Breed History
Once known as the Patterdale, Fell and Elterwater Terrier, the Lakeland Terrier originated in the Lake Region of northern England, and was originally bred to catch small vermin and control the fox population around farms....
It is one of the oldest surviving working terrier breeds. Known to pursue prey deep into tunnels, it is said that in 1821 Lord Lonsdales Lakeland Terrier followed an otter 23 feet under rock; extensive blasting was required to retrieve it. In 1912 the first club for the Patterdale Terrier was established in Cumberland County, England, though the outbreak of World War I prevented any further serious interest until 1921. It was then that the name Lakeland Terrier was chosen and the standard drawn up. American Kennel Club recognition came in 1934. Since then, the breed has had great success as a show dog and moderate success as a pet, and has appeared in print and on television as Nickelodeon Magazines Roving Reporter and Mascot.