PuppyBase

Broholmer vs Lakeland Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Broholmer vs Lakeland Terrier

Honestly, the only reason you’re comparing a Broholmer and a Lakeland Terrier is because you saw both listed as “friendly” and started wondering, “Could this work?” It won’t. Not because either dog is flawed, but because they’re solving entirely different problems. One is a gentle giant built like a draft horse with a heart to match. The other is a wiry little firecracker bred to chase foxes into rocky dens and argue with badgers if necessary. The Broholmer is the dog you get when you want a living statue that doubles as a family guardian. At up to 150 pounds and nearly three feet tall, he’s not so much a pet as a presence. He’s calm, affectionate, and mostly quiet, which makes him surprisingly easy to live with if you’ve got space and strength. But don’t be fooled by his sweet eyes. he’s no beginner project. His size alone demands experience, and health issues like bloat and hip dysplasia mean vet bills aren’t optional. He’s best for someone with a big yard, a steady routine, and the physical ability to handle a dog that could knock over a coffee table just by leaning. The Lakeland Terrier? He’s the opposite kind of commitment. Small, bold, and full of opinions, he thrives on activity and mental puzzles. He’ll adapt to apartments, travel, or a cottage with equal gusto, but he needs a job. Left bored, he’ll start one himself. usually involving digging or barking at squirrels like it’s his civic duty. He’s great with older kids who respect his energy, but not for homes with rabbits or hamsters. Here’s the real insight: the Broholmer gives you peace. The Lakeland gives you adventure. Pick based on which your life actually has room for.

Broholmer
Lakeland Terrier
27.5–29.5 in
Height
14–15 in
90–150 lb
Weight
15–17 lb
8–10 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$2.0–4.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
AKC popularity
#147

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Broholmer Lakeland Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Lakeland Terrier drools less (2-point difference)
Lakeland
Barking Level
Broholmer barks less (2-point difference)
Broholmer
Mental Stimulation Needs
Lakeland Terrier needs more mental stimulation (2-point difference)
Lakeland
Affectionate w/ Family
Lakeland Terrier is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Lakeland
Shedding Level
Lakeland Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Lakeland
The verdict

Choose the Broholmer if…

  • experienced large-breed owners
  • families with children
  • homes with large yards
  • You value drooling levelBroholmer scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Lakeland Terrier if…

  • Active owners
  • Experienced terrier handlers
  • Allergy sufferers
  • You value barking levelLakeland Terrier scores higher here.
Broholmer Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Broholmer home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Lakeland Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Lakeland Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run