Sporting Lucas Terrier

The Sporting Lucas Terrier is a breed of dog.

Size Medium Height (Male) 18 - 23 Inches Weight (Male) 34 - 45 Pounds Hair Length Short Origin United Kingdom Group(s) Terriers

Appearance
A short-legged working terrier that must be small and narrow enough in the chest to go to ground when required. About twelve inches at the withers, and about 15lbs. in weight. The harsh shaggy coat is white with dark patches, or various combinations of brown, black and tan or grizzle and tan.

History
The Sporting Lucas Terrier was developed in Scotland (firstly in Mey, Caithness and later in Abington, South Lanarkshire) from the Lucas Terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier, and various Fell Terriers by Brian Plummer in the 1990s, in an effort to create a good working terrier. In 1999 the Lucas Terrier Club de-listed all of Brian Plummer's dogs as they "did not want infusions of other terrier types introduced into their bloodlines". Breed clubs were then set up for Plummer's dog, and it became the Sporting Lucas Terrier, despite the fact that the connection to the original Lucas terrier is tenuous.

The Lucas Terrier was created by Major Jocelyn Lucas in the 1930s, in an effort to breed a working Sealyham Terrier, from Sealyhams and Norfolk Terriers. Today it has returned to being primarily a pet and showdog.

Another breed of terrier developed by Brian Plummer is the Plummer Terrier. It is similar, but bull terrier was also used, and the dog developed a reputation for quarrelsomeness.

Recognition
Of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world, only the United Kennel Club (US) recognises the Sporting Lucas Terrier, in their Terrier Group. It may also be recognised by any of the very large number of specialty dog clubs, dog sports clubs, minor registries, and internet based breed registry businesses.

The primary breed club for the Sporting Lucas Terrier, which was founded in 1999 after the split with the Lucas Terrier, is The Sporting Lucas Terrier Club. Mr. Plummer (Sept 11th 1936 - Sept 12th 2003) is deceased.

Breed: Sporting Lucas Terrier Also Called: Height: The Sporting Lucas Terrier is about 10-13 inches tall. Weight: The Sporting Lucas Terrier weighs between 11-18 lbs. Colors: The Sporting Lucas Terrier can be predominantly white bodied with markings of any shade of brown, grizzle or badger-gray, and black, with or without tan, or colored any shade of brown, black and tan, or grizzle and tan. Small white markings are acceptable on the chest, brisket and feet. General Appearance: The Sporting Lucas Terrier is a low and sturdy dog. Compact but free-moving with a wiry outer coat and a thick dense undercoat. The broad head is in proportion to the body with high-set, half-pricked ears. The tail is set high and is usually docked. Temperment: The Sporting Lucas Terrier is a determined dog that is very confident. This dog is lively, alert, and spirited. It is an active dog but is not hyperactive. This breed is loves other dogs and children. Sporting Lucas Terriers are not immediately welcoming with strangers but not immediately submissive either. This dog has a stable temperament and is not overly excited. It is willing to hunt ground vermin above and below ground, persevering in difficult working conditions. When hunting, this breed displays no hesitation in tackling ground quarry, without being too hard or oblivious to instruction. It has an offensive approach without ever being out of control. Care: The Sporting Lucas Terrier needs to only be bathed when it is necessary. Brush this dog weekly. Health Concerns: Training: The Sporting Lucas Terrier is an independent breed but does well with training and commands. Activity: The Sporting Lucas Terrier requires moderate exercise. Life Span: The Sporting Lucas Terrier lives an average life of Litter Size: The Sporting Lucas Terrier has an average litter of Country of Origin: The Sporting Lucas Terrier originated in Great Britain. Brief History: The Sporting Lucas Terrier was named for Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas, MC, KBE, MP, a Baron's son with a keen interest in hunting dogs. After returning from World War I, he began breeding Sealyhams. Concerned about the increasing size of the show-bred Sealyhams, Sir Jocelyn began crossing his hunting Sealys with Norfolk Terriers. With his partner, the Hon. Mrs. Enid Plummer, they carefully developed this small, workmanlike Terrier, designed to work in a pack and push game out of thick cover. Today, the breed is maintained primarily as a working Terrier in Great Britain, where it is used to hunt ground vermin and go to ground when required. Registries: UKC