At a glance the quick version
FCI gives 7.7 kg (17 lb) for dogs and 6.8 kg (15 lb) for bitches as the typical weight.
The Royal Kennel Club lists over 12 years; a 2024 UK study cited by Wikipedia found an average of about 14.2 years.
Coat and looks how to spot one
wiry, weatherproof double coat
A thick, harsh outer coat over a soft undercoat that shrugs off wind and rain. It sheds very little. The body is compact and square, built for scrambling over rocky hillsides.413
Personality what they are like
A plucky, upbeat terrier that carries itself with confidence. It is friendly with its people, quick on its feet and alert to everything going on around it.43
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Around an hour of exercise a day suits it, with games and walks to keep its busy terrier mind occupied.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush more than once a week. The wiry coat keeps its texture best when it is hand-stripped a few times a year; it sheds little.13
Home where they are happiest
Small enough for most homes, including smaller ones, as long as it gets daily outings and a secure garden.1
Company who they like around
Enjoys being part of family life and likes to be involved in whatever its people are doing.43
The story where it all began
Lake District farmers developed working terriers from old Black and Tan and fell terrier stock to go out with hound packs after foxes that preyed on sheep. Different valleys once had their own local types, which were drawn together under the Lakeland name; the Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1921.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Stingray of Derryabah was the first dog ever to take Best in Show at both Crufts (1967) and Westminster (1968).2
- 2
Lakelands have won Best in Show at Crufts and at Westminster twice each.2
- 3
The working, unregistered cousin of the breed is known as the Fell or Patterdale Terrier.2
- 4
Terriers from Welsh, Border, Fox and Bedlington lines may all have played a part in its make-up.1
- 5
Despite its long show pedigree, it is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed in the UK because so few puppies are registered each year.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 70, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 Large and medium sized Terriers; definitive recognition 14 October 1954; current standard published 26 March 2009; country of origin Great Britain.5
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Terrier group; recognised in 1921; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed.1
- AKC
- Terrier Group; recognised in 1934 according to Wikipedia.2
Popularity Ranked 156th of 202 breeds by AKC puppy registrations.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lakeland Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Lakeland Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your adult Lakeland Terrier at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Sticking to regular times, such as morning and evening, helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should a Lakeland Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced, high-quality dog food suited to their age and size is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give these or any items from the full list of toxic foods.7
How often should I bathe a Lakeland Terrier?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and at least once every three months is fine. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their wiry coat in good condition. Bathing too often can strip natural oils.8 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Lakeland Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Lakeland Terrier at least once a week, and more often if they enjoy it. Their wiry coat benefits from hand stripping a few times a year to keep its texture, and they shed very little.13 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Lakeland Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim their nails every 3 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for a demonstration.8 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Lakeland Terrier need?
About an hour of exercise daily suits this lively terrier, with walks and games to keep their busy mind engaged. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and playtime. A secure garden is a bonus for extra fun.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Lakeland Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using dog toothpaste only. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution, never pushing anything into the ear canal.8 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Lakeland Terrier live?
Lakeland Terriers typically live around 12 years or more, bringing many happy years of companionship. With good care and regular vet checks, they often enjoy a long, healthy life.12
Is a Lakeland Terrier good with children and other pets?
They are generally friendly with their own family, but how they get on with children and other pets can vary. It is best to ask a good breeder about the individual dog's temperament and to supervise early introductions.
Can a Lakeland Terrier be left alone?
This breed enjoys being part of family life and may not do well left alone for long periods. How long they can be left varies; ask a breeder for advice and consider gradual training if needed.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- The Royal Kennel Club: Lakeland Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for origin, history, lifespan, exercise, grooming, colours, vulnerable status
- Lakeland Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, AKC recognition, lifespan study, popularity, fun facts
- AKC: Lakeland Terrier akc.orgused for temperament, coat, origin
- FCI standard 70 Lakeland Terrier fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colours, temperament
- FCI nomenclature: Lakeland Terrier (70) fci.beused for recognition
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.