Pet Wiki

Lakeland Terrier

A plucky, upbeat terrier that carries itself with confidence.

SizeSmall
Weight6.8 to 7.7 kg (15 to 17 lb)males 7.7 kg, females 6.8 kg1
Height37 cm (15 in)1
Lifespanfrom 12 years23
CoatWiry, weatherproof double coat
OriginEngland, in the Lake District of Cumbria, where farmers kept working terriers to run with fell hound packs.234
GroupTerriers (FCI group 3)
Recognised breedShort profile
bold and self-assured
friendly and cheerful
big personality in a compact, low-shedding package
142

Personality what they are like

A plucky, upbeat terrier that carries itself with confidence. It is friendly with its people, quick on its feet and alert to everything going on around it.14

Coat and looks how to spot one

wiry, weatherproof double coat

A thick, harsh outer coat over a soft undercoat that shrugs off wind and rain. It sheds very little. The body is compact and square, built for scrambling over rocky hillsides.124

Coloursblackblack and tanblueblue and tanliverredred grizzlewheaten21

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Lakeland Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Around an hour of exercise a day suits it, with games and walks to keep its busy terrier mind occupied.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week. The wiry coat keeps its texture best when it is hand-stripped a few times a year; it sheds little.24

Home where they are happiest

Small enough for most homes, including smaller ones, as long as it gets daily outings and a secure garden.2

Company who they like around

Enjoys being part of family life and likes to be involved in whatever its people are doing.14

The story where it all began

Lake District farmers developed working terriers from old Black and Tan and fell terrier stock to go out with hound packs after foxes that preyed on sheep. Different valleys once had their own local types, which were drawn together under the Lakeland name; the Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1921.234

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Stingray of Derryabah was the first dog ever to take Best in Show at both Crufts (1967) and Westminster (1968).3

  2. 2

    Lakelands have won Best in Show at Crufts and at Westminster twice each.3

  3. 3

    The working, unregistered cousin of the breed is known as the Fell or Patterdale Terrier.3

  4. 4

    Terriers from Welsh, Border, Fox and Bedlington lines may all have played a part in its make-up.2

  5. 5

    Despite its long show pedigree, it is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed in the UK because so few puppies are registered each year.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for the Lake District of his native England, where it was developed to work in packs on sheep-stealing foxes.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

PiperScoutTillyRustyBrambleWrenFizzNellJasperMollyOzzyPoppy

A day in the life told by a Lakeland Terrier

The garden gate creaked, and I was off, nose to the ground, chasing a scent. My humans laughed, calling my name, but I had a job to do. I circled the flower bed, pounced on a leaf, and dashed back to them, tail wagging. At the park, I raced a ball, my legs a blur. Later, curled on a lap, I watched the world through half-closed eyes, ready for the next adventure. Life is a game, and I play to win.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 70, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 Large and medium sized Terriers; definitive recognition 14 October 1954; current standard published 26 March 2009; country of origin Great Britain.5
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group; recognised in 1921; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed.2
AKC
Terrier Group; recognised in 1934 according to Wikipedia.3

Popularity Ranked 156th of 202 breeds by AKC puppy registrations.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Lakeland Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your adult Lakeland Terrier at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Sticking to regular times, such as morning and evening, helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Lakeland Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced, high-quality dog food suited to their age and size is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give these or any items from the full list of toxic foods.7

How often should I bathe a Lakeland Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and at least once every three months is fine. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their wiry coat in good condition. Bathing too often can strip natural oils.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Lakeland Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Lakeland Terrier at least once a week, and more often if they enjoy it. Their wiry coat benefits from hand stripping a few times a year to keep its texture, and they shed very little.24 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Lakeland Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim their nails every 3 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for a demonstration.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Lakeland Terrier need?

About an hour of exercise daily suits this lively terrier, with walks and games to keep their busy mind engaged. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and playtime. A secure garden is a bonus for extra fun.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Lakeland Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using dog toothpaste only. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution, never pushing anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Lakeland Terrier live?

Lakeland Terriers typically live around 12 years or more, bringing many happy years of companionship. With good care and regular vet checks, they often enjoy a long, healthy life.23

Is a Lakeland Terrier good with children and other pets?

They are generally friendly with their own family, but how they get on with children and other pets can vary. It is best to ask a good breeder about the individual dog's temperament and to supervise early introductions.

Can a Lakeland Terrier be left alone?

This breed enjoys being part of family life and may not do well left alone for long periods. How long they can be left varies; ask a breeder for advice and consider gradual training if needed.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Welsh TerrierWire Fox TerrierBorder TerrierPatterdale Terrier

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI standard 70 Lakeland Terrier fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colours, temperament
  2. The Royal Kennel Club: Lakeland Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for origin, history, lifespan, exercise, grooming, colours, vulnerable status
  3. Lakeland Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, AKC recognition, lifespan study, popularity, fun facts
  4. AKC: Lakeland Terrier akc.orgused for temperament, coat, origin
  5. FCI nomenclature: Lakeland Terrier (70) fci.beused for recognition
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.