Lakeland terriers are small to medium sized dogs, very happy, affectionate, active and curious, but, at the same time, with a great hunting instinct. This is because they were created to put an end to the foxes that threatened the sheep of the Lake District or Lakeland, in England, where they originate. They come from extinct dogs and two other breeds of terriers. Continue reading this article on our site to learn more about the Lakeland terrier, origin, physical characteristics, character, education, care, he alth and where to adopt one.
Origin of the Lakeland terrier
The Lakeland terrier is a dog originally from England, specifically from the Lake District, near the border with Scotland. The ancestors of these dogs are the ancient tan and black terriers, which are now extinct, the border terrier and the bedlington terrier. The breed is thought to have been created by farmers to kill thefoxes that killed their Herdwick sheep. In addition, Lakeland terriers hunted rabbits, rats, and badgers.
The first breeders' club of this breed appeared in 1921 and in less than 15 years they were already famous for their success in dog shows both in the United States and in Europe. In 1967, Champion Stingray, a Lakeland terrier, won the two most prestigious competitions in London and New York. In the 1990s, another dog of this breed also prestigious emerged, as it won more than a hundred grand prizes during his lifetime. Before their current name, these dogs were known as the Westmoreland terrier or Cumberland. The first standard was created in 1912, the breed being recognized in 1921 by the Kennel Club and in 1954 by the FCI.
Characteristics of the Lakeland terrier
Lakeland Terriers are medium-sized, well-proportioned dogs with fine bones but strong and compact, very lively and fast. They have a height of 33 to 38 cm and a weight of between 7 and 8 kg. The main features of your body are as follows:
- Rectangular head.
- Jaw similar in length to the skull, deep and strong.
- Dark eyes.
- Medium V-shaped ears.
- Long neck.
- Deep chest with well-developed ribs.
- Short, strong loin with slight sinking in the hindquarters.
- Long, strong and muscular legs.
- Straight and short tail.
Lakeland terrier colors
The Lakeland Terrier's coat is double-layered, with a soft, dense inner hair, well attached to the body, and a hard outer hair. For these dogs to have the characteristic appearance of the breed, the hair on the skull, ears, back and chest is usually trimmed, while hair is left over the eyes. Coat colors can be:
- Black.
- Bluish.
- Reddish.
- Liver.
- Tawny.
- Blue and fire.
- Liver and fire.
- Fire and black.
What is the Lakeland terrier puppy like?
Lakeland terrier puppies are small, since as adults they are not large dogs, but strong and adorable. While they are puppies, especially during their first weeks of life, socialization and training are essential to avoid and control aggressive behavior and lay the foundations for proper education in adulthood.
Lakeland terrier character
Lakeland terriers are funny, pleasant, kind, friendly, affectionate and mischievous dogs. However, they can develop aggressiveness towards other dogs, hence the importance of proper socialization from puppies. They get along well with children, but, being always on the alert, it can be dangerous for their calm to be disturbed or for them to become tense, as they could become aggressive.
They are very good guardians and do not hesitate to defend the home and theirs if they perceive any threat. They also have a certain tendency to bark, so they should be educated in this regard. On the other hand, they hate being disturbed while eating, and can be aggressive if this happens. They are very curious dogs, they are aware of everything and seek to access any place, even those that are prohibited, so they should be fenced or closed well, if necessary.
Lakeland terrier care
Lakeland terriers are dogs that, although they don't lose much hair, to maintain proper hygiene they need brushed a couple of times a weekand baths when a shampoo is required or should be used for the treatment of any pathology. In addition, the hair can be trimmed at the dog groomer to preserve the typical appearance of the breed.
Their hunting instinct is still intact, so during daily walks, They should always be on a leash so they don't follow of any animal they meet. The walks should last at least 30 minutes each so they can get the physical activity they need. On the other hand, their eyes are sensitive and must be cleaned frequently in order to maintain their hygiene. In the same way, the ears and teeth should also be checked and cleaned to prevent infections, inflammations and other important diseases.
The diet of the Lakeland terrier must be complete, balanced and in the right quantity for its age, physiological state, level of activity, he alth and climate. It is also important that these dogs go to annual checkup at the vet and whenever it is suspected that something is happening to them or any clinical sign of illness or behavioral changes appear. Deworming and routine vaccinations are also key in order to prevent parasites, the diseases they can cause and the most frequent viral or bacterial infections in dogs.
Lakeland terrier education
As we have mentioned previously, these dogs need to be trained from an early age, so that they learn what they should or should not do. The key to education is that it be carried out with patience and with short sessions, firm and dynamic, based on positive reinforcement, a type of conditioning that seeks an education fast and effective, as well as less traumatic and stressful for dogs. It is based on rewarding appropriate behaviors with prizes, caresses or games in order to reinforce positive behaviors.
Lakeland terrier he alth
Lakeland terriers are strong dogs, with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. They hardly present diseases, but they do seem to be more predisposed to the development of ocular pathologies, such as cataracts, glaucoma, lens dislocation or microphthalmia, anddisorders that affect the musculoskeletal system , such as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which consists of degeneration of the head and neck of the femur due to lack of blood supply (avascular necrosis), which leads to a process of osteoarthritis, lameness and pain. Another such disease is patella dislocation, which occurs when the patella moves out of place in the knee joint, causing instability, pain, and functional weakness.
Where to adopt a Lakeland terrier?
Before adopting a Lakeland terrier you should be aware of its needs and possible aggressiveness and stop to think about whether or not you can care for it as required. If after reflecting on it you consider that you are a good candidate to have a dog of this breed, it is time to look for an adoption. The first step is to approach nearby protectors or shelters and ask about the availability of one of these dogs.
If there is none, on the internet you can find associations of this breed or of terriers in general where there could be a specimen. In any case, remember that all dogs deserve a responsible adoption and that there are many specimens in shelters and shelters waiting to be adopted and ready to offer you the same as any Lakeland terrier.
