Does anyone have a Lakeland Terrier on BYC?

[Perris]

Lakelands are listed as great family dogs, so we were thinking of getting one. I'm on here because we have chickens free range in our backyard and want to get a good ratting dog to have around our flock and family, but I want to make sure it would be a good fit! I have too many homesteading friends who have had their dogs kill their chickens.... and also our dogs are family and live inside with us and our three kids. I guess what I'm asking is, do you have any insight or advice you'd give a person like myself looking into getting one of these pups? Thanks so much!

hi @Marasmii , welcome to BYC

I've come to the view that dogs, like chickens, are individuals, and while 'breed characteristics' may work for appearance, they're not a good fit with personalities, and of course there's no way of knowing what a dog's personality will be like before s/he develops it. Then there's training. Early on ours chased the chickens and grabbed some tail feathers (the fluffy feather evidence was stuck in his beard!) so we took the training seriously, and he's never been a problem since (though a neighbour's Labrador has, and they're supposed to be a docile breed). Turns out he's also fine with small children - he is more frightened of them than they are of him in fact (despite his deep and means business bark).

I think the most important thing when getting a puppy is to see it in the environment it was born and raised in, with its mother and siblings. And if your instincts tell you something's not right, walk away.

 

[fluffycrow]

I love Lakies! For some reason the US breed club site isn't available here

 

[Marasmii]

hi @Marasmii , welcome to BYC

I've come to the view that dogs, like chickens, are individuals, and while 'breed characteristics' may work for appearance, they're not a good fit with personalities, and of course there's no way of knowing what a dog's personality will be like before s/he develops it. Then there's training. Early on ours chased the chickens and grabbed some tail feathers (the fluffy feather evidence was stuck in his beard!) so we took the training seriously, and he's never been a problem since (though a neighbour's Labrador has, and they're supposed to be a docile breed). Turns out he's also fine with small children - he is more frightened of them than they are of him in fact (despite his deep and means business bark).

I think the most important thing when getting a puppy is to see it in the environment it was born and raised in, with its mother and siblings. And if your instincts tell you something's not right, walk away.

Thank you for your thoughtful response!
Definitely great advice. We've owned two mastiffs, and though there were similarities, you're right: two very different individuals! Also, the "walk away" part is also very true and something I wish I'd heard and heeded before, since we're dealing with the aftermath of an unscrupulous breeder now. The reviews were great, but the health of our poor pup at only 2 years old is telling a different story, and both my husband and I had a gut feeling we didn't listen to. Anyways, thank you for taking the time!