Lakeland Terrier Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Lakeland Terrier hails from England's Lake District, where hill farmers needed a small, tough dog to follow foxes into rocky dens and protect lambs. It is energetic, brave and intelligent, with a distinctive bearded face.

Origins and appearance

The breed is among the oldest of the English terriers, developed in Cumbria from Border, Bedlington and other working terriers. Lakelands are square and light, with a flat skull, a strong, bearded muzzle, small V-shaped ears and a dense, wiry coat in colors including black and tan, blue and tan, red, wheaten and grizzle. They are leggier than many terriers.

Temperament

Lakelands are confident, friendly and spirited. They bond with their family, enjoy company and are good-humored. They are also independent and tenacious, with a strong urge to dig and chase. They may be assertive with other dogs and are not reliable with small pets. They bark to alert.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of daily exercise, such as walks, runs and games. They enjoy agility, earthdog trials and hiking. Use secure fencing and a leash outdoors. See recall training guide.

Training

They are intelligent but headstrong. Use consistent, positive training with varied games. Early socialization helps with other dogs. House training is generally straightforward. Teach quiet and leave-it cues.

Coat and grooming

The wiry coat needs brushing weekly and hand-stripping or professional trimming a few times a year. See wire coat dog grooming guide. Clean the beard after meals, trim nails and check ears. Shedding is light.

Health considerations

The breed is generally hardy, but topics include:

• Allergies and skin conditions. See dog skin allergies
• Primary lens luxation
• Von Willebrand's disease. See von Willebrand's disease in dogs
• Liver shunts
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs

Living with a Lakeland Terrier

They suit houses with fenced yards, and apartments with ample exercise. They enjoy company and tasks. Supervise around small pets.

Behavior and daily management

A Lakeland needs a daily outlet and a clear job. Alternate runs, scent games and short training sessions, and provide a digging area. Teach a calm settle for visitors and use baby gates to manage space. They are happiest when included in family outings and given purpose.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bold and busy. Provide chew toys, a crate and early socialization. Begin coat handling and teach basic manners. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for coat care, training, vet visits and genetic screening. See dog vet cost guide.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping coat care, allowing barking habits and trusting off-leash behavior near wildlife.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask about lens luxation tests, von Willebrand's disease testing, liver bile acid results and parent temperaments.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Lakeland suits active owners who want a lively, brave and low-shedding terrier. It may not suit a quiet home or one with small pets. For a similar breed, see the Welsh Terrier.

Training notes

Lakelands respond to a quick, game-like approach. Use small food rewards, change the exercise often and finish before they lose interest. Teach leave-it, a reliable recall and a calm settle, since the breed's energy and digging instinct will otherwise find outlets you do not want. A sand pit or digging box helps protect flower beds.

What the breed is like indoors

Indoors, a well-exercised Lakeland is a cheerful, alert companion that likes to be involved but can relax. Expect barking at the door and a keen interest in anything that moves outside the window.

The takeaway

Lakeland Terriers are plucky, athletic and bearded, and they need exercise, training and grooming.