What to Think About Before Getting a Lakeland Terrier Puppy
The Lakeland Terrier got its name from the beautiful Lake District in England, where it was first developed to hunt foxes and protect sheep. These little dogs, averaging less than 15 inches in height and 17 pounds in weight, are available in varied colors, each more striking than the other. Black and tan were the two most common. This dog breed has been around for quite some time, resulting in a well-documented history. They were once highly valued in their home area of the Lake District; however, they are no longer a particularly popular or prolific breed in the UK nowadays. Looking for one may be difficult, but if you ever manage to get one pup, read until the end of this article to learn more about the things to consider when caring for one!
They are quite a healthy breed.
There are relatively few diseases or disorders diagnosed in Lakeland Terriers. Lakeland terriers are, as a breed, generally healthy dogs. However, you need to be aware of a few issues that could arise with your pet.
A few typical Lakeland Terrier health problems are eye illness, hip and elbow dysplasia, bleeding, heart issues, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, and obesity.
The Lakeland Terrier has very low shedding tendencies.
The Lakeland Terrier makes it a good choice as a pet for people who have allergies or asthma. Curly and wiry, the coat of a Lakeland terrier is not prone to excessive shedding. Those who suffer from dog-related allergies may want to consider a Lakeland if they have the time and energy to give their coat the attention it needs, which includes frequent brushing.
The Lakeland Terrier is a breeze to maintain and groom.
The grooming requirements of a Lakeland terrier are moderate. Once a week, brushing the fur will remove dead hairs and keep mats at bay. These dogs will have a magnificent, harsh double coat when properly groomed via hand stripping.
The coat can also be clipped short, but beware that this will cause the color and texture to fade. Grooming the dog carefully can make a massive impact on how it looks.
Checking Lakeland's ears for signs of infection is a must, as is giving the dog a thorough dental cleaning twice a week using dog toothpaste. Ear mites are a common problem for those with drop ears, so keeping them dry and clean is essential.
Having your dog's teeth brushed at least twice weekly is recommended by most veterinarians. This fundamental habit aids in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and foul breath.
To maintain appropriate dental hygiene and a healthy body, it is recommended that pets use pet toothpaste that a veterinarian has approved. Nails should be trimmed as often as necessary, usually once every two weeks.
Lakeland Terriers are not as hyperactive as other terriers but still need daily exercise.
Lakeland terriers, like most terrier breeds, are high-energy dogs that need daily exercise in order not to exhibit excessive energy. They should stay fit and strong with long, brisk walks or jogs daily. Because of their high energy levels, Lakeland Terriers need regular playtime in a secure yard or enclosed space. Seal off any holes in the fence or crevices your dog could use to escape.
The terriers should not be trusted when they are free from the leash. They will ignore your yelling and go after everything that moves. When they're bored, they often resort to digging holes in the yard for fun.
While Lakeland Terriers are happier in a home with a yard or more expansive space to run around, they may also adapt to apartment life. When living in a smaller area, providing your dog with the exercise and mental stimulation it needs daily is even more critical.
They are pretty stubborn.
The same resilience and stubbornness that makes them hunters also make them challenging to train. You must prove to them that you can be trusted and have authority. More so than with other breeds, terriers are more prone to growl or snap if you need to reprimand them physically.
The Lakeland terrier can learn and carry out a wide variety of commands; they are also intelligent and, for the most part, responsive; nevertheless, when bored, this breed can become selectively deaf and quickly sidetracked.
The Lakeland Terrier needs socialization and training as early as possible.
It's no secret that Lakelands are super intelligent; they quickly pick up new information. Although they quickly pick up further information, they don't do well with drill-and-kill sessions because their intelligence prevents them from learning anything new from the process.
Lakeland should be socialized and trained as a puppy and must be taught by those who know the terrier's mind. Positive reinforcement, extensive socialization with other dogs and people, and rewards to incentivize the desired behaviors over the undesirable ones are all essential components of training a Lakeland Terrier puppy. You can use snacks, compliments, and playtime with enjoyable toys as its reward.
