Lakeland Terrier
A smart, bold working terrier from the Lake District, bred to protect sheep from foxes in rugged fell country, the Lakeland is confident, hardy and low-shedding. Every inch a terrier. It suits owners who'll provide firm training for a born digger and chaser, plenty of activity, and hand-stripping of the wiry coat.
Lakeland Terrier scorecard
Overview
The Lakeland Terrier is a small, square-built working terrier from the fells of the Lake District in north-west England. Standing around 33 to 37 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 7 to 8 kg, it is a compact, sturdy and surprisingly leggy dog built for stamina rather than speed. Its harsh, weatherproof double coat comes in a range of colours including black and tan, blue, red, wheaten, liver, grizzle and the distinctive "saddle" patterns, and the breed carries itself with the bold, alert, slightly cheeky air typical of the working terriers of northern Britain. The Kennel Club places the Lakeland in its Terrier group, and like its terrier cousins it is far larger in personality than in body.
Lakelands were bred to be game, hardy and self-reliant, and that heritage still shapes the modern companion. They are quick to learn, keen to be involved in everything their family does, and genuinely affectionate at home, but they retain a strong prey drive, a fondness for digging and a habit of barking when something interests them. A low-shedding wiry coat and adaptable, flat-friendly size make them appealing to many households, yet they are not an effortless beginner's dog: they need consistent, firm-but-fair training, daily exercise and an owner who understands how a working terrier thinks. With the right handling they make lively, loyal and entertaining companions that can live happily for well into their teens.
Good to know — a Lakeland Terrier is flat-friendly and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Lakeland Terrier takes its name from the Lake District and is one of the oldest of the British working terrier breeds, developed in Cumberland and Westmorland to work alongside the local fell packs of hounds. Hill farmers needed a tough, agile terrier that could keep up with hunts on foot across rough fell country and then go to ground after foxes that preyed on their lambs. The breed shares ancestry with other northern terriers of the region, including dogs that contributed to the Border Terrier and the Bedlington, and was historically known by names such as the Patterdale or Fell Terrier before the modern "Lakeland" type was settled.
The Lakeland Terrier Association was formed in the early twentieth century, and the breed was recognised by The Kennel Club in 1928, which fixed the smarter, more uniform show type seen today while the working strains continued in the hands of fell packs. The Lakeland enjoyed considerable show success through the mid-twentieth century, but in recent decades it has become one of the more numerically vulnerable native British breeds, with relatively low annual registrations. It remains, at heart, a genuine working terrier that has changed comparatively little from the hardy fell dogs that first earned it a name.
Temperament & family fit
Lakeland Terriers are bold, confident and full of character. They are typically friendly and affectionate with their own family, enjoy being part of household life and often form strong bonds with the people they live with. Bright and inquisitive, they like having something to do and can become bored and mischievous if under-stimulated. Many owners describe them as comical and self-assured, with the classic terrier mix of independence and devotion that makes them rewarding but occasionally exasperating company.
The flip side of that working heritage is a strong prey drive, a tendency to dig and a readiness to bark, and many Lakelands are reserved with strange dogs or quick to stand their ground if challenged. Early, thorough socialisation with people, dogs and other animals is important, and they are usually best in homes without small pets such as rabbits or hamsters, which their instincts may treat as quarry. They can be good with children when raised together and properly supervised, but their feisty, busy nature means they suit active families and owners who appreciate terrier spirit rather than those wanting a placid lap dog.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Lakelands are intelligent and learn quickly, but they are also independent thinkers bred to make their own decisions underground, so they do not always see the point of repeating an exercise simply to please you. Training works best when it is consistent, upbeat and reward-based, with short, varied sessions that hold their interest. Reward-based methods supported by The Kennel Club and welfare charities such as the PDSA and Blue Cross — using food, play and praise rather than harsh corrections — get far better results than confrontation, which a bold terrier may simply resist.
Two areas deserve particular attention. Recall can be unreliable once a Lakeland is locked onto a scent or a fleeing animal, so a secure garden and a long line in open spaces are sensible, and recall should be trained patiently from puppyhood with high-value rewards. Barking and digging are natural terrier behaviours that are easier to channel than to eliminate, so providing outlets — games, scent work, digging pits and plenty of mental enrichment — helps prevent them becoming problems. Early socialisation and habituation to everyday sights and sounds are equally important in raising a confident, well-mannered adult.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Lakeland Terrier typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Lakeland's harsh, wiry double coat is low-shedding but high-maintenance in its own way. To keep the correct texture and a tidy outline the coat is traditionally hand-stripped — plucking out the dead outer hairs — several times a year, a skill some owners learn and others leave to a professional groomer. Pets that are clipped rather than stripped will keep the colour and softness but lose some of the harsh, weatherproof quality of the coat. Between grooming, a weekly brush helps remove loose hair and prevent matting, especially in the longer furnishings on the legs and face. As with any breed, routine ear checks, nail trimming and dental care should be part of the regular grooming routine.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Lakeland Terriers should be fed a good-quality, complete dog food appropriate to their age, size and activity level, divided into two meals a day for an adult and more frequent meals for a growing puppy. As a small, active breed their daily portions are modest, so it is easy to overfeed — particularly when treats are used heavily in training — and excess weight puts needless strain on joints and overall health. Welfare charities such as the PDSA recommend measuring food by weight rather than guessing, accounting for treats within the daily allowance, and regularly checking body condition so you can feel the ribs easily under a light covering of fat. Fresh water should always be available, and any change of diet should be made gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Lakeland Terrier health & costs
Before bringing a Lakeland Terrier home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Lakeland Terrier is generally regarded as a hardy, robust breed with a relatively long lifespan for a dog of its type, commonly around 12 to 16 years. Its working origins favoured fitness and soundness, and many Lakelands stay active and healthy well into old age with good routine care, a sensible diet and regular veterinary check-ups. As a numerically smaller breed, however, it is important to choose puppies from responsible breeders who health-test their stock and breed for temperament and soundness rather than appearance alone.
