ABOUT LAKELAND TERRIERS
The first Lakeland Terriers were kept by farmers who took them along with small packs
of hounds in order to kill the foxes that were a problem in the area. The dogs were
extremely game and were also used on otter and vermin with great success. Although
its background is not documented, it shares common ancestors with the Border
Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, and Fox Terrier. As fox hunting became valued more for its
sporting aspect, the terriers became more fashionable as a part of the fox hunt. Those
dogs from the English Lake region gained a reputation as particularly game dogs,
although at that time they were identified as Patterdale, Fell, and Elterwater Terriers,
all of which came from the Lakeland region.
Only in 1921 were they recognized as Lakeland Terriers, although Cumberland us
considered the exact birthplace of the breed. The breed was accepted for AKC
registration in 1934. Since then, the Lakeland Terrier has been a prominent contender
in the show ring, combining dapper good looks with unsurpassed showmanship.
The spunky Lakeland makes the most of every day, always busy investigating, playing,
and, if it really gets its wish, hunting, running, and chasing. Given daily exercise in a
safe area, it settles down in the home and makes an entertaining and endearing house
pet.
