Lakeland Terrier
The Good
- Suitable for beginners
- Small size
- Cheerful and friendly
- Intelligent, trains well
- Very loyal
The Real
- Not very compatible with other pets, jealous
- Quite noisy
- Needs attention
- Strong hunting instinct
- Rare breed
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Lakeland Terrier is like having a big personality packed into a small, manageable package - perfect for Australian families who want all the character of a larger terrier without needing a massive backyard. Originally bred in England's rugged Lake District to hunt foxes on foot rather than horseback, these little legends developed incredible stamina and that trademark terrier confidence.
Standing at just 35-37cm tall and weighing around 7kg, Lakelands are equally at home in a Sydney apartment or a Brisbane suburban home. Their wiry, weather-resistant coat comes in various colours including black and tan, blue and tan, red, wheat, or liver - giving you plenty of options to find your perfect match.
What really sets Lakelands apart is their fantastic family temperament combined with that classic terrier spunk. They're affectionate without being clingy, brave without being reckless, and intelligent enough to keep you on your toes. Australian families love them because they're small enough for unit living but robust enough for weekend camping trips to the Blue Mountains or beach walks along the Gold Coast.
These dogs thrive on being part of the action - whether that's school pickup runs, Saturday morning markets, or backyard BBQs. They're particularly popular with families who want a dog that's genuinely interested in what everyone's doing rather than just lounging around all day.
History
History
The Lakeland Terrier is one of Britain's oldest terrier breeds, with a history stretching back to the 18th century. Named after England's stunning Lake District - that mountainous region that inspired poets and artists - these tough little dogs were developed for a very specific job: hunting foxes on foot across rocky, challenging terrain.
Unlike their Wire Fox Terrier cousins who rode to the hunt on horseback, Lakelands had to keep up with the hounds on their own four legs all day long. This demanding work shaped everything about them - their incredible stamina, their compact but sturdy build, and that unshakeable confidence that makes them think they're ten times their actual size.
The breed's ancestors include the old English Black and Tan Terrier and various local working terriers. Farmers kept detailed breeding records from as early as 1732, selecting puppies with longer legs and narrower chests - perfect for following foxes into rocky crevices and underground dens. The Lake District's harsh conditions meant only the toughest, most determined dogs survived and bred.
By the early 1900s, the breed gained official recognition from the British Kennel Club. The 1920s brought some crossbreeding with Welsh and Airedale Terriers, which helped standardise the breed's appearance. They arrived in America in 1934 and made their way to Australia much later, where they've found a devoted following among families who appreciate their combination of working heritage and adaptable temperament.
Traits & Characteristics
Lakeland Terrier characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Here's some great news for potential Lakeland owners - these are genuinely healthy little dogs with very few breed-specific health concerns. Most Lakelands live happily into their teens, typically 12-15 years, which is excellent for any breed.
The main health considerations are fairly common across small breeds. Dental health is the big one - like many smaller dogs, Lakelands are prone to tartar buildup and dental disease. This is easily managed with regular tooth brushing (yes, your dog can learn to tolerate this!) and annual dental cleanings when needed. Poor dental health can affect their heart and kidneys, so it's worth staying on top of.
Patella luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, occasionally occurs in the breed. You might notice a hopping gait or temporary lameness. Many cases are mild and manageable with joint supplements and keeping your dog at a healthy weight, though severe cases might need surgery.
What's refreshing about Lakelands is that even in countries where genetic testing is routine, there are no mandatory health tests required for breeding - that's how few serious hereditary conditions they carry.
For Australian owners, the usual preventive care applies: regular vaccinations, parasite prevention (especially important in our tick-prone regions), and annual vet checkups. Given Australia's varied climate, watch for heat stress during summer months, particularly in places like Darwin or Perth, and consider a coat for those chilly Canberra or Melbourne winters.
Feeding a Lakeland Terrier is refreshingly straightforward - they're not fussy eaters and don't have special dietary requirements. Like all small breeds, they have fast metabolisms and small stomachs, so frequent smaller meals work better than one or two large ones.
For puppies, aim for four to five small meals daily to prevent low blood sugar, which can be a concern in small breeds. Adult Lakelands do well on two to three meals per day. This approach also helps prevent bloat and keeps their energy levels steady throughout the day.
Any high-quality commercial dog food that meets nutritional standards will suit them fine. Look for small-kibble formulations designed for smaller breeds - it's easier for them to chew and digest. Your local Australian vet can help you choose the best option based on your dog's age, activity level, and any specific needs.
Here's where it gets fun - Lakelands are smart cookies who benefit from mental stimulation during meals. Puzzle feeders, lick mats, and food-dispensing toys turn mealtime into brain training. Perfect for keeping these intelligent little minds occupied while you're getting ready for work or settling down for the evening.
Weight management is crucial with small breeds. Treats add up quickly, and an extra 200 grams on a 7kg dog is like an extra 5kg on a person! Keep treats to less than 10% of their daily calories, and remember that training rewards count too. Many Australian Lakeland owners find success with tiny pieces of cooked chicken or commercial training treats broken into smaller portions.
The Lakeland's wiry double coat is both a blessing and a bit of work - they're considered low-shedding (great for Australian families with allergies), but that coat needs proper maintenance to stay healthy and looking good.
Traditional hand-stripping - plucking out dead hairs by hand - maintains the coat's proper wiry texture and vibrant colour. However, finding someone skilled in this technique can be challenging, even in major Australian cities. Many owners opt for clipping instead, which is perfectly fine for pet dogs, though the coat becomes softer and may fade slightly.
