Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terrier

Black and tan Lakeland Terrier
Country of origin	United Kingdom (England)
Traits
Classification and standards FCI Group 3 Section 1 #70 standard AKC Terrier standard ANKC Group 2 (Terriers) standard CKC Group 4 - Terrier standard KC (UK) Terrier standard NZKC Terrier standard UKC Terriers standard
Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Lakeland Terrier is a dog breed, which takes its name from its home of origin, the Lake District in England. The dog is a small to mid-size member of the Terrier family. While independent in personality, it interacts well with owners and all family members, and is mostly hypo-allergenic (non shedding). The breed is not widely owned in the U.S., but is very well received by the public generally due to its personality and appearance. The Lakeland is energetic and requires exercise and play time.

Description

Appearance

At 15-17 lb (7–8 kg), it is the smallest of the long legged, black and tan terriers. The Lakeland is similar in appearance to the slightly larger Welsh Terrier and is finer-boned. The largest of the threesome in this similar group of Terriers is the Airedale. The Airedale was likely bred up in size from the smaller terriers. The Lakeland is a sturdy dog, compact, free moving, and able to cover ground with little effort and much quickness. The dog is relatively narrow in the chest and has a broad muzzle, yet slightly narrower than the Welsh, with small, V-shaped ears.

This breed thick bushy wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat. The Lakeland actually comes in other color variations including black and tan, liver and tan, blue and tan and grizzle and tan; and solid colors of tan, grizzle, wheaten, liver blue or black. They have an upright tail which is customarily docked. Lakeland Terriers grow to between 33 and 38 cm (13 to 15 inches) in height measured to the withers.

The eyes are small and dark colored and of oval shape. The nose and pads of the feet are black except in liver colored dogs where the nose and pad coloring will be liver colored. Liver colored dogs will have a slightly lighter colored eye. The dog will not shed if properly groomed every 3 to 4 months. They are hand-stripped by some owners, especially for showing.

Temperament

The dogs are friendly, bold, and confident. Shyness is very atypical, as is aggressiveness. Very intelligent and independent minded, they are quick to learn and easy to train, though Lakelands often exhibit 'selective deafness' when their interest level is aroused. This requires a sense of humor on the part of the diligent owner/trainer. They are not "yappy," barking only when they have reason. They are quick to respond to positive reinforcement from a disciplined trainer; the dominance theory is now predominantly outdated and a positive approach to training is preferred by most behaviorists such as Dr Sophia Yin . The Lakeland is quite receptive to crate training. As with most terriers, the Lakeland is energetic; daily exercise and playtimes are a must, lest this active dog seek out other outlets for their energy, with undesirable results for the owner.

History

As one of the earliest Terriers (Latin derivation of earth), dating from the 1700s, this "earth" dog is a descendant of the old English Black and Tan and Fell Terriers. The original home of the dog, the Lake District is also noted as the home of the famous Lake Poets. The Lakeland's primary original use was "going to ground" in hunt for vermin. Its size and energy make it popular as a hunter in hard to reach places. In 1925 the breed attained homogeneity following a cross-breeding with the Fox Terrier and the Airedale Terrier.

The UK Kennel Club recognised Lakeland Terriers in 1928, and the general public was introduced to the breed at Kennel-Club sanctioned shows organised by the Lakeland Terrier Club in 1932 and later the Lakeland Terrier Society. In the Lake District of the UK, the mountainous, rocky terrain is unsuitable for hunting fox on horseback and foxes were hunted on foot. It has been suggested that the Lakeland Terrier's great stamina derives from running all day with the hounds, unlike his close cousin, the fox terrier, who would have been carried in a saddle bag to be released only when the fox had gone to earth.

The working dog version of the Lakeland is often known as the Fell Terrier or Patterdale Terrier. Whereas most terrier breeds have only to bolt their quarry, or to mark it by baying, the Lakeland must be able to kill the foxes in their lair. Despite his reputation for courage and tenacity, the Lakeland is ever a gentle and loving companion.

Famous Lakelands

• Stingray of Derrybah - the first dog to win Best in Show/Supreme Champion at both the top US and UK shows Westminster and Crufts). (1967)
• Zelda Van Gutters- Nickelodeon Magazine's Roving Reporter/Mascot
• Champion Revelry's Awesome Blossom - Top winning Lakeland Terrier owned by Jean L. Heath and Bill Cosby.
• Kevin, owned by Neil Tennant (Singer of the Pet Shop Boys). Pictures: [1][2]

References

• Alderton, David (1993). Dogs, p.214. Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 1564581764. 

External links

• United States Lakeland Terrier Club, Inc.
• The Lakeland Terrier Club (UK)
• Terrier Network - Show, Field and Hunt