 pounds
13.5-15 inches
12-15 years
Black & Tan, Blue & Tan, Red, Wheaten, Red Grizzle, Liver, Black, Blue
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Lakeland Terrier
Bred in the Lake District of England to hunt foxes, the Lakeland Terrier is a bold and zesty 'big dog in a small package.' They are known for their hard, wiry, low-shedding coat and friendly, self-confident personality, making them an entertaining and loyal family pet.
What Makes Lakeland Terriers Special
The Lakeland Terrier is a charismatic and confident companion, embodying the spirit of a much larger dog in a compact, sturdy frame. Their playful and often mischievous nature makes them a joy to have around.
Bred for courage and perseverance in the rugged English Lake District, they are tough, intelligent, and possess a tireless zest for life. They form strong, loyal bonds with their families.
Lakeland Terrier History & Origin
The Lakeland Terrier hails from the rugged fells of England's Lake District, where farmers used them to protect their sheep from fox predation. Their job was to go to ground and dispatch the foxes in their dens, requiring a dog of immense courage, agility, and determination.
The breed is one of the oldest working terrier types, with ancestors including the Old English Black and Tan Terrier and the Bedlington Terrier.
They were developed by farmers in the 18th century to work with hounds, keeping up with them over rough terrain and then going into burrows after the quarry.
The breed was officially recognized by the UK's Kennel Club in 1921 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.
The cost for a Lakeland Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder can range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on lineage and location.
Adopting a Lakeland Terrier from a rescue organization is also a wonderful option for prospective owners.
Lakeland Terrier Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Lakeland Terrier Appearance
The Lakeland Terrier has a distinct, boxy appearance with a rectangular head and a confident posture. They are sturdy and athletic, with an alert and ready expression.
Their wiry coat and 'furnished' face with a beard and eyebrows give them a classic, rugged terrier look.
Physical Features
Ears
Small, V-shaped ears that fold over neatly, adding to their alert expression.
Eyes
Dark and spirited, their eyes convey intelligence and a hint of mischief.
Nose
The nose is typically black. In liver-colored dogs, a liver-colored nose is permissible.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
A medium-length double coat, with a hard, wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat. Longer hair, called 'furnishings,' is present on the muzzle and legs.
Coat Color
The Lakeland Terrier comes in a variety of colors recognized by the Kennel Club, including black and tan, blue and tan, red, wheaten, red grizzle, liver, solid black, and blue.
Tail
The tail is set high and carried with a confident, cheerful air, but it does not curl over the back.
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
A 'big dog in a small package,' the Lakeland Terrier is brimming with confidence and character. They are alert and curious, always ready for an adventure.
Friendly and affectionate with their families, Lakelands possess a charming and often comical personality. They are known to be entertaining companions who thrive on being part of family activities.
Despite their friendly nature, they have a classic terrier's boldness and can be wary of strangers initially, making them excellent watchdogs. Proper socialization is key to ensuring they are welcoming to guests.
Lakelands are intelligent and quick to learn, but they also have an independent and stubborn streak. Training requires patience and consistency, but their cleverness means they can excel in various dog sports.
This breed has a strong prey drive due to its origins as a fox hunter. Caution is needed around smaller pets unless they have been raised together. They can coexist peacefully with other dogs with proper introductions and socialization.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Lakelands are a generally healthy and hardy breed with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Responsible breeding helps minimize hereditary conditions, but there are some health issues to be aware of.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary exams, genetic screening for known conditions like PLL, proper diet and exercise, and diligent dental care.
How to Care for a Lakeland Terrier
Lakeland Terriers are energetic and intelligent dogs that require regular physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their wiry coat needs specific grooming to maintain its texture and health, but they are a low-shedding breed.
Grooming
The Lakeland Terrier has a wiry double coat that is low-shedding, making it a potential choice for people with allergies. However, it's not a 'no-maintenance' coat.
To maintain the coat's characteristic hard texture and vibrant color, hand-stripping (plucking dead hairs) a few times a year is recommended. This is often done by a professional groomer.
For pet owners not concerned with show-ring appearance, clipping the coat every 6-8 weeks is a more common option, though this will soften the texture and may dull the color over time.
Regular weekly brushing with a slicker brush or metal comb is necessary to prevent matting, especially in the longer furnishings on the legs and face.
Check and clean their ears regularly to prevent wax buildup and infections, and trim nails as needed, typically every 4-6 weeks.
Training
Lakeland Terriers are smart and learn quickly, but their independent terrier nature can present a training challenge. They can be stubborn and may have their own ideas.
Positive reinforcement training methods that use treats, praise, and toys work best. Keep training sessions short, fun, and varied to hold their interest.
Early and ongoing socialization is crucial. Exposing them to various people, sounds, and other animals from a young age will help them grow into well-adjusted adults.
Due to their history as hunters, a reliable recall command is one of the most important things to teach them.
Diet
Feed your Lakeland Terrier a high-quality, age-appropriate dog food. Small-breed formulas are often a good choice as they are nutrient-dense with smaller kibble.
Portion control is important as even a little extra weight can strain their small frame. A typical adult will eat around 1 to 1.5 cups of food per day, divided into two meals.
Monitor your dog's body condition and adjust food intake based on their age, activity level, and health. Fresh, clean water should always be available.
Exercise
Lakelands are energetic dogs that need at least an hour of exercise daily. This should include brisk walks, jogging, and vigorous playtime.
They thrive when they have a job to do. Activities like agility, earthdog trials, or advanced obedience provide excellent physical and mental stimulation.
A securely fenced yard is essential, as their prey drive and curiosity can lead them to dig under fences or chase after squirrels. They should not be left unattended in a yard.
Many Lakeland Terriers also enjoy swimming, which is a great low-impact exercise.
Environment
Lakeland Terriers are adaptable and can live in an apartment as long as their daily exercise and stimulation needs are met. However, they can be prone to barking, which might not be ideal for close neighbors.
They do best in a home with an active family that can provide plenty of attention and engagement.
Their instinct to dig and chase means a secure environment is paramount to their safety.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
Adaptable; can live in an apartment if sufficiently exercised, but a yard is a plus.
Climate Adaptability
Hardy coat offers protection in cooler climates; care should be taken in extreme heat.
Apartment Living
Possible, but their energy and tendency to bark should be considered.
Best Suited For
Best suited for active owners who enjoy training and outdoor activities.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lakeland Terriers good with children?
Yes, Lakeland Terriers are generally good with children, especially when raised with them. They are playful and sturdy, but interactions should always be supervised.
Do Lakeland Terriers shed a lot?
No, Lakeland Terriers are a low-shedding breed. Their wiry coat catches loose hair, which is removed through grooming.
How much exercise do Lakeland Terriers need?
They are a high-energy breed needing at least 60 minutes of daily exercise, including walks, runs, and playtime.
Are Lakeland Terriers easy to train?
They are intelligent and learn fast but also have an independent, stubborn streak, which can make training a moderate challenge. Consistency is key.
Are Lakeland Terriers hypoallergenic?
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, their low-shedding coat makes them a better choice for many people with allergies.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Crucial early socialization, start training immediately, provide plenty of chew toys.
Senior Care
Monitor for joint issues, adjust exercise to a more moderate level, regular vet check-ups.
First-Time Owner Tips
Can be a good match for active first-time owners who are prepared for the grooming and training commitment.
Looking for a Lakeland Terrier?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.