GROUP 2 - TERRIERS

Brief History
Lakeland Terriers were originally bred in the Lake District of England by farmers and ‘houndsmen’ to fill a niche. They needed a small dog that was good around the farm and could be taught selectivity in prey. They needed a dog that was tough and gritty, one that could take on a foe who might exceed their own size and weight and one that worked with the rest of the pack on a hunt. They needed an athletic and agile dog who was healthy and robust and a companion who had the stamina to hunt all day in extreme terrain and weather. Those characteristics have remained in the Lakeland until today.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 16 years of age. Some live much longer.

Temperament
Gay, fearless, active

Robust, hardy and healthy, a well trained Lakie is good with families and in many ways they make the ideal family pet. They respond well to consistent, patient training and attention. However, an untrained Lakie will think he is the boss. Though relatively small, they are active dogs that love to race round and run and play with a ball. They can walk all day, but are adaptable and if the weather is bad, will be content to sit at the fireside or preferably on the owner's lap. They will find other small pets, rabbits, guinea pigs or chickens very tempting.

General Breed Description
The Lakeland Terrier is a rare breed in Australia and taking one on a walk will initiate friendly curiosity. People will ask if you have a miniature Airedale. A small breed, they appear square with a rectangular head, finished by a beard and a short body with a twelve o’clock tail. A trimmed Lakeland is very smart and an untrimmed Lakie looks like a teddy bear! The Lakie comes in a variety of colours black and tan, blue and tan, red, wheaten, red grizzle, liver, blue and black .

Coat and Care Requirements
Lakelands do not shed hair, but they require regular grooming and trimming. The coat is double, consisting of a harsh topcoat with a soft undercoat. Show dogs are always hand trimmed.  Pet dogs need regular combing and are clipped a couple of times a year, then the undercoat tends to predominate resulting in a softer, fluffier texture. Nails should be trimmed when needed. Lakelands need company, training and moderate exercise. Gardens or runs need to be very well fenced, as Lakelands were bred to squeeze through small openings.

Size
Height: 37cms or less.

Weight: Males 8kgs, Females 7kgs.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed health and what health testing the breeder does.

Suitability
A well-trained Lakeland is an ideal family pet and can be good with older families. Lakies are a great size for a suburban back yard, although they certainly need and expect access to their family in the house as well. They suit families who have the time to train them, walk them and involve them in daily activities, even if it is watching TV. They are an active, low maintenance, healthy breed.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/50