Lakeland Terrier

Size
Small (under 11kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

As one of the earliest Terriers (Latin derivation of earth), dating from the 1700s, this "earth" dog is a descendant of the old English Black and Tan and Fell Terriers. The Lakeland's original service was "going to ground" on the farm in hunt for vermin. Its size and energy make it popular as a hunter in hard to reach places; the breed is among those eligible for competition in sanctioned Earthdog trials. (1)

In the Lake District of the UK, the mountainous, rocky terrain is unsuitable for hunting fox on horseback and foxes were hunted on foot. It has been suggested that the Lakeland Terrier's great stamina derives from running all day with the hounds, unlike his close cousin, the fox terrier, who would have been carried in a saddle bag to be released only when the fox had gone to earth. (1. & 3.)

Appearance

Smart, workmanlike, well balanced and compact (2)

Temperament

Friendly, bold, and confident. (4) Shyness is very atypical, as is aggressiveness. Very intelligent and independent minded, they are quick to learn and easy to train though Lakelands often exhibit 'selective deafness' when their interest level is aroused. The Lakeland is quite receptive to crate training. As with most terriers, the Lakeland is energetic; daily exercise and playtimes are a must, lest this active dog seek other outlets for their energy, with undesirable results for the owner. (3)

Sizes

Average Weight: Dogs 8 kg (17 lbs)

Bitches 7 kg (15 lbs)

Height: not exceeding 37 cms (14.5 ins) at shoulder. (2)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Lakeland Terrier and have decided this is the dog for you, or you would like more information, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Lakeland Terrier and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

Wikipedia.org
DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au
Alderton, David (1993). Dogs
The Kennel Club Breed Information Centre, Lakeland Terrier

Photo: Radomír Režný | Dreamstime.com

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 May 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Smart, workmanlike, well balanced and compact.

Characteristics

Gay, fearless demeanour, keen of expression, quick of movement, on the tip-toe of expectation.

Temperament

Bold, friendly and self-confident.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Well-balanced. Skull flat and refined. Jaws powerful and muzzle broad but not too long. Length of head from stop to tip of nose not exceeding that from occiput to stop. Nose black, except in liver-coated dogs when the nose will be liver.
Eyes	Dark or hazel. Slanting eyes undesirable.
Ears	Moderately small, V-shaped and carried alertly. Set neither too high nor too low on head.
Mouth	Teeth even with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Reachy, slightly arched, free from throatiness.
Forequarters	Shoulders well laid back. Forelegs straight, well boned.
Body	Chest reasonably narrow. Back strong, moderately short and well coupled.
Hindquarters	Strong and muscular. Thighs long and powerful with well turned stifles. Hocks low to ground and straight.
Feet	Small, compact, round and well padded.
Tail	Docked: Well set on, carried gaily, but not over back or curled.Undocked: Well set on, carried gaily, but not over back or curled. In oversall balanced with the rest of the dog.
Gait/Movement	Fore and hindlegs carried straight forward and parallel. Elbows move perpendicular to body, working free of sides, stifles turning neither in nor out. Good drive coming from well flexing hindquarters.
Coat	Dense, harsh and weather resisting with good undercoat.
Colour	Black and tan, blue and tan, red, wheaten, red grizzle, liver, blue or black. Small tips of white on feet and chest undesirable but permissible. Mahogany or deep tan not typical.
Size	Average Weight: Dogs 8 kg (17 lbs)Bitches 7 kg (15 lbs)Height: not exceeding 37 cms (14.5 ins) at shoulder.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.