Lakeland Terriers - who can tell me about them please?

[Earlybird]

DD has been asking for a pet, and I am finally giving it some serious consideration as we are out of our London flat (and now have a small garden). Also, dd is old enough to help out a bit (7.5), and I think would really enjoy a dog. I have never had a dog before, so am/will be a complete novice.

Have done one of those online 'tests' where you enter information about what you want/don't want in a dog, and what you are able to offer (grooming, exercise time, etc). The form has come back saying that Lakeland Terrier is our 'ideal' breed.

I have only seen a photo of a Lakeland Terrier, and don't know anyone who has one - so no idea what they're 'really like'. There are no breeders near us, so not an option to 'pop by' and take a look/spend some time.

Would apreciate any thoughts/advice from those who have direct knowledge/experience.

[Earlybird]

Anyone?

[k9kuts]

hello,as you have probably guessed im a dog groomer so have some experience with lakies.i think they are a lovely breed and if brought up correctly would make a good family dog but as they are a terrier you do need to be firm with training.try the keenel club website for breeders with litters in your area they are not hugely popular so you may have to travel or wait for a litter.it looks like your doing your research but dont take the internet quiz thing as gospel get yourself a good dog book sit down as a family shortlist some breeds and go and talk to some breeders the right dog is out there just waiting for you.

[NutterlyUts]

If you're in no rush, in November there is discover dogs at earl's court where you'll be able to meet dogs from all breeds and will be able to speak to owners and breeders for the good/bad and ugly points of life with them

[Earlybird]

k9kuts - thanks for feedback. What sort of grooming do Lakeland Terriers need, and how often do they need it? From your experience, what temperament do they have (if it's possible to generalise). Any obvious downside?

NutterlyUts - that's a great idea, but visiting London isn't practical as we now live out of the country. Still, will look to see if something similar exists where we now live.

Anyone else?

[Earlybird]

NutterlyUts - I've had a look at the Discover Dogs website, and it looks a fab event. Shame it's not an option for us.

[k9kuts]

they are really supposed to be handstripped,that is when the dead coat is plucked by hand now most pet owners opt for the cheaper/quicker option of clipping although this can alter the natural colour/texture of the coat but if your ok with that then they still look very smart in a pet trim if you have it done every 6 to 8 weeks.i have never had a bad tempered one and find them sweet little dogs.if you let me know whereabouts you are i maybe able to put you in touch with a decent breeder.

[SomeLikeItHot]

I have a lakeland x border terrier and he has fantastic temprement, especially with the kids. When i first got him, the local vet said "ooh you'll have your hands full with him, lakelands have really strong terrier instincts." but to be honest he's was far far easier to train than my yorkshire terrier.

I get him clipped 3 or 4 times a year and have found he doesnt really moult which is always good!!

[bethoo]

minimum grooming required for a lakeland terrier. my gran had a pair and they were tough little cookies! in the days when dogs used to roam the streets!
plenty of excercise, ball games in the park would be great, get them socilaised at a young age and firm hand in training but great hardy little dogs.

[medogsarebarking]

I also have a border/lakeland cross. She's very sweet and gentle, but she doesn't particularly like children - in that she avoids them. If we have child visitors I often find her hidden away upstairs somewhere away from the noise. This might just be her temperament though (she was a rescue dog). It's a shame as she hasn't really become a companion for DD as I would have hoped - she just ignores her.

My sister also has a border/jack russell cross and she has always been a bit moody (the dog, not my sister ) so maybe it's a border thing.

[SomeLikeItHot]

mine is the opposite medogsarebarking... he is constantly sitting next to the kids when they are playing with things on the floor and he follows them around from room to room trying to join in their games!!

[medogsarebarking]

Aww SLIH he sounds lovely. as I'd love dd to have a playful companion.

I'll have to put my poor old girl's antisocial tendencies down to the start she had in life.

[SubRosa]

Earlybird, it's also worth thinking about how much exercise your dog will need. We've got a Patterdale, and she needs approx. 2-3 hours exercise a day

[OrmIrian]

Can't contribute much apart from the fact that the only one I've ever known was totally adorable. But I like terriers. He seemed very good natured, didn't bark a lot (we were next door too).

[Earlybird]

Thanks for responses. Am glad to know that no one has had a negative experience.

Will continue to research/educate myself, and may revive this thread later with more questions when I have them.

[FrogPrincess]

We have a Lakie who's gorgeous and great fun. He was handstripped at first but after a mistake by the dog groomer has been clipped and that's just as nice as he doesn't do competitions!
He was a handful at first (got him at 8 weeks) and needed a firm hand and loads of training as they are smart dogs who learn good habits as fast as bad ones.
He adores playing and being chased, he is a bit of a fussy eater, loves walks but will 'self-exercise' if we can't go out.
He gets on very well with our daughter and is generally a lovely dog
But you do need to be able to spend a lot of time with a Lakie, he needs the company and plenty of fun.
They are an endangered breed I think, which is a shame as they are beautiful dogs.
Good luck!

[Earlybird]

FrogPrincess - thanks so much for the advice. We have never had a dog before, so am not exactly sure what 'a firm hand and loads of training' would entail - could you please elaborate?

Is this breed too much of a handful for a novice dog owner?