Training activities masked as fun games that get a Lakeland Terrier's mind working can be just what the dog needs to succeed. Taking your Lakie puppy on walks and exposing it to new environments will help socialize it. Keep in mind that Lakeys can be challenging to housetrain, mainly when keeping them from marking their territory.
It is vital to give these dogs high-quality dog food for small dogs.
Every dog deserves the best dog food available. Whether commercially produced or homemade with your vet's supervision, it should be acceptable to the Lakeland Terrier. As an added precaution, research which human foods are considered canine-friendly before giving your dog any table scraps.
Make sure they are getting the proper nutrients for their age. Be sure your pet always has fresh water available. Keep an eye on your dog's calorie intake and weight, as these canines are predisposed to being overweight. To keep your dog healthy, give it a diet with all the nutrients it needs.
The Lakeland Terriers are friendly and curious.
Lakeland terriers exude self-assurance, friendliness, and charisma. They are a confident and outgoing breed, although they are not known for aggression and are not typically as dominant as some other terrier breeds might be. They are also known for being friendly and trusting, even with strangers.
Curious and fearless, the Lakeland Terrier loves to explore. These dogs never leave a mystery unexplained, whether a new scent or a puzzle. Indeed, the Lakey are often peaceful and unassuming, but don't let their size or demeanor deceive you. They can be a little bit defiant, and their diminutive size is no guarantee that they won't create some trouble.
Lakeland Terriers are excellent with other dogs but not so good with smaller animals.
If you plan to keep a Lakeland Terrier as a companion dog, it's important to socialize it with your other pets as soon as possible. Unlike some other terriers, Lakelands get along well with other canine companions. However, they will not back down from a fight.
Terriers, in general, have a high drive to pursue and catch moving prey. If you have a cat, this can cause friction in your household. The situation could be considerably worse if you have a pet rabbit or hamster. When properly socialized, these puppies get along great with children and other dogs, but they shouldn't be around cats.
They love to dig.
Lakeland Terriers are known to be territorial of their belongings and food, and they enjoy digging tunnels and playing with dirt. Resource guarding, chasing small animals, intense digging, and excessive barking are some of the most problematic behaviors exhibited by Lakeland Terriers.
Most of these traits may be traced back to their intended purpose, such as the need to burrow into rocky areas in search of foxes or warn farmers of potential threats in the field. If your dog exhibits these behaviors, keep your cool and be patient because they're just acting instinctively. This is the reason why socialization and training are essential.
The Lakeland terriers tend to bark a lot.
Too often, Lakeland Terriers are ready to raise the alarm at the first sign of trouble. They make a fantastic burglar alarm due to their ferocious bark and lack of fear of strangers. These self-assured pups would make excellent guard dogs because they are sure to provide a warning bark at absolutely anything.
Lakeland Terriers are not very good with young children.
A Lakeland Terrier is not a good choice for a family with young children. Many terriers have a low tolerance for being teased. Many terriers, even puppies, are pretty protective when it comes to their food or toys. These puppies will benefit significantly from early ongoing socialization efforts.
They are generally friendly, but they may become if they feel threatened, especially if they are defending their territory or a prized possession like food or toys. Their enthusiastic motions may be misread as aggression toward the infant. However, Lakeland Terriers make excellent playmates for older kids.
These dogs have a very strong prey drive.
Like other terrier breeds, Lakeland terriers have a high hunt drive that makes them dangerous around small animals when they're off leash.
Unless you are in a fenced-in location specifically designed for dogs to run freely, your dog should always be on a leash when you are out in public.
Many families would benefit significantly from adding one of these canines to their pack. They are tiny enough to live with you in either an urban or a rural home but remember that they need regular outdoor exercise periods. The Lakeland Terrier is not your average obedient shadow; it has a zest for life and a streak of defiance. However, they make excellent family dogs and are happy to spend hours playing with you. It would help if you were patient and dedicated to training and grooming your Lakeland Terrier to get an amusing, charming furry friend loyal to you and your family. So, what are you waiting for? Bring that pup home now!
