Lakeland Terrier breed guide

Lakeland Terriers are wicked smart, a longtime breeder says: they learn quickly. AKC advises choosing training classes taught by people who understand the terrier mind.

Early socialization and a good basic training class come first.

Lakeland Terriers live 12 to 15 years. AKC says very few health conditions are specific to the breed and none has been reported at more than a very low incidence.

A properly maintained Lakeland Terrier has a handsome, harsh double coat kept by hand plucking or stripping, though finding someone who can do it is difficult. Clippering also works, but the color and texture fade and the coat turns soft with loose curls.

When raised properly Lakeland Terriers are not hyperactive. A good long walk or brisk jog daily plus frequent chances to run in a securely fenced area keeps them fit in body and mind.

Lakeland Terriers are among the oldest of Britain's terriers. Farmers in northern England's Lake District used small packs of dogs to rid their property of the foxes that raided sheepfolds.

AKC notes that this was a very different kind of foxhunt from the glamorous affairs on grand estates with red-coated riders and huge packs of bawling hounds and that the Lakeland Terrier was a workingman's terrier first and foremost.