Terrier group

Lakeland Terrier

A bold, cheeky fell terrier from England’s Lake District.

Lakeland Terriers are compact, confident working terriers bred to protect sheep from foxes in rugged fell country. They are playful and affectionate, with the independence, curiosity and bark of a classic terrier.

Height
13.5–15 in34–38 cm
Weight
15–17 lb7–8 kg
Life expectancy
12–16 years
Size
Small
Group
Terrier
Origin
Lake District, England

Coat: Dense, harsh, wiry double coat. Colours: Black and tan, Blue and tan, Red, Wheaten, Liver, Grizzle.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Lakelands are friendly, bold and full of fun. They are affectionate with family, usually good with children and make alert watchdogs.

They are independent and can be stubborn. Strong prey drive and a love of digging mean secure fencing and supervision around small animals.

Living with a Lakeland Terrier

Exercise

About an hour of daily activity with walks and games; they enjoy earthdog trials.

Grooming

Brush weekly and hand-strip or clip every few months. Low shedding.

Training

Clever but independent; short, fun, reward-based sessions work best.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and usually fine with dogs they know. Unsafe with small pets.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time; bored Lakelands bark and dig.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Lakeland Terrier right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Lakeland Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Lakeland Terrier typically lives 12–16 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Primary lens luxation

    The lens dislocates, causing pain and glaucoma; a DNA test is available.

  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

    Degeneration of the hip joint in young small dogs, causing lameness.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occasionally occur.

Ask a breeder for

  • Eye examination
  • DNA test for primary lens luxation
  • Patella evaluation

Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Lakeland Terrier; United States Lakeland Terrier Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Lakelands were developed in the fells of Cumberland, where farmers kept hardy terriers to hunt the foxes that threatened lambs. The dogs worked with hounds and had to be tough enough to follow foxes into rocky dens.

The breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1928 and by the AKC in 1934. A Lakeland named Stingray won Westminster Best in Show in 1968.

Did you know?

  • A Lakeland named Stingray won Westminster Best in Show in 1968 and Crufts in 1967.
  • Lakelands were bred to protect lambs from foxes.
  • The breed is one of the oldest working terrier types in England.

Library guides for Lakeland Terrier owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Lakeland Terriers good family dogs?
Yes, for active families. They are playful and affectionate.
Do Lakeland Terriers shed?
Very little.
Do Lakelands bark a lot?
They can be vocal; training helps.