Whether stripped or clipped, your Lakeland will need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Between visits, weekly brushing prevents mats and removes loose hair. Pay special attention to areas that mat easily - behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.
Bathing monthly or when dirty keeps their skin healthy. Use a dog-specific shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin. Their beard and leg furnishings might need more frequent cleaning, especially if your dog loves exploring muddy parks or beach walks.
Don't forget the basics: weekly ear cleaning (those folded ears can trap moisture, particularly in humid Brisbane or Darwin weather), regular nail trims, and daily tooth brushing if possible. Many Australian pet stores now stock dental chews specifically designed for small breeds.
The good news? Once you establish a routine, most Lakelands actually enjoy the attention that comes with grooming sessions. Start handling their feet, ears, and mouth as puppies, and grooming becomes bonding time rather than a battle.
Training a Lakeland Terrier is like working with a brilliant student who gets bored easily - they're incredibly smart and learn quickly, but they need variety and challenge to stay engaged. These dogs were bred to think independently while working, so they'll definitely have opinions about how things should be done!
Early socialisation is absolutely crucial. These confident little dogs need to learn that not every stranger or dog requires their input. Puppy school is fantastic, but choose trainers who understand terrier mentality. Avoid anyone who relies heavily on repetitive drilling - Lakelands will simply switch off and find something more interesting to do.
Keep training sessions short, fun, and varied. They excel at agility, obedience, and even earthdog trials (popular in several Australian dog sport clubs). Their hunting heritage means they love activities that engage their natural instincts - barn hunt competitions are becoming increasingly popular across Australia.
Exercise-wise, Lakelands aren't marathon runners, but they need about an hour of activity daily. This works perfectly for most Australian lifestyles - a good morning walk, some backyard play, and an evening stroll usually does the trick. They love exploring new places, so weekend trips to different parks, beaches, or hiking trails keep them mentally stimulated.
Be warned: these dogs are diggers and escape artists. Australian backyards need secure fencing, and gardens might suffer unless you provide acceptable digging spots. Many owners create designated dig zones filled with sand - much better than discovering holes under your prize roses!
Their bark can be quite piercing, which neighbours in close-quarters Australian housing might not appreciate. Training helps manage this, but you'll never completely eliminate their alert system.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Lakeland Terrier owner in Australia is someone who appreciates intelligence, humour, and a bit of cheek in their four-legged companion. These dogs suit a wide range of people, from first-time owners to experienced dog folk, but there are definitely some lifestyle factors that make for the best matches.
Active individuals or families work wonderfully with Lakelands. You don't need to be marathon runners, but regular walks, weekend adventures, and involvement in family activities are essential. They're perfect for people who enjoy dog sports, weekend market visits, or camping trips around Australia - adaptable enough for various activities but small enough to take anywhere.
Apartment dwellers in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane can absolutely succeed with Lakelands, provided they commit to daily exercise and mental stimulation. However, they're probably not ideal for shift workers who are away for long periods - these social dogs genuinely need company and interaction.
Families with older, responsible children (generally 8+) tend to do best. Lakelands can be a bit possessive of their toys and space, and younger children might not understand these boundaries. They're not aggressive, just clear about their preferences!
Patient, consistent people who enjoy training challenges will love working with these intelligent dogs. If you prefer a dog who follows commands without question, a Lakeland might frustrate you. But if you enjoy the mental chess game of working with a smart, independent thinker, you'll find them endlessly entertaining.
Retirees often make excellent Lakeland owners - they have time for the attention these dogs crave and usually appreciate their alert, protective nature without needing them to be guard dogs.
Interesting facts about the Lakeland Terrier
Interesting Fact
One of only two dogs to win both Westminster Dog Show in New York and Crufts in London was a Lakeland Terrier named Champion Stingray of Derryabah in 1967
Interesting Fact
The breed has been known by various names throughout history, including Patterdale, Fell, Cumberland, and Westmoreland Terrier, all reflecting different regions of their Lake District origins
Interesting Fact
Lakeland Terriers are derived from the Welsh Terrier and the now-extinct Old English Black and Tan Terrier, with contributions from Wire Fox Terriers, Border Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, and early Dandie Dinmont Terriers
Interesting Fact
They were accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club in 1934, making them a relatively "new" breed in official terms despite their ancient working heritage
FAQ
Yes, Lakeland Terriers make excellent family dogs when properly socialised and exercised. They bond well with multiple family members and thrive in busy, active households. However, they do best with older children who understand boundaries, as Lakelands can be possessive of their toys and space.
About an hour of activity daily keeps most Lakelands happy - this could be a good morning walk, some backyard play, and an evening stroll. They're not hyperactive but need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. Weekend adventures and new places to explore are perfect for keeping them engaged.
Absolutely! Their small size makes them well-suited to apartment living in Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne. However, they do bark to alert you of changes, which might concern close neighbours. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to prevent boredom-related behaviours in smaller spaces.
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks keeps their coat in good condition, whether hand-stripped or clipped. At home, weekly brushing prevents mats, and monthly baths keep them clean. Their wiry coat is relatively low-maintenance compared to some breeds, but regular care is important.
Lakelands can be trained to live with other dogs and cats in the same household, but they may be wary of strange animals due to their strong prey drive from their fox-hunting heritage. Early socialisation helps, but they're generally happiest as the only pet or with well-matched companions.
Yes, Lakelands are generally very healthy with few breed-specific health issues. Most live 12-15 years with proper care. The main concerns are dental health (common in small breeds) and occasional patella luxation. Regular vet checkups and preventive care keep most Lakelands healthy throughout their lives.