The first job of the Lakeland Terrier dog in the Lake District of Northern England was that of hunting and killing foxes that hunted sheep during the lambing season. This mid-size Terrier has an independent personality but interacts with all the members of the family.
Origins
This breed of dog was raised in Northern England’s Lake District in the county of Cumberland, very close to the Scottish border. He is one of the oldest worker Terriers. The terrain at Lake District is really treacherous. Back in the days, a breed of fox known as Westmoreland were hunting on the sheep, especially during lambing season. The Lakeland Terrier dog was tasked with hunting and killing these foxes.
This breed is not very common in American homes today. The AKC officially recognized the Lakeland Terrier dog in 1934.
Physical characteristics
The Lakeland Terrier dog is the smallest of the black and tan, long-legged Terriers. He is finer-boned than the Welsh Terrier. This dog is compact and sturdy. He is able to move with agility and cover a large terrain with little effort. The thick outer coat can come in the following colors, according to the standards for the breed: Black, Black and Tan, Blue and Tan, Dark Grizzle, Grizzle, Grizzle and Tan, Liver and Tan, Red, Red Grizzle, Wheaten.
Personality
This dog is not aggressive. He is friendly and bold. He is very curious, intelligent, and fun. He does not receive new people amicably but he is great with family members, especially the little children. His sense of alert makes him a good watchdog.
Caring for a Lakeland Terrier dog
His small size makes him a viable option for apartment life. The Lakeland Terrier dog should live indoors with his people. His energetic requirements include one or two 30-minute walks a day. You can place him in a yard with a fence on it.
When you take him out for a walk, always do so with a leash. If he detects an interesting odor, there is no stopping him.
Training
In order to train this dog, you must be patient. He has an independent nature and a mind of his own. Be firm, consistent and use treats as positive reinforcements.
Fun facts
- Through history it has had other names: Patterdale, Fell, Cumberland and Westmoreland Terrier.
- If you get a Lakeland Terrier dog, know that he is a barker. So, he needs to be trained not to bark.
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