A distinctive lamb-like terrier from northeast England, originally a hardy vermin-hunter and ratter. Affectionate and graceful at home but quick, brave and tenacious in the field, with a signature curly, crisp coat.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
Apartment or small home with daily walks
Apartment + 2× daily 30-min walks
A small dog adapts well to apartment living with two structured walks a day plus indoor enrichment. Crate-train for alone-time and give supervised free-roam of the household when settled.
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Recommended
Home with secure yard + daily routine
House + fenced yard + 45 min daily exercise
A house with a securely fenced yard, two structured walks per day, and indoor enrichment (chews, training, puzzle feeders). Most small breeds settle well as household pets when this baseline is met. High-drive working breed — the recommended tier still demands daily structured mental work (training, scent games, herding ball, fetch with rules), not just walks.
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Ideal
Household companion with varied enrichment
House + fenced yard + sport or hobby
Lure coursing-style sport, earthdog, or terrier racing channels the drive. — ideal is acreage or rural property paired with a daily job or canine sport: herding stock, scent detection, agility, protection sport, sledding, gundog field work, or a structured working role. Without that outlet, expect destructive behaviour, reactivity, and welfare-relevant frustration.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Adaptable and apartment-friendly given daily walks and play; a securely fenced area is ideal for safe running, as the breed is fast and has prey drive. Needs moderate daily exercise (around an hour) plus mental stimulation. Comfortable in active households; enjoys games, sighthound-style sprints and terrier digging/chasing outlets.
Diet
Feed a complete diet portioned to body condition — the breed is not unusually obesity-prone but should be kept lean. The key dietary/medical concern is copper toxicosis (copper storage hepatopathy), an inherited liver disorder: affected or carrier dogs may need copper-restricted diets and veterinary management, so DNA status should guide feeding and monitoring.
Behavior & temperament
Loyal, affectionate, lively and good-natured with family; generally good with children and can live with other dogs, though same-sex dog aggression and prey drive toward small animals can appear given its terrier roots. Intelligent and trainable but with an independent, sometimes feisty streak; mild and gentle at rest yet roused and determined when provoked. Moderate-to-high energy.
Health
Best known for inherited copper toxicosis (COMMD1-associated copper storage disease), which can cause serious liver damage — DNA testing and, for affected dogs, lifelong management is essential. Also predisposed to eye conditions (retinal and lens issues, distichiasis), patellar luxation, and renal/reproductive issues in some lines. Recommended screening: COMMD1 copper-toxicosis DNA test, ophthalmology, and patella evaluation; periodic liver monitoring for carriers/affected dogs.
Tips, DIY & hacks
The curly, wool-and-hair mix coat doesn't shed much (often described as low-shedding) but needs regular brushing and professional clipping/scissoring roughly every 6-8 weeks to maintain the characteristic 'lamb' trim. Insist on a COMMD1-tested line when buying a puppy and discuss liver monitoring with your vet. Provide terrier enrichment — digging boxes, chase toys, scent games — and use positive, consistent training to channel independence.