Like all terriers and small breeds, Lakelands can be prone to certain inherited and age-related conditions, and prospective owners should ask breeders about the relevant health screening of the parents. Keeping a Lakeland at a healthy weight, maintaining good dental hygiene and staying up to date with vaccination, worming and flea control all contribute to a long and comfortable life. Pet insurance is worth considering to help meet the cost of any unexpected veterinary treatment.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Lens luxation (primary lens luxation) - an inherited eye condition seen in several terrier breeds where the lens dislocates within the eye, which can be painful and threaten sight; DNA testing of breeding stock is available.
- Distichiasis and other eye conditions - abnormally placed eyelashes and related problems can cause irritation; eye examinations of breeding dogs help reduce the risk.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease - a hip condition affecting some small breeds in which the head of the femur degenerates, causing lameness in young dogs and sometimes needing surgery.
- Patellar luxation - slipping of the kneecap, relatively common in small breeds, which can range from mild to needing surgical correction.
- Dental disease - small mouths are prone to tartar build-up and gum disease, so regular tooth brushing and dental checks are important.
- Skin allergies - some terriers are prone to itchy skin and allergic conditions that may need veterinary management.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Lakeland Terrier; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Lakeland Terrier puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Lakeland Terrier
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Bold, confident and low-shedding
- Hardy and adaptable
Things to consider
- A true terrier — loves to dig, chase and bark
- Wiry coat needs hand-stripping and they need firm training
Compare the Lakeland Terrier
See how the Lakeland Terrier measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
How big is a Lakeland Terrier?
The Lakeland Terrier is a small, square-built working terrier standing around 33–37cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 7–8kg. It is compact, sturdy and surprisingly leggy, built for stamina rather than speed, reflecting its origins working the fells of the Lake District in north-west England.
What colours do Lakeland Terriers come in?
The Lakeland's harsh, weatherproof double coat comes in a range of colours including black and tan, blue, red, wheaten, liver, grizzle, and the distinctive "saddle" patterns. The coat is wiry and low-shedding, designed to keep the dog protected in the wet, rugged conditions of its native Lake District.
What is the temperament of a Lakeland Terrier?
Lakeland Terriers are bold, confident and full of character — typically friendly and affectionate with their family and keen to be involved in everything. Bright and inquisitive, they can become bored and mischievous if under-stimulated. They retain a strong prey drive, a fondness for digging and a readiness to bark, and many are reserved with strange dogs.
Are Lakeland Terriers easy to train?
They are intelligent and learn quickly, but as independent thinkers bred to work alone underground, they don't always see the point of repeating an exercise to please you. Consistent, upbeat, reward-based training with short varied sessions works best, as supported by The Kennel Club and welfare charities. Harsh corrections tend to make a bold terrier dig in.
How much exercise does a Lakeland Terrier need?
Expect to provide at least an hour of activity a day for a healthy adult, split across walks, off-lead play in secure areas and games at home. They have real stamina for their size and also thrive on mental work such as scent games and puzzle feeders. Because of their prey drive, off-lead freedom is safest in enclosed spaces.
Do Lakeland Terriers shed, and how are they groomed?
The harsh, wiry double coat is low-shedding but needs proper care. To keep its correct texture and tidy outline it is traditionally hand-stripped several times a year, though many pet owners have their dog clipped — which softens the coat over time. A weekly brush prevents matting, alongside routine ear checks, nail trimming and dental care.
How long do Lakeland Terriers live?
The Lakeland Terrier is a hardy, robust breed with a relatively long lifespan for its type, commonly around 12–16 years. Its working origins favoured fitness and soundness, and many stay active well into old age. Buying from a responsible breeder who health-tests their stock, plus a healthy weight and good dental care, all support a long life.
Are Lakeland Terriers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Lakeland Terriers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Lakeland Terrier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Lakeland Terrier needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Lakeland Terriers shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Lakeland Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Lakeland Terriers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Lakeland Terriers bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Lakeland Terriers good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Lakeland Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Lakeland Terrier can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) - Lakeland Terrier breed information, breed standard and Terrier group classification: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- PDSA - dog health, feeding, weight management and small-breed care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross - dog care, training and behaviour guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- RSPCA - dog welfare, exercise and responsible ownership guidance: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) VetCompass - epidemiological research on canine health in UK dogs: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.