| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Lakeland Terrier is not widely known in our country, at least not yet! Let’s take a look at all its characteristics.
The Lakeland Terrier is a dog breed which takes its name from its place of origin, the Lake District in England. In this area they were widely used as hunters of rats, foxes, and other animals that represented a threat to farmers.
Lively and playful, these Terriers, also known as Lakies, are very affectionate with all family members. They are very energetic and are characterized by their good humor. It is important to mention that they recognize their owner as the leader they need, even if they are a little stubborn and obstinate. But you don’t have to be alarmed… With perseverance and training you will be able to live harmoniously with your Lakeland Terrier.
Today at mydog.pet we will be introducing you to a particular and charming dog that will make you fall in love at first sight with its mischievous eyes and lively spirit. Keep reading to find out more about this interesting canine breed.
Lakeland Terrier: Origins
The Lakeland Terrier originated in England, in the famous Lake District, very close to the Scottish border. Their ancestors include the now extinct Black and Tan Terriers, the Bedlington Terriers, and the Border Terriers. It is believed that the breed was created by local farmers to get rid of pests that overwhelmed local production. Lakies were used to scare away foxes, hunt rats, rabbits, and badgers.
Before their today’s name, they were known as Cumberland or Westmoreland Terrier. The first Breeders Club was founded in 1921 and, in less than 15 years, the breed was already famous for its performance at dog shows, both in Europe and in the United States.
In 1967, Stingray, a Lakeland dog, became a celebrity by winning the two most prestigious dog shows in the world in New York and London. But that’s not all. In the 1990s, a Lakeland Terrier named Awesome Blossom won more than 100 major awards throughout its career.
Lakeland Terrier: Temperament
This breed is usually affectionate with all family members, especially with children, with whom they love playing. At home, they behave as if they were a member of the family. Some consider this characteristic as arrogance, but in reality, it is self-confidence. They are not usually aggressive or aloof. The important thing is not to disturb them while they are eating, but this is also true for any other dog.
They are attentive and reserved with strangers or visitors. This makes them good watchdogs. As for their relationship with other animals, Lakies will never start a fight, but this does not mean that they will not face those who provoke them. It is generally a very sensitive dog and can lose its temper quickly in stressful situations. That is why working on their obedience and socialization from puppyhood will help you to avoid problems.
Training is essential for them to learn, from an early age, what they can do and what they should not do. You will need to be patient to overcome its stubborn attitude and keep its temper under control. It is recommended that training sessions be entertaining, short, and that they include a lot of exercises. It is also advisable to use positive reinforcement, such as appetizing treats, petting and games. This would be the ideal strategy for training a Lakeland Terrier.
On the other hand, it is a very curious dog, so it will be aware of everything that happens at home. It will also try to access “forbidden” places. What is more, if you have a backyard or a garden, make sure it is well fenced.
Lakeland Terriers have a certain tendency to bark. Although not all of them do it in the same way, it is good to keep this in mind if you don’t want to bother your neighbors.
Lakeland Terrier: Physical Characteristics
Lakeland Terrier puppies are quite small as they belong to the group of medium-small size breeds. Adult Lakeland Terriers are no more than 15 inches (37cm) tall. Males may weigh up to 17 lb (7,7kg), while females may weigh only 14 lb (6,5kg).
The Lakeland Terrier’s body is compact, muscular, and well-balanced in terms of size and harmony. Functional and beautiful, it is suitable for the work for which it was selected. Also, it is distinguished from other terriers by the shape of its head and its particular type of coat.
The coat of this breed is very characteristic and highly admired by both the enthusiasts and by anyone who sees it on the street. The Lakeland Terrier’s coat is hard and wiry in texture. Its hair seems to have been made for a purpose as it looks like a “coat”, which must have served it well in the region where it originated.
Many colors are allowed according to the breed standard:
- Black and tan
- Blue and tan
- Red
- Wheaten
- Red grizzle
- Liver
- Dark Blue
Mahogany and deep tan are not considered typical colors. The presence of small white spots on the feet and chest is an undesirable characteristic of this animal’s coat. Let’s be clear: They are allowed, but not desired.
Lakeland Terrier: Relationship with Children
It gets along very well with children. However, as all Terriers, patience is not one of its qualities. It is important to teach children to respect their pets, so that they do not treat them as if they were stuffed animals or toys.
Lakeland Terrier: Grooming
Fortunately, it is a breed that does not shed much hair. However, their coat needs grooming. It should be brushed about 30 minutes a week. In addition, in order to avoid bathing them frequently, it is recommended to use a moist towel to clean them at least 30 minutes a week Whenever your Lakeland Terrier needs a haircut, it is always best to go to a groomer.
When it comes to living together, Lakeland Terriers fit in well in small spaces or houses without backyards, as long as they can enjoy two daily walks of at least 30 minutes each. Its hunting instinct is latent, so you should take it on walks on a leash so that it does not run after a cat, a bird, or something that catches its attention. Besides, it should not be left alone with small pets such as hamsters or rabbits.
Lakeland Terrier: Food
Feeding a Lakeland Terrier is an easy task as long as its primary needs are met. All that is needed is a diet adapted to its age, physical activity, and health condition.
You can choose between a homemade diet, with raw or cooked food, or an industrial diet, such as balanced dog food.
It is recommended that the Lakeland Terrier puppy’s diet be supervised by a veterinarian. Two meals a day will be enough to make this puppy happy. It is important that this puppy remains as calm as possible before and after each meal to avoid gastric torsion.
Lakeland Terrier: Health
In terms of health, Lakeland Terriers have a very low incidence of serious conditions, except for certain eye diseases such as cataracts, lens luxations, or microphthalmia. The latter occur in specimens with abnormally small eyes.
Lakeland Terrier: Price, and Puppies For Sale
The price of a Lakeland Terrier puppy varies according to its origins, age, and gender. In general, the price starts from 800 to 1100 dollars, about 700-900 English pounds. The ideal is to contact a professional breeder to purchase a specimen that has been well selected in order to avoid any genetic problems.
You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the purity of the dog’s breed. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Russian Toy
- Manchester Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Alaskan Klee Kai
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Griffon Belge
- Maltese
- Chihuahua
- Lakeland Terrier
