Plummer Terrier

Group

Terrier Recognition

DRA

The Plummer Terrier is a working terrier, and like all working terriers, it is a composite animal.

Origins
A product of Great Britain, the Plummer Terrier is derived from the original pack of terriers owned by their creator, the famous field sports expert and writer Brian Plummer. A relatively new breed of dog, the Plummer Terrier is mostly made out of Jack Russell Terrier, with a strong dash of Beagle (added for nose, voice and coat color), and Bull Terrier (added for toughness and head size). A red Fell Terrier (or Fox Terrier) was mixed in to refine the overall appearance. Plummer Terriers were originally bred to hunt and to this day the majority of Plummer Terrier kennels actively seek to continue to hone the working instinct of the breed. Primarily used as a ratter, the Plummer Terrier is evolving into a popular working dog within it's home country, however it is still a relatively rare breed.

After a long period of out-breeding, obvious genetic problems were worked out of the breed (they are as healthy as any today), but a new problem worked its way in -- today's dogs are sometimes too big for truly tight underground work. Perhaps that is not a problem if you are developing a dog just for ratting, which was Brian Plummer's passion. That said, early dogs were smaller than today's dogs -- a common problem in the world of working terriers. Originally created to hunt and carry out the role usually associated with any working breed of terrier, the Plummer Terrier was conceived in the 1960s and has now been bred to type for nearly 20 years.

Appearance
The Plummer Terrier has a broad skull, with a moderate muzzle that comes to an abrupt stop at a black nose, and jaws with a good scissors bite. Almond shaped eyes are large, and dark in color. Their ears sit far part on the head, are triangular in shape, and fold over themselves in typical terrier style. The neck is moderately long, and thick. Its body structure is compact, and well muscled. These are sturdy athletes. Legs are of average length, and well boned. The coat is short, coarse, and lies flat. Color does not vary as most Plummers have a very attractive reddish-tan coat with white coat and head, a white collar at the neckline, or a full cape.

Future
A generally game working dog, the Plummer Terrier is not a Kennel Club breed, and most Plummer Terrier owners who work their dogs would prefer that this dog was not part of the Kennel Club.

While the Plummer Terrier generally breeds true in appearance, the standard is a working terrier standard, and the most common serious fault in this breed is cleft pallets.

If it is to remain a working dog (at least for underground work), it is in the hands of genuine diggers and dedicated ratters that are trying to size down the breed and keep it working on a regular basis. However, care has to be taken in order to ensure the welfare of the breed is the main priority when breeding.

Though it is a bit early to say for certain, the Plummer Terrier appears to be a breed that has caught on in popularity among a segment of the working terrier set, and with increased restrictions on fox hunting in the UK, its popularity as a ratting dog is likely to increase.

It is important to remember that the Plummer Terrier is usually bred as a working terrier and can make a great companion if the correct stimulation is provided. Generally they have tremendous amounts of energy and a high prey drive. Any prospective owners should be aware of the facts so they can make an informed decision when deciding if they can offer the kind of environment that is needed.

The Plummer Terrier is a pleasant companion when it is sufficiently exercised; however if they do not get enough, they may become a nuisance. They need to be taken on a long, daily, brisk walk. In addition, he will be in his glory with space to run, hunt, and play.

This feisty bundle of energy sports a high prey drive, and lives for the hunt. Even in a rodent free apartment, owners will notice its keen interest in anything that moves, whether it's a fly or a billowing curtain. These are cheerful dogs which are independent and willful; just a typical terrier. They possess boundless energy and do well in households with older children. At the same time they will not tolerate rough handling or teasing, and may retaliate by nipping. Due to their innate hunting instinct, any other non-canine pets should never be trusted with the Plummer. These characters may be dog aggressive if not socialized as a puppy. They do well with cats they were raised with.

Both enthusiastic and confident, the Plummer will gladly bark anytime something enters their line of sight. These terriers make good watchdogs. Training the Plummer may be an arduous task, since they tend to be stubborn. If training starts early, and the dog understands there are boundaries, it will be relatively easy to teach. Underneath their self-sufficient exterior they are quick to learn, and eager to please.

The Plummer can adjust to apartment living as long as its spunky nature is given ample opportunity to exercise. They need to be vigorously worked on a regular basis. They enjoy chewing, so sturdy toys should be easily accessible, otherwise the terrier will find its own (i.e. expensive leather shoes). When outside, the terrier should be kept leashed as it loves nothing better than chasing fast-moving objects.

This breed is easy to groom as it only requires a curry once or twice a week. They are average shedders. The Plummer Terrier stands 11-14 inches at the shoulder, and weighs 12-15 pounds. Their life expectancy is 13-15 years. These are robust characters who suffer from few illnesses. The Plummer is currently facing yet another change in its short history. Up until recently, these dogs were randomly bred according to their owners preference which is resulting in larger dogs with poor ratting ability. This has set dedicated breeders into motion, and they are in the process of determining a uniform breed standard. Anyone interested in purchasing a Plummer should look for a dog which is small, compact, and resembles the Jack Russell type.