Did you know an intelligent little dog with heaps of personality, enjoys playing pranks and is a specialist in sly thefts? If you thought man’s best friend was just plain fun-loving and obedient, meet the Lakeland Terrier – an astute troublemaker who loves to flex his smartness!
The Lakeland Terrier, or adoringly called ‘Lakey,’ hails from the mountainous region of England’s Lake District. Originally bred to save shepherds’ lambs and sheep from quick witted foxes, Lakeys are often underestimated; they are feisty, quick-minded, and incredibly intelligent.
Now, you might think all dogs are smart in their ways. However, when this word aligns with Lakeys, there’s a whole different level of significance there! Though when it comes to standard obedience or problem-solving potential, they might not beat a Border Collie or Poodle – but, think again! If their intelligence was to be tested based on their persuasive antics and cunning trickeries, they would arguably be at the top of the canine hierarchy.
Firstly, one can’t fail to notice their remarkable ability to observe, learn, and respond. This terrier breed shows an uncanny capacity to pick up human commands and gestures. Hand signals are quite effectively learnt by these bright creatures. They can learn important commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” or playful ones like “fetch,” “roll over,” “give me five,” and “kiss,” among others!
However, the hallmark of their intelligence is much more than mere learnability. It lies in their tricky, mischievous, and independent nature. Anyone who has ever had a Lakeland Terrier becomes an endless storyteller, sharing tales of how their Lakey learned to use those puppy eyes to get out of trouble, or how they tricked a family member into giving them treats, or how they retrieved that lost toy from under the sofa where no one had dared to reach!
One Lakey owner shared a story of how their intelligent furball had figured out how to open the fridge, causing a delightful mid-night feast of yoghurt and cheese slices! Oh, these Lakeland Terriers truly know how to keep you on your toes.
While their cleverness might mean extra safety locks for your snack cabinets, it also translates into tremendous adventurous companionship for those who appreciate an intelligent dog. They are great at mapping out environments—making them excellent hiking partners.
What also contributes to the ‘smartness’ of Lakeland Terriers is their strong instinctual traits. The hunting and guarding instincts are dominant in these dogs. They are highly alert, making them excellent watchdogs who’ll fiercely defend their loved ones against any threat. Yet, they are gentle and lovable with their family, revealing a surprisingly profound understanding of their loved ones’ needs and emotions.
Now, we can’t talk about Lakeland Terrier’s intelligence without appreciating their impressive trainability. Trainability doesn’t just mean learning basic commands, but also includes adaptability, socializing, and taking part in dog sports. Lakeland Terriers excel in agility courses, obedience training, and are seen performing well in events as varied as Earthdog Trials to Circus Performances!
Keep in mind, with their intelligence and independence, they might sometimes decide they know better than you. Some Lakeys could be stubborn, requiring patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement during training sessions. Hence, it’s better to start their training and socializing early, preferably while they’re puppies.
However, regardless of these occasional bouts of stubbornness, their endearing personality, quickness, and the bonding they share with their family make it all worthwhile. In the end, you will indeed have a smart addition to your family that fills your living room with laughter, adds an extra level of security, and gives you a companion who truly understands you.
So is a Lakeland Terrier a smart dog? If smartness is gauged by versatility, mischievousness, trainability, and the ability to form meaningful emotional bonds — then, Yes! A Lakeland Terrier is not just smart; they are spectacularly smart! They are your fun-loving friend, your midnight-snack partner, your hiking companion, your emotional support, and your little champion rolled into one fantastic package.
All in all, owning a Lakeland Terrier promises an adventure filled with giggles, cuddles, and a few stolen sandwiches. But the love you will receive from this smart little canine will make each day brighter and every moment a little lighter. A Lakeland Terrier may be many things, but above all, they are indeed a clever, lovable, and unforgettable addition to any family.
