Lakeland Terrier

SpiritedAffectionateBoldCuriousIndependentAlert

The Lakeland Terrier is a spirited, confident little dog bred to hunt foxes and vermin in the rugged Lake District. At home he is affectionate with his family, curious about everything, and often quite bold, sometimes more so than his size suggests. He tends to be friendly with children who are respectful of him, but many Lakelands can be wary of other dogs and small animals, and they will chase cats and squirrels if given the chance. Early socialization and supervision help.

Day to day, he needs regular walks, time to sniff and explore, and mental work such as scent games, puzzle toys, or basic training, since he is clever and can get bored. He is not a dog who does well left alone for long stretches. Expect a daily routine that keeps him engaged and a secure yard or leash for outings.

Good for: Active families, experienced owners, homes with a yard

Size	small
Weight	15–18 lb
Height	15 in
Exercise	about 60 min a day
Shedding	low
Origin	United Kingdom

Before you choose a Lakeland Terrier

Lakelands are bright and stubborn, so consistent, positive training from the start matters more than most owners expect.

Living with a Lakeland Terrier

Exercise

Plan for two walks a day plus a sniffing or play session. Off-leash time in a secure area is valuable, as is games that use his hunting instincts.

Grooming

The wiry double coat needs brushing a few times a week and hand-stripping or trimming every few months to keep it neat. He sheds very little, but regular grooming prevents matting.

Health

Lakeland Terriers are generally healthy but can be prone to certain eye conditions, luxating patella, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Ask your vet about screening and check with the breeder about health testing of the parents.

Luxating patella
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Eye conditions

Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.

Questions owners ask

Do Lakeland Terriers shed?

Very little. Their wiry double coat sheds minimally, which makes them a good option for people who want a dog with less hair around the house. Regular brushing is still needed.

Can a Lakeland Terrier live in an apartment?

Yes, if the owner provides daily walks and mental stimulation. They can be noisy and restless when bored, so they do better with active owners who are home regularly.

Do Lakeland Terriers bark a lot?

They can be vocal and will alert you to visitors or noises. Training from puppyhood helps keep barking manageable and reduces it to an appropriate level.