Originally bred to be a working dog, the Lakeland Terrier hails from England’s Lake District, where it was used for hunting and killing foxes that stole sheep and other farm animals. Despite being a small dog, the square and sturdily-built Lakie has the courage and confidence of a big breed.
It is a self-respecting terrier that can occasionally be willful and determined. But that does not prove to be a constraint in making it one of the most-loved terrier breeds. Your Lakeland is a cheerful and energetic dog that will always see the funny side of things and captivate you with its charm.
As a terrier, it has the propensity to chase small animals while being aloof to strangers. If you live in a condo or apartment, the Lakie is a good choice provided that you train it not to bark at every little noise it hears.
Lakeland Terrier, as one of the earliest terrier breeds, was developed from Fell Terriers and the old Black and Tan Terriers
Recognized by the UK Kennel Club and the Lakeland Terrier Association was founded
Crossbred with Airedale Terrier and Fox Terrier to attain some uniformity in the breed
The Lakeland Terrier Club was established for promoting the breed nationally
Instead of outdoors, your Lakie should live in the house where it can spend time with its human companion. It remains active indoors and will do okay without a yard as long as you take it out for 20-30-minute walks once or twice daily.
Walking on short leads, however, does not keep it happy. One or two sessions of all-out running on a 20-30 feet line may be needed. If your Lakeland has access to a yard, make sure that it is securely fenced. You never know when its terrier instinct to dig and chase will kick in.
The Lakeland Terrier has a thick, wiry outer coat along with a soft undercoat, which needs periodic hand plucking and can be moderately time-consuming. However, finding a groomer who can strip or pluck a coat can be difficult.
Clipping its coat is also necessary as far as its grooming needs are concerned, but overdoing it may cause the coat’s color and texture to fade. After clipping, its hair becomes soft and usually forms loose curls.
It is a minimally shedding breed that needs weekly brushing in order to get rid of the loose hairs as well as prevent mats.
High-quality dog food, be it home-prepared or commercially manufactured, would help keep your Lakie in good shape. Watch your pet’s daily calorie intake and give it a minimum amount of treats to prevent it from becoming obese. If a store-bought dry dog food is your thing, then Diamond Naturals and Merrick Lil Plates are among the best choices for your pooch.
It responds well to firm, patient training because of its typically terrier-like willful and independent personality. As an intelligent breed, it learns fast and so make sure that the training method involves plenty of varieties to keep it challenged.
Because of its inherent terrier instinct, it needs proper socialization training, followed up with a puppy training class. It would teach your Lakie to respond to basic commands, helping it to behave in a more disciplined way.
