Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of whom were first used for hunting vermin and therefore now have an innately spirited and aggressive character with a tendency to chase moving creatures and objects), the Lakeland Terrier is one of the spunky ones of the group.
Spunky, yes. Confident, very. The Lakeland Terrier is these as it is loveable, energetic, and fairly mild-mannered. So it makes sense that this 14 ½ inch, 17 pound, compact little dynamo was a fine breed for single-handed hunting and exterminating assistance, helping to rid England»s Lakes District farms and shale mountains of foxes, rats, and badgers and other vermin. The Lakeland is also quite tenacious, and was appreciated for such a trait as it pursued a fox for many miles without tiring or losing interest. And it helped that courage contributed to the Lakeland»s success at tackling pests often bigger that itself.
Because of its courage, the Lakeland Terrier makes a great home protector, one that will not back down regardless of how much it is outweighed. With this and its boundless energy and spunk, it thrives on activity, so it is best to exercise it every day as well as give it a small space in a yard to play and run about.
As well, it needs attention and companionship of people and other pets, as the Lakeland Terrier does not do well in an environment where it is left alone for hours. If it is happily accompanied, it will play, run, and then go off for a little nap, content that its devotion is in some ways returned.
Besides needing attention and someone in the house, the Lakeland Terrier needs attentive grooming of its double-layered coat»a wiry outside coat and a soft, close-to-the-skin undercoat»with 15-30 minutes every week of brushing and hand- or knife-stripping two to four times a year to prevent matting of a coat that does not shed.
A sturdy, steadfast breed, the Lakeland Terrier in general needs (and deserves, as a worker dog) the care and love of one who appreciates its friendly, bold, and sparky and spunky attitude. Not many requirements for such a hard-working history.
