Fell terriers are a type of working terrier and not a specific breed. Patterdale, red, black, Lakeland, and coloured terriers are all also called Fell terriers. The ancestors of these working dogs were developed in northern England’s Fell country. The dogs are bred for hunting rather than appearance, meaning that the look can vary from one dog to the next. Because the Fell terrier is a category and not a breed, it is not recognized by any major club.
The Lakeland Terrier is a small and sturdy dog breed with long legs that enables it to run at great speed. It has a double coat consisting of a woolly undercoat and a wiry, curly outer coat. It also has hair around its mouth. Its beard needs to be cleaned daily and the coat needs clipping occasionally. It also needs to be brushed frequently. Fell terrier types are usually small, weighing less than 15 pounds. The dogs have narrow chests, making it easier to fit into the burrows and underground tunnels of prey animals. This type of dog has long legs and rough-textured coats. Most Fell terrier types have docked tails, allowing owners to dig the dog, or pull them out from burrows. The dogs are well-muscled and strong with high levels of endurance. Dogs in this group may have short, smooth coats or wiry, double coats. In either case, the dog only needs bathed when it is dirty. A daily brushing keeps the coat free of dirt and debris.
Personality
The Lakeland Terrier, or Fell Terrier, are lively, little dogs. They are active, inquisitive and busy. They have moderate exercise needs that can be satisfied with walks or short runs. They love to explore and given the chance they will chase and hunt. It’s an entertaining companion and is loving and devoted. Its a playful companion for children, but can be mischievous and independent. It’s reserved with strangers and aggressive towards other dogs. Because Fell terriers were originally bred as pack hunters, they generally get along well with other dogs. Like other terriers, these dogs are not for the inexperienced owner. Terriers have personalities all their own, making them a favorite among followers of the breed. Fell terriers have strong personalities and must understand their role in the family. Owners are encouraged to socialize and train these dogs when they are puppies to ensure the dogs become well-behaved members of society. Although they get along with other dogs, their high prey drive can make them a danger for other types of animals in the home. These dogs should not be trusted alone with cats and pocket pets.
Breed Characteristics
| Family: | Terrier |
| Life Span: | 12-16 years |
| Nicknames: | Red Fell Terrier, Black Fell Terrier, Patterdale Terrier, Coloured terrier, Fell Terrier |
Lakeland Terrier Build Information
The Lakeland Terrier is a small and sturdy dog breed with long legs that enables it to run at great speed. It has a double coat consisting of a woolly undercoat and a wiry, curly outer coat. It also has hair around its mouth. Its beard needs to be cleaned daily and the coat needs clipping occasionally. It also needs to be brushed frequently. Fell terrier types are usually small, weighing less than 15 pounds. The dogs have narrow chests, making it easier to fit into the burrows and underground tunnels of prey animals. This type of dog has long legs and rough-textured coats. Most Fell terrier types have docked tails, allowing owners to dig the dog, or pull them out from burrows. The dogs are well-muscled and strong with high levels of endurance. Dogs in this group may have short, smooth coats or wiry, double coats. In either case, the dog only needs bathed when it is dirty. A daily brushing keeps the coat free of dirt and debris.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
The Lakeland Terrier, or Fell Terrier, are lively, little dogs. They are active, inquisitive and busy. They have moderate exercise needs that can be satisfied with walks or short runs. They love to explore and given the chance they will chase and hunt. It’s an entertaining companion and is loving and devoted. Its a playful companion for children, but can be mischievous and independent. It’s reserved with strangers and aggressive towards other dogs. Because Fell terriers were originally bred as pack hunters, they generally get along well with other dogs. Like other terriers, these dogs are not for the inexperienced owner. Terriers have personalities all their own, making them a favorite among followers of the breed. Fell terriers have strong personalities and must understand their role in the family. Owners are encouraged to socialize and train these dogs when they are puppies to ensure the dogs become well-behaved members of society. Although they get along with other dogs, their high prey drive can make them a danger for other types of animals in the home. These dogs should not be trusted alone with cats and pocket pets.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Moderately affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderately friendly |
Appearance
The Fell Terrier needs to be brushed frequently. Its beard needs to be cleaned daily and the coat needs clipping occasionally.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Lakeland Terrier Common Health Conditions
The Fell terrier group of dogs is typically healthy and hearty. Common health issues among this group of dogs include patellar luxation, or knee dislocation, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, entropian, ectropian, dental issues, and cryptorchidism. When selecting a terrier puppy, it is essential to ask about the health of the parents. Healthy parents tend to have healthy litters, and dogs with health issues may pass health issues onto their offspring.
Lakeland Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Fell terriers get along well with children and other dogs, but this dog does not get along well with other types of animal. These dogs require large amounts of exercise to prevent them from becoming destructive and obstinate. Because of their high prey drive and desire to hunt, Fell terriers should be kept on lead at all times when outdoors. Fell terriers can dig deep holes in a matter of minutes and should not be left alone outdoors to entertain themselves. The Fell terrier is a category, not a breed; dogs most often called Fell terrier include Patterdale terriers, Lakeland terriers, and coloured terriers. Lakeland Terriers are small, sturdy dogs; it has long legs enabling it to run at great speed. It has a double coat consisting of a wooly undercoat and a wiry, curly outer coat and hair around its mouth.
| Training: | Moderately easy |
