Origin & History
The breed originated in the Lake District fell packs, working dogs whose job was to go to ground after foxes. By 1910 people were
talking about the "new improved Fell Terrier" and in 1912 the name Lakeland Terrier was agreed upon. At first they were shown only at local
agricultural events outside of Kennel Club regulation. The Lakeland Terrier Association (now defunct) was founded in 1921 and
regulated the breed. Members were split on whether K.C. recognition was desirable or not. In 1928 a majority was obtained in
favour of application for K.C. classification and the breed was scheduled at the K.C. show of that year. Championship status
was achieved in 1931. The Lakeland Terrier Club was founded in 1932 and promoted the breed nationally, sponsoring and guaranteeing
classes at Championship shows. Progress was good until World War II severely curtailed dog breeding. When shows started up again
after the war the breed improved rapidly and by 1950 Lakelands were wining at the highest level.
Numbers
Now classed by the Kennel Club as a "vulnerable native breed".
The average litter size of 3.5 (together with the provisions of the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999) make it unlikely
that a Lakeland Terrier bitch will produce as many as 20 puppies in her lifetime.
Most kennels breed primarily for a show dog, retaining a few of the very best for
showing and breeding, there is a fairly small surplus, of well bred puppies, available for pet homes.
Temperament
Robust, hardy and healthy, good with people and children, in many ways they make the ideal family pet - though not all will live
harmoniously with another dog of the same sex, especially a Terrier of similar temperament. They respond well to consistent,
patient training and attention. Bad habits once learnt are difficult to change, never encourage a puppy to do things that will
not be acceptable when adult.
Though relatively small they are active dogs that love to race round, run and play with a ball, owner's gardens or runs need
to be well fenced as Lakelands were breed to squeeze through small openings. They can walk all day, but are adaptable and if
the weathers bad will be content to sit at the fireside (or preferably, if allowed, on the owners lap). "Gay fearless demeanour"
"on the tiptoe of expectation" - Lakelands can sometimes tremble with the shear excitement of life this is known as "Terrier dither"
and is not a sign of nervousness. They become less exuberant as they get older.
Appearance
Smart dogs with very sound "workman like" conformation, they are not exaggerated in any way. Size varies somewhat, most are
between 13 1/2 and 15 inches to the top of the back, Dogs tending to be a little larger than Bitches.
Coat colour
Most Lakelands are variants of the Black and Tan saddle pattern, ranging from mostly Black to almost all Light Tan. Those with a
mixture of Black and Tan on the back are referred to as Grizzle. The other main colour is Solid Red, which is also very variable,
ranging from quite dark to very light - the lighter ones are referred to as Wheaten. Very occasionally Liver (Chocolate) and Tan
ones are produced. Solid Black was lost in Britain but preserved in Scandinavia.
Coat texture
The hair is not shed and Lakelands require regular grooming and trimming. The coat is double, consisting of a harsh topcoat with
a soft undercoat. Show dogs are always hand trimmed, raking out much of the undercoat on the body and shaping the furnishings on
the face, legs and underbelly - much work goes into preparing a coat for the show ring. Pet dogs need regular combing but rather
than hand trimming are often just clipped a couple of times a year - then the undercoat tends to predominate resulting in a softer
more fluffy texture which many pet owners seem to prefer.
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