At a glance the quick version
FCI gives 7.7 kg (17 lb) for dogs and 6.8 kg (15 lb) for bitches as the typical weight.
The Royal Kennel Club lists over 12 years; a 2024 UK study cited by Wikipedia found an average of about 14.2 years.
Coat and looks how to spot one
wiry, weatherproof double coat
A thick, harsh outer coat over a soft undercoat that shrugs off wind and rain. It sheds very little. The body is compact and square, built for scrambling over rocky hillsides.413
Personality what they are like
A plucky, upbeat terrier that carries itself with confidence. It is friendly with its people, quick on its feet and alert to everything going on around it.43
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Around an hour of exercise a day suits it, with games and walks to keep its busy terrier mind occupied.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush more than once a week. The wiry coat keeps its texture best when it is hand-stripped a few times a year; it sheds little.13
Home where they are happiest
Small enough for most homes, including smaller ones, as long as it gets daily outings and a secure garden.1
Company who they like around
Enjoys being part of family life and likes to be involved in whatever its people are doing.43
The story where it all began
Lake District farmers developed working terriers from old Black and Tan and fell terrier stock to go out with hound packs after foxes that preyed on sheep. Different valleys once had their own local types, which were drawn together under the Lakeland name; the Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1921.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Stingray of Derryabah was the first dog ever to take Best in Show at both Crufts (1967) and Westminster (1968).2
- 2
Lakelands have won Best in Show at Crufts and at Westminster twice each.2
- 3
The working, unregistered cousin of the breed is known as the Fell or Patterdale Terrier.2
- 4
Terriers from Welsh, Border, Fox and Bedlington lines may all have played a part in its make-up.1
- 5
Despite its long show pedigree, it is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed in the UK because so few puppies are registered each year.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 70, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 Large and medium sized Terriers; definitive recognition 14 October 1954; current standard published 26 March 2009; country of origin Great Britain.5
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Terrier group; recognised in 1921; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed.1
- AKC
- Terrier Group; recognised in 1934 according to Wikipedia.2
Popularity Ranked 156th of 202 breeds by AKC puppy registrations.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lakeland Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Patterdale TerrierLike what we are building? Buy us a coffee.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- The Royal Kennel Club: Lakeland Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for origin, history, lifespan, exercise, grooming, colours, vulnerable status
- Lakeland Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, AKC recognition, lifespan study, popularity, fun facts
- AKC: Lakeland Terrier akc.orgused for temperament, coat, origin
- FCI standard 70 Lakeland Terrier fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colours, temperament
- FCI nomenclature: Lakeland Terrier (70) fci.beused for recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.