Lucas Terrier

Rare breedShort profile

From England; created in the late 1940s by Sir Jocelyn Lucas at his Ilmer Kennels.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight5 to 7.7 kg1

Sizesmall

even-tempered

friendly

confident, not nervous

Coat and looks how to spot one

harsh double coat, medium length

A small, sturdy terrier with a fairly harsh, medium-length double coat.1

Colourstantan and whiteblack and tanbadgercombinations of tan, white, black and badger1

Personality what they are like

A steady, sociable little terrier that is friendly without being pushy or timid, while keeping a terrier's lively spirit.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A lively terrier that enjoys daily walks and play; some are also used as working dogs.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The harsh double coat benefits from regular brushing.1

The story where it all began

Sir Jocelyn Lucas crossed small Sealyham Terriers with Norfolk Terriers because he wanted a smaller, friendlier working type than show Sealyhams had become. Enid Plummer and later Jumbo Frost carried the line on, and Frost helped set up the breed standard and the UK breed club.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Every authentic Lucas Terrier today traces back to a small group of Sir Jocelyn Lucas's original Ilmer Sealyhams.1
2
It was bred first as a companion, but more and more are now worked as hunting dogs around the world.1
3
The UK breed club, founded in 1988, has registered more than 700 dogs.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after its creator, Sir Jocelyn Lucas, who developed the Lucas Terrier at his Ilmer Kennels in the late 1940s.1

Name ideas for your new friend

JocelynLucasIlmerBrambleSnapPippinTinkerBiscuitPebbleTrotWhiskerSquire

A day in the life told by a Lucas Terrier

I bounce out of bed the moment I hear the kettle. After a quick pat, I lead the way to the park, nose to the ground. I find a mysterious hole and dig a little, just to see what's inside. A friendly collie joins me for a game of chase. Back home, I curl on the sofa with a chew toy, then help my human with gardening, by which I mean I dig up a daisy. At teatime, I do a trick for a biscuit. Tonight, I'll snuggle on a lap, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Lucas Terrier Club (UK): Breed club founded in 1988; keeps the breed register (over 700 dogs) and standard. Not recognised by major kennel clubs.1
United Lucas Terrier Association (ULTA): Founded in 2020 to look after the breed in the USA.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Lucas Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Lucas Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your adult Lucas Terrier at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times, such as morning and evening, work well. Check the food label for portion guidance and ask your vet for a tailored plan.2

What should a Lucas Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to your Lucas Terrier's age and size is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for specific dietary needs.3

How often should I bathe a Lucas Terrier?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Lucas Terrier gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Lucas Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Lucas Terrier weekly to keep its harsh double coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing also strengthens your bond.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Lucas Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail clipper and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if unsure.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Lucas Terrier need?

Your Lucas Terrier needs daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They are lively and enjoy both walks and active games. Some even work as working dogs, so they appreciate a good amount of exercise.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Lucas Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your Lucas Terrier's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, or at least two to three times a week. Check ears every two weeks for redness or odor, and clean only the outer ear with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Lucas Terrier live?

The lifespan of a Lucas Terrier varies; consult your vet for breed-specific information. With good care, many small terriers live into their teens.

Is a Lucas Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Lucas Terrier is steady and sociable, making it a friendly companion for children and other pets when properly socialized. Their lively spirit adds fun, but they are not pushy or timid. Always supervise interactions.1

Can a Lucas Terrier be left alone?

This varies by individual; some Lucas Terriers may tolerate short periods alone, but they are sociable and prefer company. Ask your vet or a good breeder for advice based on your dog's personality.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.