The Lakeland Terrier originated in the fell district of Cumberland in England, near the Scottish border, and is believed to have sprung from the "Old English Black and Tan Terrier".  The Lakeland Terrier has been used for generations in the Lake District for the purpose of exterminating foxes, and is known for its courage and tenacity.  In spite of this keen hunting instinct, Lakelands are not supposed to be quarrelsome with their own kind.  This breed has had several names, among them Patterdale, Cumberland and Fell Terrier, with the present name being decided upon when the breed club was formed in England in the 1920's.

The Canadian Kennel Club Breed Standard describes the Lakeland Terrier as bold, gay and friendly, with a self-confident cock-of-the-walk attitude.

D. Brian Plummer in his book "The Fell Terrier", describes the Lakeland temperament in the following way: "It goes without saying that fell terriers must have courage (and a good deal of guts at that), but the courage must be tempered with discretion … the old fell strains were game, but knew how to handle their foxes without taking too much damage to themselves".  This can be interpreted as brave but not foolhardy!

Today we selectively breed our Lakelands to be alert, with an attitude of interest and curiosity.  They are definitely not bred to be aggressive or argumentative!

Size varies from 13 ½" to 15" in height at the withers, with 14 ½" being the ideal height for the males. The females are usually about 13 ½“.  Males in top condition often weigh 17 pounds and females will weigh about 16 pounds.

Lakelands are a very hardy breed and to date do not appear to suffer from any serious hereditary diseases.

 
 
 
 
 
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