The Lakeland Terrier Guide, Hunter, Tracker, and Watchdog What Makes This Breed Special

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Lakeland Terriers photo
Small Breed X-Small Breed Cataract Lens Luxation von Willebrand's disease (vWD) Lakeland Terrier

Is the Lakeland Terrier Right for Me?

  • 1 Lakeland Terriers are one of the oldest terrier breeds around.
  • 2 The dog's beautiful and distinct coat is not prone to shedding.
  • 3 With a calm, energetic disposition, Lakeland Terriers tend to pair well with young children.

HISTORY

One of the oldest terrier breeds still around, the Lakeland Terrier hails from the Lake District of northern England. A cross between the Bedlington and the Old English Wirehaired Terrier, the Lakeland Terrier was bred to help farmers keep foxes and other rodents from destroying crops and harming the farm animals. They were used to hunt den animals, like otters, foxes, and badgers, and was adept at hunting in woods, fields and even in the water. They were recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1934.

Quick Facts

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    Size

    Toy/Small

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    Lifespan

    Average 12 years, up to16 years

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    Hair Length

    Medium

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    Male Height

    Less than 141/2 inches (36.8 cm)

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    Male Weight

    17 pounds (7.7 kg)

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    Female Height

    Less than 141/2 inches (36.8 cm)

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    Female Weight

    Females 15 pounds (6.8 kg)

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    Litter Size

    3-5 puppies

Personality

The Lakeland Terrier is a kind, smart, and lively dog. They are big fans of kids and never want to stop playing. They are very self-assured, to the point where they require a tough, but calm, leader in order to be properly socialized. Having been bred to root out burrowing animals, they have a tendency to dig, and being hunting dogs, they also have a tendency to bark. Just another reason why socialization is so important with this breed. If, however, you properly raise a Lakeland Terrier, you are going to have one of the sweetest, most well behaved dogs on the planet. .

Color

Lakeland Terriers come in a wide array of colors, ranging from reddish mahogany to tan, tan and wheat, black, grizzle, gray, blue, liver or any of the color variations listed above with grizzle.

Health Concerns

The average life expectancy of the Lakeland Terrier ranges from 10 to 12 years. The major diseases and health problems that affect them are:

  • Von Willebrand disease
  • cataracts
  • lens luxation
Appearance

A solid and squarely proportioned dog, the Lakeland Terrier has a thick coat. The dog has sturdy jaws, strong hindquarters, and short legs and feet. The Lakeland Terrier has an elongated head, with bushy hair on the face. Their tail is docked and carried high and their coat patterned in a splash of colors. They have dark or hazel eyes, dark nose, and v-shaped ears that fold over.

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