History of the Lakeland Terrier Breed
In the 1700s in England's Lake District, farmers developed a handsome, spirited fox-hunter, the Lakeland terrier. Its ancestors are those of the border collie, the Bedlington Terrier, the Old English Wiltshire Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Said to come from Cumberland, its origins were not recorded. Several places in the Lake District lent their names to the breed – Patterdale terrier, Fell terrier, Eltewater terrier – before it became known by the catchall title, Lakeland terrier. The dog was adept at hunting over the rough, shale-strewn terrain of the Lake District. A good digger, it was able to unearth burrowing animals to help control foxes, badgers and vermin. A good swimmer, it could easily best an otter. The Lakeland terrier's spunky nature and excellent tracking ability made it a superb tool for farmers. When fox-hunting became a pleasure sport, the Lakeland terrier was swept into the culture as a cherished ally. Recognized as a distinct breed in 1921, it was enrolled into the ranks of the AKC in 1934. Its beauty and talent have made it a successful show dog and a popular companion.
Size and Appearance of the Lakeland Terrier Breed
The Lakeland terrier is an attractive small dog. It is square-proportioned, with long legs and a short back. The withers are high and the topline is short. Suitable for flushing out animals gone to ground, the body is deep and narrow. Powerful jaws, an elongated muzzle and V-shaped ears are set in a rectangular head. The neck is long. The tail is generally docked. This dog has a play of expressions that depends on its mood in the moment. It may appear droll or determined or run the gamut between. Overall, it displays an alert demeanor. The Lakeland terrier’s gait is graceful. Smooth, efficient and free, it covers ground well. Powerful drive behind and good reach ahead give excellent length to its straight-ahead stride. The coat is double. The outer coat is hard and wiry and sheds water. The soft undercoat is close to the skin. Colors are black, black and tan, blue and tan, tan and mahogany, red, red-gray, wheat and liver.
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
The Lakeland Terrier is an outgoing dog, full of vim and vigor. Cheerful and brave, it is undaunted by challenges. It has a loving nature and is great with children. It is less aggressive to other dogs than most terriers and may be trained early not to chase cats. The Lakeland terrier is clever and independent, qualities that shoddy training can turn into stubbornness and mischief-making. Educate this dog with a firm hand, especially while housebreaking, but include generous amounts of patience, humor, variety and challenge. The Lakeland terrier enjoys digging and may bark more than required. It may guard its toys and food, so warn young children about this. It is unsure around strangers and makes an excellent watch dog.
Lakeland Terrier Recommended Maintenance
The Lakeland terrier’s coat needs combing once or twice weekly. In addition, the outer coat should be stripped three to four times a year, paying special attention to the ears and feet. Dogs not being shown may be clipped. Proper grooming will allow the coat to shed dirt and water easily, so it should be bathed only as required to avoid drying out the skin. Little to no hair is shed. A lively, curious breed, the Lakeland terrier does best with a good mix of action and entertainment. It loves games, such as catch, that call on its agility. It also loves to run free and to explore. Given regular opportunities for this, its exercise needs may otherwise be met by a good daily walk or a romp in the yard. Very active indoors, it can even prosper without a yard. The Lakeland terrier is amenable to a wide variety of situations.
Lakeland Terrier Health
• Life span: 12-16 years
• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: lens luxation, distichiasis
• Occasionally seen: Legg-Perthes, vWD
• Suggested tests: eye
|
