Lakeland Terrier Care

"Big dog in a small dog's body" is the best way to describe the Lakeland Terrier. Often called "Lakies" for short, these small-sized dogs are active, intelligent, and affectionate--but of course, they have the well-known "Triple T": typical terrier temperament. They'll be scrappy and stubborn, and they'll dig, bark, and chew excessively unless trained from an early age not to do so. Overall Lakeland Terrier care and maintenance will take a moderate amount of work, and will need to include some daily exercise, early training and socialization, and occasional stripping of the dog's coat.

Below you'll find details on caring for a Lakeland Terrier including puppy development, exercise needs, and info about shedding and coat care. Find answers to your questions about raising a Lakeland Terrier in the following sections!

Typical of terrier breeds, these dogs are very active--so Lakeland Terrier exercise requirements are moderately high. Lakies will need a variety of activities that both condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). They make good jogging companions as well.

Adult Lakies, depending on their age and overall activity level, will need about 45 minutes of dedicated exercise each day. You can start exercising your Lakie puppy when it's 2½-3 months old by taking it on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.

Precautions with Lakeland Terrier exercise:

• Don't exercise puppies too hard before they're eight months old
• High prey drive means a leash is required when exercising in public; leash training during puppyhood is recommended
• Yards should be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off
• Possible separation anxiety; exercises should be done with people

It's important to exercise your Lakie every day. Without consistent activity, these dogs will become frustrated, and they'll dig, bark, and chew excessively, and turn destructive as well. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging: Try for 30 minutes of walking (or 20 of jogging) per day
• Fetch/Frisbee: Lakies love chasing a ball, stick, or Frisbee
• Hide-and-Seek: Good indoor activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Dog Park: If properly socialized, Lakies enjoy the company of other dogs
• Canine Sports: These dogs can excel at obedience or agility trials and other events
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; bonus if you can find a remote area where the dog can be off-leash

When indoors, balls or toys will help your Lakie burn excess energy. It's also good to have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks or jogs after breakfast and dinner and playtime in the afternoon.

Overall, these dogs don't need a ton of maintenance. Lakeland Terrier shedding is minimal, and drooling isn't an issue.

Lakies have short- to medium-length, harsh, double-layered coats that don't shed much at all, especially if the coats are stripped regularly. (They can also be clipped, but doing so will soften the outer coat, and the color will eventually fade.) Owners can brush their Lakies 2-3 times per week with a slicker or pin brush to keep the coats in good shape, and stripping the coat--plucking out individual dead hairs by hand--will be necessary every three months or so. As long as the coat is properly maintained, hair cleanup won't be required.

And a Lakeland Terrier almost never drools. If your Lakeland Terrier is drooling excessively, it may be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.