[FrogPrincess]

The breeder we got Mac from did ask us whether we had had dogs before (yes, but really our respective parents had done all the work!), and whether we had had terriers (no)...
I think terriers are very strong willed, certainly ours is, and it was a shock to realise that we had to put in quite a lot of work to train him (really, you cannot let any bad behaviour go, otherwise they think it's OK). You also need to know how to react to bad behaviour: like for children, ignore bad behaviour and praise the good stuff. You also mustn't let terriers get bored, so try and play a bit before you sit down to do some work, or whatever. I'd recommend going to training classes ( we didn't) to help him/her socialise, and get you started with the training.
I would also try and visit a couple of breeders if possible before making any commitment (ensure the puppies meet children and live with the family rather than in a shed, and that they are being used to all sorts of noises, so they don't freak out at the sound of a car).
I am not very knowledgeable at all on terriers, this is just stuff we've learnt through trial and error really! I love Mac and he is great fun but there is no denying the first couple of years were tricky at times.
I don't think that Lakies are too difficult for a novice dog owner, especially as you are obviously researching this seriously, but you will need time and patience and perhaps more importantly consistency from all the members of the family(ie do not invite a granny who will let him chew her slippers when he's teething...).

[Earlybird]

Thanks for all that - it's good to have advice from someone who had direct experience.

I've read that they don't shed much. Is that true? Do they smell? Difficult to house train?

We've got a good sized fenced suburban garden, so envision putting the dog outside some for fresh air, and for a bit of a run around - but are they terrible diggers? Mixed info on that from my reasearch....

Are they generally ok to take in a car? I'm imagining some trips to a dog park, and would also happily walk the dog on lead.

I know every dog has its' own personality, but would love to hear more about the characteristics of the breed.

[FrogPrincess]

Mac doesn't shed at all, which is fantastic, and isn't smelly (that might come later, he is only 4 years old!)
He doesn't dig at all either (he tries to hide treats sometimes outside but is pretty bad at it which makes us laugh)
He gets nervous in the car but with a harness on which you strap to a seatbelt it's fine (not carsick). Loves walks and always gets attention as it isn't a common breed to have and they look extremely cute. He is patient with being stroked by strangers and children as well.

I'm very happy to answer more questions, but I'm off on holidays until 4th Sept! I'll try and check the thread when I get back....
Good luck and you're welcome to pm me if you like

[SomeLikeItHot]

Mine doesnt shed at all unless he's in need of a clip and doesnt smell, their coats are quite water repellant so you can dry them easy and quickly and they dont smell like wet dog!!

He has never dug or chewed at all but when he was little he was terrible for leaping over the chest hight fence into next doors garden. They are quite springy little dogs!!! Luckly he stopped doing that after a few months!

Mine doesnt travel well in the car but that's probably just because i dont take him out much in it. If you did it from day 1 of getting him he'd be fine.

[LittlePushka]

Some great postings here. I have had lots of dogs in my life but terriers (Jack Rsss/Border/ Lakie or any cross of the above!)are IMHO the best.

But I do seem to be the only terrier owner who des not get her dogs groomed/clipped. Do not agree with stripping hair out for looks...sorry!

When mine get a bit wiry in late spring after winter has gone I just trim them off with a pair of scissors so they do not cook in the sun.(when it arrives, that is)

[Earlybird]

LittlePushka - it's reassuring to know that the breed we're considering is getting such good feedback here.

Can you be more specific please about why you like terriers so much - particularly when compared to other dogs?

With regard to hair 'stripping' - is it painful for the dog? Must say, I don't really know what it is....

[purpleduck]

Earlybird, are you set on having a purebred?

We got both our dogs from the Dogs Trust (both were received as pups - they were born at the Dogs Trust)
They are fantastic (Dogs Trust) They give fantastic advice and aftercare, they include neutering in the price of the adoption...also, there are so many dogs out there needing a home.
As I said, both our dogs came into our home as puppies, and I'm glad as they learned our rules, and know that the kids are their "boss". It was alot of work though - much more than we realised!!!

Our second dog is just a mongrel - he is gorgeous, and has a wonderful temperment. We looked a long time for him - we wanted a smaller dog, and a shorthaired one (he is fluffy though - only fluffy one in the litter, but we LOVE him)

Also, mongrels tend to be healthier...

Just a thought

[LittlePushka]

Stripping is pulling hair out from its root rather than clipping or cutting.

Why terriers? Well, it is just my experience of dogs I suppose. Most of the things I wil say about them could easily be applied to any other well loved, well treated, well trained, and well socialised dog of any breed.

Firstly, they are portable and not too big to have lying about the place. Impt if you need to bung em in the car with kids etc. They are very loyal in my experience,.. they are full of funand impishness which suits me. They are from a working breed so they need stimulation and exercise perhaps more than some other breeds I have had. I have always had two terriers at any one time, so I do not know what they are like alone/ left alone.

Some folk say terriers are yappy. Mine have never been,.but I have dogs not bitches and have them cut ASAPas I do not breed. They have been ACE with my very young children and my older nephews. Not once have they ever curled a lip or growled a warning. But training is a big thing in my house. I subscribe to the alpha dog theory!

A brilliant book for you to look at is one called "Think Dog". It is quite short and is invaluable,..to dog owners new and old.

Finally, I have always gotten my dogs from RSPCA or from genuine known farms (ie the agricultural type not puppy farms) terriers.

[themildmanneredstalker]

my sister has a lakeland terrier and it is MENTAL>
seriously. ifit was mne i'd have had it put to sleep.

it is mad. it has eaten haldf their doors, it eats socks and pants all the time, barks constantly, chases the postman, gets very jealous-for eg-when my babies wer elittle we culdn't go round there because he went nuts if the baby was being held-kept jumping up and barking.

i would never advise anyone to have one.

oh and they need absolutely tons of exercise.