Lakeland Terrier characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | 24% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | High | 20% of breeds |
| Shedding | Low | 26% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Lakeland Terrier right for you?
The Lakeland Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian. Day to day, the Lakeland Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Lakeland Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Lakeland Terrier to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Lakeland Terrier needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds only lightly. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Lakeland Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and barks a moderate amount, usually with reason. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Lakeland Terrier
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Lakeland Terrier genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Grooming needs: High — the Lakeland Terrier needs more grooming than most breeds. Only 20% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Size: Small — the Lakeland Terrier is genuinely small, which suits limited space. Only 24% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Lakeland Terrier actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Brushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Lakeland Terrier fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Good fit | High energy and medium barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Active families
- Terrier enthusiasts
- Small dog lovers
- Rural living
Things to consider
- High prey drive
- Can be independent
- Moderate grooming needs
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Lakeland Terrier good with children?
- Yes — the Lakeland Terrier is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Lakeland Terrier shed a lot?
- The Lakeland Terrier has low shedding.
- How much exercise does the Lakeland Terrier need?
- With high energy, the Lakeland Terrier needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Lakeland Terrier live?
- The Lakeland Terrier typically lives around 14 years.
- Can the Lakeland Terrier live in an apartment?
- Yes — the Lakeland Terrier is small and not overly vocal, so it adapts well to apartment living with daily walks.
- Is the Lakeland Terrier easy to train?
- The Lakeland Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Lakeland Terrier be left alone during the day?
- The Lakeland Terrier handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.