Parson Russell Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Parson Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Lakeland Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Parson Russell Terrier Overview
Parson Russell Terriers embody athletic grace with their balanced, square-built frames and intelligent expressions. Distinguished by a predominantly white coat with tan or black markings, they possess strong, muscular bodies built for agility and endurance. Their alert carriage and keen eyes reflect their sharp intelligence and fearless nature, while their compact size belies their tremendous stamina and working ability.
Lakeland Terrier 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 Differences
- Energy Level: Parson Russell Terriers are more energetic than Lakeland Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Parson Russell Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Lakeland Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Parson Russell Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lakeland Terriers.
- Trainability: Lakeland Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Lakeland Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lakeland Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Parson Russell Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Parson Russell Terrier and Lakeland Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-14 inches 33-36 cm | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm |
| Weight | 13-17 lbs 6-8 kg | 17-17 lbs 8-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Clever, Athletic | Friendly, Confident, Bold |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Lakeland Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Parson Russell Terrier Temperament
The Parson Russell Terrier is known for being friendly, clever, athletic, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
The Lakeland Terrier is characterized by being friendly, confident, bold, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Parson Russell Terrier and Lakeland Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Parson Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Parson Russell Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Parson Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Lakeland Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lakeland Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lakeland Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Parson Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lens luxation
- Ataxia
- Deafness
- Glaucoma
- Patellar luxation
Lakeland Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- von Willebrand's
- Legg-Perthes
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Parson Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent exercise companion
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
Lakeland Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding
- Adaptable
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tendency to bark
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Parson Russell Terrier and Lakeland Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.