7 essential tips for caring for your Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland Terrier is small — but nobody told the Lakeland that.
Behind those bright eyes is a bold, clever little dog with a heart built for adventure and a mind that likes to do things its own way.
Bred in England's rugged Lake District to hunt foxes and guard sheep, this is a hardy, curious, endlessly entertaining companion.
If you're thinking about bringing one home, here's exactly what to expect — the grooming, the digging, the barking, and the reasons owners fall head over heels anyway.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Grooming needs | |
| Trainability | |
| Exercise | |
| Watchdog instinct | |
| Good with older kids |
Let's start with the thing everyone asks first: the coat.
They Barely Shed — But Grooming Takes Real Effort
The first thing you'll notice about a Lakeland is that wiry, weather-resistant double coat.
The good news? It barely sheds — a genuine win if allergies are a concern in your home.
But here's the catch:
Low shedding doesn't mean low maintenance. That coat still needs consistent care to stay sharp, colorful, and healthy.
Hand-Stripping vs. Clipping
If you want that crisp, classic terrier look, hand-stripping is the gold standard.
It's a technique where dead hairs are plucked out rather than cut — and yes, it takes time and patience.
The payoff: the coat keeps its firm texture and rich color.
Pros
Hand-stripping
- Keeps the wiry texture intact
- Preserves vibrant coat color
- Maintains the traditional terrier look
Cons
Clipping
- Softens the coat over time
- Colors can fade and dull
- Faster and easier day-to-day
Your Weekly Grooming Rhythm
- Brush the coat weekly to prevent tangles
- Check those drop ears often — they trap moisture
- Brush teeth a couple times a week with vet-approved toothpaste
- Trim nails every few weeks
- Skip grooming because “they don’t shed”
Now, about all that energy under the hood.
High Energy — But Not Bouncing-Off-the-Walls Hyper
Lakelands are energetic, but they're not chaos incarnate.
Give them a proper daily outlet and they'll happily settle down at home.
Think brisk walks, backyard play, or a few lively indoor games if space is tight.
Yes, They Dig
Remember, this breed was built to hunt underground.
So digging isn't misbehavior — it's instinct doing exactly what it was designed to do.
If you love your garden, set boundaries early or give them a dedicated digging zone of their own.
“A tired Lakeland is a well-behaved Lakeland. A bored one will redesign your flowerbeds.”
Quick poll
What's your biggest concern about a high-energy terrier?
Here's where owning a terrier really tests your patience.
Training a Terrier Mind
Lakeland Terriers are smart. Genuinely clever.
But there's a twist:
They're also independent thinkers, which means they'll learn a command fast — then decide whether obeying it is worth their time.
What Actually Works
Training that clicks with a Lakeland
- Keep it short and funForget long, repetitive drills. Turn sessions into games.
- Reward generouslyTreats, praise, and an upbeat tone go far with this breed.
- Start earlySocialize and train while they’re young and most receptive.
- Stay consistentMixed signals give a clever dog room to negotiate.
Socialization Comes First
Expose your puppy to new people, dogs, sounds, and situations while they're still forming their view of the world.
Lakelands tend to get along well with other dogs.
Small pets, though? That's the tricky part — more on that in the next section.
Speaking of instincts — let's talk noise and kids.
Barking, Guarding, and Kid Compatibility
Lakies are natural watchdogs, and they take the job seriously.
They'll alert you to the mail carrier, a passing cat, a suspicious leaf — anything and everything.
It's part of their charm, but it's worth managing early, especially in an apartment or with noise-sensitive neighbors.
Life With Children
Older, respectful kids
Great matchThey thrive with children who understand boundaries.
Toddlers & rough handling
With careTerriers don’t always tolerate teasing or grabbing.
Food & toy guarding
Watch closelyThey can guard resources fiercely — supervise and train early.
Other dogs
Usually fineGenerally sociable with proper introductions.
Now the part that keeps them by your side for years.
Health and Diet Basics
Here's the reassuring news: Lakelands are a generally healthy, sturdy breed with a solid lifespan of 12–16 years.
Still, no breed is bulletproof.
Even hardy breeds like the Lakeland benefit from routine exams. Some can be prone to eye problems, joint issues, or von Willebrand’s disease, a bleeding disorder — early detection matters.
Lakelands love to eat, and extra pounds strain their joints and overall health. Keeping them lean is one of the simplest things you can do for their longevity.
Feeding Done Right
- Choose high-quality food formulated for small, active breeds
- Keep fresh water available at all times
- Monitor weight and adjust portions as needed
- Ask your vet before adding supplements
- Free-feed or overdo the treats — they’ll take full advantage
Bringing a puppy home? Here's what the first year looks like.
What the First Year Actually Looks Like
Every stage brings a new personality — and a new focus for you.
Weeks 8–12
Settling in
House training begins, along with gentle handling and short, positive introductions to their new world.
3–6 months
Teething & socialization
Expect chewing and boundary-testing. Prioritize exposing them to people, dogs, and sounds.
6–12 months
Adolescent energy
The stubborn streak peaks. Stay consistent, keep exercise high, and don’t skip training.
1 year+
Hitting their stride
A well-raised Lakeland becomes a confident, loyal, endlessly fun companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be — but they reward owners who enjoy training and stay consistent. Their independent streak and prey drive mean first-timers should be ready to commit to structure, socialization, and daily exercise.
Yes. They’re natural watchdogs and will alert you to just about everything. With early training you can manage it, but expect a vocal little dog by nature.
Their wiry double coat sheds very little, which makes them a good option for many allergy sufferers. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but Lakelands come close on the shedding front.
They do best with older, respectful children. They don’t always tolerate rough handling and can guard food or toys, so supervision and early training are essential.
They generally get along with other dogs, but small pets like cats and rabbits are riskier due to their strong hunting instincts. Careful introductions and supervision are a must.
Only in a securely fenced area. Their prey drive is intense — once they spot something to chase, recall often goes out the window.
For most owners, it’s the combination of stubbornness, barking, and digging. Channel that energy with training and exercise, and these traits become manageable quirks rather than dealbreakers.
Judith Aleguen is a freelance writer, editor, and shelter volunteer who fosters rescue cats and dogs. She turns hands-on experience into practical, easy-to-read pet care guides.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.