About Lakeland Terriers

Breed Standard

Illustrated Standard

Colors

Versatile Lakelands

Breed Articles

Example of Lakeland Terrier stacked on the table for conformation
Example of the head for education.
Candid of a Lakeland Terrier standing four square.
Example of a Lakeland Terrier with his head cocked to the side.
Beautifully show stacked Lakeland Terrier for education.

AN INTRODUCTION TO OWNING A LAKELAND TERRIER

Background

The Lakeland Terrier originated in the Lake District of Cumberland, England near the Scottish border in the 1800′s. He is related to several terrier breeds and is one of the oldest working terrier breeds still in use today. His diverse ancestors include the now extinct Old English Black and Tan terrier, the early Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Bedlington Terrier and Border Terrier.

For generations, the Lakeland has been used in the Lake District for the purpose of exterminating the fell foxes which raid the farmer’s sheep fold during the lambing season. Whereas most terrier breeds have only to bolt their quarry, or to mark it by baying, the Lakeland must be able to kill the foxes in their lair. Despite his reputation for courage and tenacity, the Lakeland is a gentle and loving companion.

Characteristics

The Lakeland Terrier is a breed with a striking appearance and a distinctive personality. He is a small, compact athletic terrier, varying in height from 13 1/2 inches and weighing approximately 17 lbs.

In common with other long legged terriers of his type, the Lakeland has a hard wiry body coat, soft undercoat and plenty of furnishings on muzzle, and legs. His color variations include red, red grizzle, wheaten, blue and tan, liver and tan, black and tan, solid liver and grizzle and tan. The most common colors are grizzle and tan, black and tan and red.

Personality

The Lakeland Personality has a charm and compatibility that are difficult to equal. His intelligence, sense of humor and zest for life make him an attractive choice for an active family. He is quite adept at being an “entertainment committee of one,” and he is wonderful with responsible children. Although devoted to his family, he is not “slavishly” so. Lakelands are more inclined to enjoy the role of “buddy” rather than that of subordinate and they are not usually one man dogs.

However, the Lakeland is endowed with his fair share of terrier independence and inquisitiveness. He is exceptionally quick to learn, but he can be a true challenge to obedience train. A sense of humor is mandatory on the part of a Lakeland Owner.

— JoLynn Hefferman