The Lakeland Terrier Airedale Terrier is a unique and fascinating breed that makes a great companion for active families. They are a cross between the Lakeland Terrier and the Airedale Terrier.
These dogs are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk and some playtime should keep them content.
Lakeland Terrier Airedale Terriers are generally good with children, but as with any breed, it's essential to supervise interactions between dogs and young kids.
History and Origins
The Lakeland Terrier has a rich history dating back to the 1700s, making it one of the United Kingdom's oldest terrier breeds.
It originated in the Lake District of Northern England, where farmers used packs of terriers to exterminate vermin and hunt foxes that threatened their sheep and livestock. Farmers in this area used packs of terriers to exterminate vermin on their property, as well as to hunt foxes that threatened their sheep and other livestock.
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The breed's name comes from the Lake District, and it has also been known as the Fell, Patterdale, Cumberland, and Westmoreland terrier. The Lakeland Terrier's breed standard was honed in the early 1900s, and it's believed to be a mix of the Old English black and tan terrier, Welsh terrier, Bedlington terrier, wire fox terrier, border terrier, and Dandie Dinmont.
History of
The Lakeland terrier's history dates back to the 1700s in the Lake District of Northern England.
Its name is a nod to its origins, and it's one of the United Kingdom's oldest terrier breeds.
Farmers used packs of terriers to exterminate vermin and hunt foxes that threatened their livestock.
The breed's standard was refined in the early 1900s, with the Old English black and tan terrier and Welsh terrier thought to be part of its makeup.
The breed was influenced by others like the Bedlington terrier, wire fox terrier, border terrier, and Dandie Dinmont.
The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1934.
Lakeland terriers were originally developed in the Lake District of northern England in the 1800s.
They helped British farmers keep their sheep safe from foxes, especially during lambing season.
Their weatherproof coat and stamina made them great working partners to hard-working farmers and ranchers.
The breed made its way across the pond, and the American Kennel Club recognized Lakeland terriers in 1934.
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The Breed Has Multiple Names
The Lakeland Terrier has a rich history, and one of the most interesting aspects is the number of names it's been known by over the years.
The breed has been referred to as the Patterson Terrier, the Fell Terrier, and the Cumberland, among other names.
Bred in the Lake District, or "Lakeland", in England, the Lakeland Terrier's various names reflect its origins and purpose as a hunting dog.
The breed is related to several other English terriers from Northern England, all bred for hunting small game.
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Care
Lakeland terriers are a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.
Their hardy, weatherproof double coat is a great asset, but it does require some special care. They need regular hand-stripping or hand-plucking to remove older hairs and allow new ones to grow in.
Weekly brushing can help keep their coat from developing mats and get rid of excess hair that falls out naturally.
Bathing is also essential, and you should aim to bathe your Lakeland terrier every four to six weeks.
Don't forget to check their ears at least weekly to see if they need cleaning.
Daily brushing of their teeth is also important, and you should try to do it every day if possible.
Trimming their nails roughly once a month will help keep them looking and feeling their best.
Lakeland terriers drool minimally, which is a bonus for people who like to keep a tidy house.
With patience and practice, you can learn to hand-strip their coat yourself, or you can take them to a groomer who specializes in hand-stripping.
Some owners choose to simply trim or clip their Lakeland terrier's coat instead of hand-stripping, but this will change the texture of their coat.
Brushing their coat for about 15 to 30 minutes per week will help keep it looking healthy and shiny.
A slicker brush or metal comb works best for this, and you should aim to brush their coat regularly to avoid matting.
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Health
Lakeland Terriers are generally a very healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues.
The breed is not prone to any known hereditary health issues, but some breeders still screen for issues that are often seen in other dog breeds, such as eye problems, heart disease, and patellar luxation.
Regular checkups at the vet can help ensure your Lakeland Terrier stays healthy and lives up to 12-15 years with proper care.
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Good nutrition, plenty of exercise, and regular checkups can make a big difference in your Lakeland Terrier's health.
Some common health issues that can affect Lakeland Terriers include eye problems, hypothyroidism, Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, and bleeding disorders.
