Lakeland Terrier - Appearance & Grooming
Dog Breeds
Introduction
Appearance & Grooming of the Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed: The average Lakeland Terrier stands 14.5 inches high at the shoulders and weighs around 14 pounds. Daily brushing will help to keep the coat clean and free of tangles and a professional groomer should hand strip the coat two to three times a year.
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Appearance
The Lakeland Terrier is a solid dog with a deep, narrow body that allows him to fit into the dens of the vermin he is often charged with hunting. A Lakeland is of square proportions (females may be slightly rectangular), and should be sturdy and workmanlike in his appearance. The neck is long, leading into high withers and a short topline. The tail is set high on the body and is almost always docked. The ears are V-shaped and fold over and the eyes are dark and thoughtful but alert. The head is long, rectangular in appearance and sports long, bushy hair. The coat is dense and wiry and comes in black, black and tan, red, red grizzle, wheaten, liver, liver and blue, blue and tan, grizzle or grizzle and tan. The unique furnishing of hair on the legs gives them a cylindrical appearance, and the Lakeland is often described as appearing to walk on his toes.
Size and Weight
Mature, male Lakeland Terriers should stand about 14.5 inches at the shoulder, but a half inch deviation in either direction is permissible by breed standard. The weight of a 14.5 inch dog should be 17 pounds, but the proportion of the dog is more important than the actual weight. Female Lakelands should stand shorter and weight less than males, at approximately 13.5 inches. While males are squarely built, females might be slightly longer than they are tall.
Coat and Color
Lakeland Terriers wear a double coat that consists of a soft undercoat, and a thick, hard topcoat. In order to maintain the proper texture, the coat should be stripped several times per year. The hair on the head, ears, chest, shoulders and behind tail is short and smooth. The body sports hair that is have an inch to an inch long and may be either straight or somewhat wavy. Furnishings on the legs help make the legs appear cylindrical when the dog is standing up. Facial hair is trimmed, but the hair over the eyes is left long to create the rectangular look of the head.
Puppies are born dark, but as Lakelands mature, the coat can come in a variety of colors including blue, black, liver, red, or wheaten. Some Lakelands may have a tan saddle that compliments their main coloring. They may also be red grizzle or grizzle and tan. Red grizzle Lakelands have a red saddle over a tan base. Grizzle, on the other hand, is a mix of black or red hair with white hair.
Grooming Needs
Lakeland Terriers do not shed much, and shedding is reduced even further when the coat is kept properly stripped. Stripping may be done by hand or with a stripping knife. Dogs who will not be shown can simply be clipped, but clippers will alter the texture of the coat and the color will lighten. Weekly brushing and combing of the coat will help keep the coat neat, clean, and will distribute excess oil. When properly brushed, Lakeland Terriers only need to be bathed as needed.
Check the ears on a regular basis for signs of wax buildup, irritation or infection. Clean the ears with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved cleanser; never use a cotton swab in a dog's ear canal. Teeth should be brushed on a weekly basis to prevent tartar buildup, promote gum health and keep bad breath at bay. Trim nails monthly if the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally outdoors.
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Temperament & Personality