Lakeland Terrier

Temperament:
The Lakeland Terrier is a peppy, cheerful, loving and affectionate dog. It is similar to the Welsh Terrier in many ways, but is a bit feistier, willful and more determined. Alert and confident. Courageous. This breed loves children. The Lakeland Terrier needs firm training. They like to dig and may be a barker. This breed tends to guard their toys and food. The Lakeland Terriers may be difficult to housebreak, but tend to learn quite easily otherwise. Make sure that the training is full of variety and offers the dog a challenge. You will find the dog quickly learns what you want from him. The Lakeland Terrier gets along well with other dogs, which is unusual for Terriers. They can be unsure around strangers, but this does not usually become extreme. Socialize them when they are still young with cats and other animals so they do not chase them when they are older.

Grooming:
The Lakeland Terrier should have its coat plucked two or three times each year by pulling the old hair out by hand. Remove loose hair also from the ear passages and trim excess hair between the pads of the feet. The coat of show dogs will require more intensive grooming. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Exercise:
They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. In addition, they will enjoy running and playing off the leash at regular intervals in a safe area. They are certainly suitable for sports activities such as catch and agility skills.

Living Condition:
The Lakeland Terrier is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do all right without a yard.

Origin:
The Lakeland Terrier was originally called the Patterdale Terrier. It was developed from crossings between the Bedlington and the Old English Wirehaired Terrier in England's Lake District. It was used to hunt den animals such as badger and fox, and also otter. This dog hunted in water and uneven terrain and was expected to chase and kill the quarry. This beautiful, spunky Terrier has since become a popular companion and a successful show dog. The Lakeland Terrier was recognized in 1921 and accepted into the AKC in 1934. Some of the Lakeland Terriers talents include: hunting, tracking and watchdogging.