Here are some specific health issues that can affect Lakeland Terriers:
- Eye problems: Lens luxation, glaucoma, and cataracts
- Hypothyroidism: A treatable hormonal deficiency that causes dull coat, fatigue, and weight gain
- Legg-Calves-Perthes disease: A rare and debilitating inherited condition
- Bleeding disorders: Von Willebrand’s disease and other blood clotting disorders
To keep your Lakeland Terrier healthy, make sure to provide them with high-quality dog food and regular exercise, and don't forget to brush their teeth regularly to prevent infections and keep their teeth white and healthy.
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Training
Training your Lakeland Terrier requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. They're intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn when they don't want to do something.
Use positive-reinforcement training methods and be consistent in your commands. Lakeland Terriers learn commands quickly, but may require patience to master.
Start training and socializing from puppyhood to instill good manners and prevent bad habits. Consistent positive reinforcement is key to successful training.
Socialization is vital to forming a well-rounded Lakeland Terrier. They're well-mannered dogs in general, but can be willful and require careful socialization.
Begin socializing by taking your dog out on their leash and observing their reaction to stimuli like strangers, other dogs, and other animals. Reward calm behavior and ignore barking or tugging.
To streamline the process, use treats as rewards. But don't rely solely on treats, as Lakeland Terriers can become bored without quality exercise and mental stimulation.
Here's a summary of the key training tips for Lakeland Terriers:
Remember, Lakeland Terriers are intelligent and trainable, but they require patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to master. With the right approach, you can develop a strong bond with your Lakeland Terrier and enjoy a lifelong companionship.
Exercise and Nutrition
Exercise is essential for Lakeland Terriers, who need at least an hour of physical activity per day. This can be split up into walks, jogs, hikes, and playtime with high-energy activities like fetch.
Their strong prey drive means they can take off quickly, so always keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area. They might ignore recall commands, so be prepared for a chase.
To manage their high energy levels, mental stimulation is key, especially indoors. Invest in enrichment games like snuffle mats and Kong puzzle feeders, and start a daily training routine.
Here are some exercise ideas for your Lakeland Terrier:
- Fetch
- Tug-of-war
- Agility courses
A high-protein diet is essential for Lakeland Terriers, with puppies needing 25-32% protein and adults needing 18-22%. Feed them 3-4 small meals per day as puppies, and 2-3 meals per day as adults.
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Exercise
Exercise is a crucial part of keeping your Lakeland Terrier happy and healthy. They need at least an hour of exercise per day, which can be split up into walks, outside time, and indoor activities.
Long walks, jogs, hikes, and vigorous games of fetch are ideal activities for this breed. You can also try dog sports like tracking and agility to provide mental stimulation.
Lakeland Terriers have a strong prey drive, so it's essential to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outdoors. This will prevent them from taking off quickly chasing perceived prey and ignoring your recall commands.
They can be stubborn about training, so be patient and consistent. With the right exercise and training, your Lakeland Terrier can thrive.
Here are some exercise ideas to get you started:
- Fetch
- Tug-of-war
- Agility courses
- Snuffle mats
- Kong puzzle feeders
Diet and Nutrition
It's essential to provide your Lakeland terrier with fresh water at all times. Feed a quality canine diet with balanced nutrition, typically divided into two measured meals per day.
Discuss the amount and type of food with your vet to ensure you're meeting your dog's individual needs. Some dogs require a special diet based on their age, activity level, and other factors.
Limit treats and other extra food to prevent overfeeding, as it's easy to overindulge your furry friend. A high-protein diet is crucial for Lakeland Terrier puppies, with 25% to 32% protein being the ideal range.
Adult Lakeland Terriers need between 18% and 22% protein in their diet. Both puppies and adults require balanced formulas with carbs, healthy fats, vitamins, and trace nutrients to grow and thrive.
For puppies, three to four small meals per day is a good rule of thumb, while adults do well with two or three meals per day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Lakeland Terrier a Welsh Terrier Airedale Terrier?
No, a Lakeland Terrier is not a Welsh Terrier or Airedale Terrier, but rather a distinct breed with its own unique characteristics. It's similar in appearance to the Welsh Terrier but is smaller and finer-boned.
How rare are Lakeland Terriers?
Lakeland Terriers are considered a rare breed, with only a small number of registered breeding dogs, placing them at 'critical risk for extinction'. According to UK breed registries, fewer than 115 breeding dogs exist.
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lakeland-terrier/
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/lakeland-terrier-dog-breed-profile-4773084
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/lakeland-terrier
- https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/lakeland-terrier.html
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/lakeland-terrier
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