How to Identify a Lakeland Terrier

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Last Updated: February 22, 2021 References

Lakeland Terriers, named for the Lake District in England, are members of the terrier group and were originally bred to help rid the farm of foxes that stole sheep. ^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Although they do share some characteristics with other dog breeds, Lakeland Terriers have multiple distinguishing ones as well. This wikiHow will help you figure out whether or not a dog is a Lakeland Terrier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Body Structure

Male Lakeland Terriers are usually anywhere between 14–15 inches (36–38 cm) in height, and they typically weigh 17 pounds (7.7 kg). Females are typically slightly smaller than this. ^{[2]
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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Lakeland Terriers typically have a rectangular-shaped head that is well-balanced. When the head is measured from the occiput to the head's stop (which is usually barely noticeable), and from the stop to the tip of the dog's nose, their skull and muzzle length should be equal. ^{[3]
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Lakeland Terriers should have v-shaped ears that are small in size. The ears are folded, just above the top of the dog's skull, with the flaps pointed toward the eye's outside corner. The inner edges of the dog's ears should be close to the side of their head. ^{[4]
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Lakeland Terriers have eyes that are somewhat small, and set relatively wide apart from each other. They should also have a fairly oval-shape outline, and be set squarely in the dog's skull. In liver and tan or liver-colored dogs, the eyes are usually anywhere from a dark hazel to a warm brown color. In all other coat colors, the dog should have eyes that are warm brown to black in color. ^{[5]
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Lakeland Terriers have a tail that is set high on their back, and usually docked so when the dog is in a show position, the tip of their tail is level with their occiput. Lakeland Terriers usually carry their tail upright, ideally with a slight curve towards their head. ^{[6]
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Overall, Lakeland Terriers should appear small, with a sturdy, square build. Their gait should appear free, straightforward, efficient, ground-covering and smooth. ^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

Lakeland Terriers can have a wide variety of different colored coats, including wheaten, liver, blue, black and red. The dog may also have a saddle marking, which covers the back of the dog's neck, their back, sides, and it goes up to their tail. This saddle may be liver, blue, black or various shades of grizzle. If the dog has this marking, the rest of their body should either be a golden tan or wheaten color. ^{[8]
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Lakeland Terriers usually have a hard, wiry-feeling outer coat, and a soft, close-to-the-skin undercoat.
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Check the length of the dog's coat. The Lakeland Terrier usually has the coat on their ears, forechest, shoulders, skull and behind their tail trimmed short and smooth. The coat on the body is longer, and can either be slightly wavy or straight. ^{[9]
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- Note, however, that their coat will need to be hand-stripped (removing hairs by hand), as opposed to clipped. ^{[10]
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  Research source} You'll need to either learn this technique on your own, or find a groomer who is experienced with this method.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Analyzing Temperament

Since they have great hearing and eyesight, Lakeland Terriers are vigilant dogs who are always watching and will alert their owners of anything unfamiliar. ^{[11]
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Lakeland Terriers are known to be clever, and very trainable. They also excel at various canine sports. However, this also means they may get bored, so they'll need lots of toys and puzzles to help stimulate their mind. ^{[12]
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Lakeland Terriers have a fun-loving, happy, upbeat personality overall. ^{[13]
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In addition to their upbeat, happy, fun-loving personalities, Lakeland Terriers are known to have a lot of energy. ^{[14]
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Although they usually get along well with kids and other dogs, Lakeland Terriers are known to be reserved from time to time with strangers. ^{[15]
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Like other terriers, Lakeland Terriers are prone to chasing other animals, or anything else that catches their attention. Therefore, be sure to socialize them early on with any cats that live in your house, and keep them on a leash when you're in unfenced areas. ^{[16]
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Sometimes, Lakeland Terriers may have a tendency to bark often. ^{[17]
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