Lakeland Terrier
An English terrier from the Lake District. A traditional fox hunter. Its harsh coat requires hand-stripping. Bold, alert, sociable character.
Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA
Mizuu editorial teamupdated on October 14, 2026Not yet reviewed by a vet. Are you a vet? Review itReport an error
Ideal for
- Active families
- Those wanting a charismatic dog in a small package
Reconsider if
- ×Households with pet rodents
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Is the Lakeland Terrier a good match for you?
Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
Estimated cost of ownership
50-80 €/month
Good-quality food (18-30 €), vet and preventive care (15-25 €), grooming/hand-stripping every 8-12 weeks (15-30 €), insurance and accessories (5-15 €). Professional hand-stripping is the distinctive expense of harsh-coated terriers.
History and origin
Recognised by the FCI. Originating in England (the Lake District). An English terrier from the Lake District.
Temperament and character
Intelligent, loyal and balanced when well socialised and trained. Needs daily mental stimulation. Responds best to positive reinforcement. Physical punishment breeds fear and reactivity.
Living together
Children: with older, respectful ones. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** high prey drive.
Life stages of the Lakeland Terrier
Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-15 años.
Puppy
0-12 months
Socialisation, managing the strong terrier temperament and getting used to coat stripping.
Young adult
1-3 years
Plenty of exercise and play; channel the hunting instinct and high energy.
Adult
3-9 years
Eye examinations (lens luxation), weight control and coat care.
Senior
9+ years
Regular ophthalmological check-ups, dental care and a senior diet.
Care
Exercise: 60-90 min/day + scent games.
Brushing: 2-3 times/week; hand-stripping every 8-10 weeks for the harsh coat.
Feeding: matched to its high energy.
Vet: annual check-up.
Care in detail
Nutrition
Good-quality food matched to its activity level, in 2 meals. Watch the portion size and treats to keep a lean weight that doesn't strain the kneecaps or joints.
Grooming
A harsh, wiry coat that sheds minimally: it requires hand-stripping (manual plucking) every 8-12 weeks to keep its texture and colour; clipping softens it. Weekly brushing and cleaning of the beard after meals.
Training
Bold, cheerful and independent, with a marked prey drive: early, consistent positive training. Work on recall and sociability with other dogs. It is somewhat stubborn: short, varied and motivating sessions.
Exercise
High: 1-1.5 hours daily of walking, running and mental play. It likes to dig and explore. Be careful letting it off the lead because of its hunting drive; work in secure areas.
Breed-specific health
Conditions common to the breed according to the FCI group. Life expectancy 12-15 years with proper care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from 5 years of age.
Health predispositions for this breed
Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.
Common diseases in dogs
Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Screening and prevention for the Lakeland Terrier
Recommended tests and screenings
- PLL genetic DNA test (primary lens luxation)
- Patellar luxation examination (kneecap)
- Hip radiograph where Legg-Calvé-Perthes is suspected
- Ophthalmological evaluation (cataracts, distichiasis)
- Von Willebrand disease screening in affected lines
Prevention
Buy from breeders with PLL testing of the parents: lens luxation can cause glaucoma and blindness. Check the kneecaps and eyes regularly. Its energy and prey drive require daily exercise and socialisation for a balanced life together.
Check-up schedule
Annual check-up with eye and kneecap examination. More frequent ophthalmological checks if it is a PLL carrier. Preventive blood work from 7 years of age.
Warning signs
- !Red, painful eye or a displaced pupil (lens luxation — an ocular EMERGENCY)
- !Kneecap slipping or intermittent lameness
- !Progressive lameness in one hind leg in puppies (Legg-Calvé-Perthes)
- !Prolonged bleeding after a wound or surgery (von Willebrand)
Lakeland Terrier gallery
Frequently asked questions about the Lakeland Terrier
How long does a Lakeland Terrier live?
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How much does a Lakeland Terrier weigh?
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Where does the Lakeland Terrier breed come from?
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How much exercise does a Lakeland Terrier need?
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Is the Lakeland Terrier good with children?
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Who is the Lakeland Terrier NOT recommended for?
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What health problems does the Lakeland Terrier have?
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Does it shed?
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What is hand-stripping and is it compulsory?
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How much exercise does it need?
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Does it live with cats or rodents?
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Is it good with children?
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Learn more about dogs
Practical veterinary guides to support your Lakeland Terrier.
Sources and references
Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.
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