The Lakeland Terriers were originally bred in the harsh but beautiful countryside of the English Lake District to hunt foxes. The purpose of the Hunt was to destroy the fox that would prey on sheep and lambs thereby affecting the livelihood of those dependent upon farming. The Lakeland had to be able to follow the fox over rugged peaks and steep cliffs in all weather and when the fox went to ground the Lakeland had to follow and either bolt the fox or kill it underground.

Its work dictated its shape and size. It had to be small, but agile enough to crawl long distances, legs not too short so as to enable the dog to jump. It was also required to walk or jog with the Hunt from the Kennels to the scene of operations, and then work. Necessity also dictated the shape of the head, as where a Lakeland can get its head the body will follow.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

Lakelands can live up to and beyond the age of 15 years.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Lakeland is a small terrier with an impish and assertive disposition. It is a "people" dog and thrives on plenty of human contact. As the Lakeland Terrier does not molt they would make an excellent companion for those with respiratory problems. With their loud bark and fearless temperament they are a great deterrent to intruders. It is not a lap dog but a supremely athletic and lovable rascal who responds well to training and discipline.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

As a companion dog the Lakeland Terrier should be familiarised with other household pets at an early age. It will then live happily and reliably with them. Early socialisation with people and other dogs, and basic obedience is also recommended. The Lakeland is not a pack dog but will run happily with a dog of the opposite sex.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Trimming the coat is a fact of life for almost all of the Terrier breeds, the Lakeland Terrier being no exception. Careful grooming can make a world of difference to the dog's appearance. To keep a typical harsh all-weather coat that is part of a Lakeland's overall look the coat should be stripped out by hand with the help of a stripping knife, or as is more usual today the dog may be clipped.

Drop ears can be prone to ear mite and need to be kept clean and dry. It enjoys a daily walk and can become bored if cooped up in a garden without company for long periods. You will also require a dog-proof back yard or a dog run to safely enclose your pet in safety during your absence as Lakelands are past masters at getting out through the smallest of escape routes.

IDEAL OWNERS

The Lakeland Terrier is an ideal companion and family dog, suited to both town and country living.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Lakeland Terrier is the dog for you and you can exercise it regularly, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Liz Walmsley	WA	Contact
Eva Fekete	WA	Contact
Coral and Brian McGregor	QLD	Contact
Warren Mowles	QLD	Contact
helen hayden	NSW	Contact
kerrie miller	NSW	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Dogs New South Wales PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.dogsnsw.org.au (Details current as of 22/11/11)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tasdogs.com/ (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)