Working terrier Small size 7-8 kg

Lakeland Terrier

A bold, confident little terrier with plenty of spirit for active owners - the trade-off is a strong prey drive, a stubborn streak, and a coat that needs hand-stripping.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
7-8 kg, 33-38 cm tall
Moderate-high
Activity
Lively terrier; needs daily exercise and play
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Independent enough to cope with routine
Moderate
Trainability
Smart but headstrong; keep it interesting
Moderate
Coat care
Wire coat needs hand-stripping
Good
Fit with kids
Playful with active older children
Caution
Other pets
Strong prey drive toward small animals
Light
Health burden
Robust, long-lived terrier

The Lakeland Terrier typically weighs 7-8 kg, stands 33-38 cm, and lives 12-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a bold, upbeat small dog with real terrier character,
you can give daily walks plus play and some training,
you don't keep rabbits, rodents, or other small pets loose,
you can arrange hand-stripping or learn to do it yourself.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want an easygoing, off-switch lapdog,
small pets roam free and cannot be securely separated,
you expect quick, effortless obedience with no training effort,
a barky, digging, self-confident terrier would frustrate you.

A typical day with a Lakeland Terrier

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Brisk 30-40 min walk, some sniffing time
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Chew or puzzle toy, then a nap
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk or garden patrol on leash
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training game or fetch, 15 minutes
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer walk and play with the family
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles happily once exercised

Temperament and training

Boldness Very high
Prey drive High
Independence High
Trainability Moderate
Vocality Moderate
Energy High
Common owner mistakes
Trusting the recall off-leash near wildlife or small pets · Clipping the wire coat instead of hand-stripping, softening texture · Letting the confident terrier make its own rules without structure

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful with older kids; supervise with toddlers.
Dogs Conditional
Can be scrappy with same-sex dogs; socialize early.
Cats Conditional
Possible if raised together; will chase strange cats.
Apartment Conditional
Manageable with exercise; barking can be an issue.
House with a yard Suitable
Secure fencing needed; this breed loves to dig.
City Manages
Adapts well with daily walks and stimulation.
Countryside Ideal
Room to roam suits its working terrier instincts.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Luxating patella Watch for a skipping hind gait
Obesity Manage portions and keep active
Allergies and skin issues May need diet or environmental management
Dental disease Routine brushing and cleanings reduce risk

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Very close cousin, similar look and temperament
Welsh Terrier
A bold, cheerful terrier that stays game and busy - the wiry coat needs stripping and the attitude needs channeling.
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Softer, more biddable working terrier
Border Terrier
A tough, friendly working terrier that is more trainable than most - a great active-family dog if you can meet its exercise and digging drive.
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Same terrier character in a much larger dog
Airedale Terrier
The clever, bold king of terriers suits an active owner, but its prey drive and stubborn streak are not beginner material.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Lakeland Terrier cost in the US?
The Lakeland Terrier is fairly uncommon in the US, so expect waitlists and some travel to reach a reputable breeder. Puppies commonly run about $1,500-$3,000. Over a 12-16 year life, food, grooming, and routine vet care typically add well over $15,000, and unexpected illness or injury can push that higher.
Do Lakeland Terriers get along with cats and small pets?
Cautiously at best. This is a working terrier bred to hunt, so the prey drive toward rodents, rabbits, and unfamiliar cats is strong. A Lakeland raised with a cat may accept that specific cat, but small caged pets are a poor match and unsupervised meetings are risky.
Is a Lakeland Terrier hard to train?
It is smart but independent and easily bored, so training takes patience and variety rather than repetition. Short, upbeat, reward-based sessions work best. Recall is the weak spot: once a scent takes over, many Lakelands stop listening, so a secure yard and leash near wildlife are sensible.
How much grooming does the coat need?
The wiry coat does not shed much but needs hand-stripping several times a year to keep its texture and color. Clipping is easier but softens the coat over time. Plan on regular brushing at home plus professional stripping, or learn the technique yourself.