Lakeland Terrier Guide | Exercise Needs | Stories & Tips (2025)

Let’s talk about… Lakeland Terriers: what are they?

• Lakeland Terriers are small, sturdy, and energetic dogs that belong to the terrier group.
• They were originally bred in the Lake District of England for fox hunting.
• These terriers have a distinctive and wiry double coat that comes in various colours, including black, tan, grizzle, and red.
• Lakeland Terriers have an average height of 33-38 cm and weigh around 7-8 kg.
• Their life expectancy is typically between 12 and 15 years.

What is the temperament of Lakeland Terriers like?

• Lakeland Terriers are known for their bold, confident, and independent nature.
• They possess a strong prey drive and can be quite determined and feisty.
• These terriers are intelligent, spirited, and loyal to their families.
• While they can be affectionate and loving, they also have a strong sense of self and may display some stubbornness.
• Lakeland Terriers have a protective instinct and can be wary of strangers.
• Early socialisation is important to help them develop good manners and be more accepting of new people and situations.
• They can coexist with other pets if introduced properly and raised together from a young age.
• Due to their strong hunting instincts, caution should be exercised around small animals.

How much exercise do Lakeland Terriers need?

• Lakeland Terriers are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated.
• They need about 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day to meet their needs.
• This exercise should include daily walks, playtime in a securely fenced area, and interactive games.
• For Lakeland Terrier puppies, exercise should be tailored to their age and physical development.
• Young puppies have growing bones and joints, so their exercise should be limited to short play sessions and gentle walks.
• Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise as they mature.
• Lakeland Terriers have a high energy level and enjoy engaging activities.
• They excel in various dog sports, such as agility and obedience trials.
• Providing mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and training sessions, is also important to keep their intelligent minds occupied.

Do Lakeland Terriers need a lot of grooming?

• Lakeland Terriers have a wiry and weather-resistant double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
• Their coats should be hand-stripped several times a year to remove dead hairs and maintain their texture.
• This process involves plucking out the old hairs by hand and a professional groomer can advise.
• Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangling.
• Use a slicker brush or a comb with widely spaced teeth to work through their fur.
• Additionally, their coats should be trimmed around the face, ears, and paws for a neater appearance.
• Lakeland Terriers do not shed excessively, however, their coats require diligent maintenance to keep them in good condition.
• Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.

Are Lakeland Terriers easy to train?

• Lakeland Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be independent and strong-willed.
• Training requires consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Use rewards, praise, and treats to motivate and reward desired behaviours.
• Early socialisation and puppy training classes are highly recommended for Lakeland Terrier puppies.
• This helps them develop good manners, learn appropriate behaviours, and become well-rounded dogs.
• Ongoing training and mental stimulation are important throughout their lives to keep them mentally engaged and prevent boredom.
• While Lakeland Terriers can be trained, they may have a stubborn streak and may test boundaries.
• Keep training sessions interesting and varied to maintain their focus and prevent them from getting bored.

What do Lakeland Terriers eat?

• Lakeland Terriers should be fed a balanced and nutritious diet that suits their age, size, and activity level.
• Choose a high-quality dog food that provides the necessary nutrients for their overall health and well-being.
• Follow the feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and adjust the portions based on your dog's individual needs and body condition.
• For Lakeland Terrier puppies, provide them with a specially formulated puppy food that supports their growth and development.
• Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily until they are 6 months, then it can be reduced to twice daily.
• Feed them according to the guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and consult with your vet for specific recommendations.
• As Lakeland Terriers transition into adulthood, usually around 12 months, gradually switch them to an adult dog food that is suitable for their size and energy requirements.
• Monitor their weight and adjust the portions as needed to prevent obesity.

Are Lakeland Terriers healthy?

Lakeland Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some potential health concerns in Lakeland Terriers include:

Bones and Joints

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease - a hip condition that affects the blood supply to the head of the femur bone, leading to breakdown of the bone, pain and lameness.

Eyes

• Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
• Distichiasis - abnormally growing eyelashes which can grow into the eye and can cause pain and damage to the eye’s surface.
• Microphthalmia - an abnormally small eye
• Primary Lens Luxation - the lens of the eye shifts from its normal position, which results in glaucoma and inflammation

Hormonal

• Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone
  

This list is not exhaustive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your Lakeland Terrier or want to discuss further if this breed is right for you, consult with your veterinarian.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.

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