Lakeland Terrier
Quick Summary
Intelligent, adaptable terriers best suited for active owners. Key traits include boldness and loyalty. Ideal for those seeking a compact, low-shedding companion with moderate exercise needs.
Contents
Weight Range
17-17 lbs
♂ Male: 15-18 lbs
♀ Female: 15-18 lbs
Height Range
36-38 inches
♂ Male: 15-15"
♀ Female: 15-15"
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #68
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Terrier Group
Originally bred for Developed in the Lake District of England during the 1800s to hunt foxes and vermin
Popularity
#147
Less common breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 14.5"-15" |
| Female Height | 14.5"-15" |
| Male Weight | 15-18 lbs |
| Female Weight | 15-18 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($1,200-$2,000), supplies, and vaccinations. Monthly expenses cover quality food, grooming supplies, and routine vet care. Consider pet insurance for unexpected health issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Bold and confident terriers with high energy levels and strong hunting instincts. Social with family but may be reserved with strangers. Alert and protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs while maintaining a playful disposition.
Social Needs
Thrives on family interaction and enjoys companionship. Generally good with other dogs but may need early socialization. Can tolerate moderate alone time with proper training and exercise.
Breed Overview
Lakeland Terriers possess a sturdy, well-balanced frame with distinctive wire-coated exteriors in various colors. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their bold personality. Standing 14-15 inches at the shoulder, these compact terriers showcase a rectangular body profile with strong legs and a carried-high tail. Their temperament combines fearlessness with friendly approachability.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Low shedding
- ✓ Adaptable
- ✓ Good with families
- ✓ Alert watchdog
Cons
- ✗ Requires regular grooming
- ✗ Can be stubborn
- ✗ May chase small animals
- ✗ Tendency to bark
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Bold |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Infrequent |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 45-60 minutes of daily exercise through brisk walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation activities. Moderate intensity level with bursts of high energy during play. Benefits from agility training and interactive games.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 1-1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Special attention to weight management needed. Consider breed-specific formulas rich in proteins and moderate in fats.
Feed 1-1.5 cups of premium dry dog food daily, divided into two meals. Choose age-appropriate formulas with adequate protein content. Monitor weight closely as breed can be prone to obesity if overfed.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adapts well to apartment living with sufficient exercise. Ideal for homes with secure yards. Tolerates various climates but needs protection from extreme weather conditions.
Minimum space requirements include secure outdoor area for exercise. Adapts well to various living situations when exercise needs are met. Thrives in homes with fenced yards but can adjust to apartment living.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Bred in England's Lake District during the 1800s, these tenacious terriers were developed by farmers to hunt foxes in challenging terrain. Their compact size and fearless nature made them ideal for pursuing quarry through rocky landscapes.
Historical Purpose
Developed in the Lake District of England during the 1800s to hunt foxes and vermin. These agile terriers excelled at pursuing quarry through rocky terrain and water.
Fun Fact
Despite their small size, Lakeland Terriers were brave enough to hunt foxes alongside much larger hounds!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular grooming needed for wire coat maintenance. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Early socialization important for balanced temperament.