7 essential tips for caring for your Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland Terrier might be small in size, but don’t let that fool you — this is a bold, spunky, and clever little dog with a heart full of adventure. Originally bred in England’s Lake District to hunt foxes and guard sheep, Lakelands are hardy, curious, and full of personality. If you’re thinking about bringing one home, here’s what you really need to know from someone who's been around terriers and knows what it's like to live with one of these spirited pups.
They Don’t Shed Much — But Grooming Takes Effort
One of the first things you’ll notice about a Lakeland is their wiry, double coat. It doesn’t shed much, which is great for anyone with allergies. But don’t skip grooming — this coat needs regular care to stay sharp and healthy.
If you want that classic terrier look, hand-stripping (a technique where dead hairs are plucked out) is your best bet. Yes, it takes time, but it keeps the coat’s texture and color vibrant. You can clip the coat instead, but the texture will soften, and the color may fade a bit.
Brush them weekly, check their ears regularly (those drop ears can trap moisture), and brush their teeth a couple of times a week with vet-approved toothpaste. Don’t forget nail trims every few weeks — those little paws get around!
High Energy, But Not Hyper
Lakelands are energetic, but not over-the-top. Daily exercise is a must — think brisk walks, some backyard play, or fun games indoors if space is limited. Just don’t trust them off-leash unless you’re in a fenced area. Their prey drive is strong, and once they spot a squirrel, it’s game over — they’re gone.
They’re also known diggers (thanks to their hunting background), so if you value your garden, you might want to set boundaries early or give them a digging zone of their own.
Training a Terrier Mind
Lakeland Terriers are smart, but stubborn. They’ll learn commands quickly — if they feel like it. That independent streak means you’ll need patience and creativity. Forget long, repetitive drills. Instead, turn training into a game, use treats and praise, and keep it upbeat.
Start socialization and training early. Expose them to new people, dogs, and situations while they’re still pups, and teach them how to behave around other animals. They tend to be good with other dogs, but small pets like cats or rabbits? That’s trickier. Their hunting instincts make them a risky match.
Barking, Guarding, and Kid Compatibility
Lakies are natural watchdogs — they’ll alert you to anything and everything. It’s part of their charm, but also something to manage if you live in an apartment or have noise-sensitive neighbors.
With kids, they’re better suited to older, respectful children. Like many terriers, they don’t always tolerate rough handling or teasing, and they can guard their food or toys fiercely. Early training helps, but supervision is always a good idea.
Health and Diet Basics
Overall, Lakelands are a healthy breed with a good lifespan (12–16 years). Still, like any dog, they can be prone to issues like eye problems, joint issues, or von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder).
Feed them high-quality food meant for small, active breeds. Keep an eye on their weight — they do love to eat, and extra pounds can lead to joint strain or other health problems. Always have fresh water available, and talk to your vet if you’re ever unsure about diet or supplements.
Final Thoughts
The Lakeland Terrier isn’t for everyone. They’re spirited, a bit stubborn, and need consistent training and grooming. But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll get a loyal, fun-loving companion who’ll keep you on your toes and make you laugh every single day.
They’re not your typical lapdog, but for the right person or family — especially one that enjoys an active lifestyle and has a good sense of humor — a Lakeland Terrier can be a fantastic addition to the home. Just be ready for a little digging, plenty of barking, and a whole lot of personality.