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Fans of the Lakeland Terrier will know that these small yet mighty dogs are great companions and are a beautiful example of a working English terrier breed.
They are typically black and tan in colour, but the Kennel Club in the UK permits several colour variations for the breed, all of which you might find in a litter, depending on the genes the parents carry.
Accepted Colours
When you think of a Lakeland Terrier, you might think of a traditional black and tan dog, but there are several variations out there besides this common colour. These are the accepted colours that the UK Kennel Club breed specification allows:
- Black and Tan: This is the most common and traditional colour for Lakelands. The body is black, while the legs, muzzle and eyebrows are tan. The black is a blue-black, not brown.
- Blue and Tan: Similar to black and tan but with a blue/ grey base coat rather than black. The tan markings are the same.
- Red: An all-red or reddish-brown coat with no black or blue.
- Wheaten: Ranges from pale yellow to a reddish tan. May have some darker overlay on the body.
- Red Grizzle: A red base coat mixed with black/blue hairs giving a “grizzled” effect.
- Liver: A solid brown coat or brown mixed with tan.
- Blue: A solid blue/ grey coat.
- Black: A pure black coat with no tan points.
Among these colours, there might be some variations. Small white markings on the feet and chest are permitted but not desired in the show ring.
Unaccepted Colours
When we talk about unaccepted colours in dogs, we don’t mean that a dog with these colourings is in any way bad. It just means that these markings aren’t within the breed standard.
Your dog can still be a great example of their breed, but their colouring will mean that you won’t be able to show them, and you may find it hard to register them for a pedigree certificate, even if their parents had one.
For Lakeland Terriers, mahogany and deep tan colours are not permitted in the breed standard. Mahogany refers to a brownish-red, while deep tan is an orangey-red. These colours are considered atypical of the traditional Lakeland terrier look. Breeders generally avoid producing dogs with these non-standard colourations, but they can sometimes occur in litters.
Wrapping Up
In summary, the Lakeland terrier comes in several colour variations, but the most iconic is the black and tan. Minor white markings are allowed, but deep mahogany reds and oranges are not accepted per the breed standard. The diverse coat colours add to the appeal of these spunky terriers that originated as working dogs in the Lake District. Whatever colour coat you choose, we know you’ll love your Lakeland Terrier and enjoy many happy years together!