Sporting Lucas Terrier

A bright, bustling and bold little terrier that is brave without being reckless.

Size	Small
Weight	5 to 8.2 kg (11 to 18 lb)males 6.4 to 8.2 kg, females 5 to 6.8 kg1 2
Height	25 to 33 cm (10 to 13 in)males 28 to 33 cm, females 25 to 30.5 cm1 2
Coat	Harsh double coat
Origin	Scotland, first bred at Mey in Caithness and later at Abington in South Lanarkshire.2
Last checked	2026-09-30

Rare breedShort profile

lively and self-confident

keen, capable little worker

responsive to its handler

Personality what they are like

A bright, bustling and bold little terrier that is brave without being reckless. It is keen to work yet steady enough to listen to its handler, and its temperament is described as stable.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sporting 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

Coat and looks how to spot one

harsh double coat

A stiff, weatherproof outer coat of roughly 4 cm over a thick, soft undercoat, giving a slightly shaggy look. The body is short-legged, sturdy and narrow enough in the chest to follow quarry underground, with a broad skull and half-pricked ears.1 2

Colourswhite with brown, grizzle, badger-grey or black markingssolid colours, with or without white on chest and feetbrown, black and tan combinationsgrizzle and tan1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic working terrier bred to hunt above and below ground, so it needs daily walks and chances to sniff, dig and explore.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The harsh coat needs regular brushing to stay weatherproof and tidy.1

Home where they are happiest

Adaptable in size, but it needs a secure garden because of its strong hunting drive.1 2

Company who they like around

Bred originally to work in packs alongside other terriers, it enjoys company and involvement.1

The story where it all began

The original Lucas Terrier was created by Sir Jocelyn Lucas after the First World War from working Sealyhams and Norfolk Terriers. In the 1990s terrierman Brian Plummer bred a more working-type version using Lucas Terriers, Jack Russells and fell terriers, and after his dogs were dropped from the Lucas Terrier club in 1999 they were developed as a separate breed.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It was bred to be narrow enough in the chest to go to ground after quarry.2
2
The UKC is the only major kennel club that recognises the breed.2
3
Its developer, Brian Plummer, also created the Plummer Terrier.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for Major Sir Jocelyn Lucas, MC, KBE, MP, a Baron's son with a keen interest in hunting dogs, who developed the Lucas Terrier in the 1920s by crossing his Sealyhams with Norfolk Terriers. The 'Sporting' prefix was added later to distinguish Plummer's strain from the original Lucas Terrier.1

Name ideas for your new friend

AngusPiperBrambleSkyeTamThistleNessieBrodieScurryFergusHeatherDigby

A day in the life told by a Sporting Lucas Terrier

This morning I bounced out of bed and straight into the garden. I dug a small hole near the rose bush, just because I could. My human laughed and called me a busy little beast. We went for a brisk walk along the lane, where I investigated every molehill and chased a leaf in circles. At home, I inspected every corner of the sofa for crumbs. After a good chew on my rope toy, I curled up in my basket, already dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

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

Recognised by the official bits

UKC: Recognised in March 2002 in the Terrier Group; the only major registry that recognises the breed.1
FCI / The Royal Kennel Club / AKC: Not recognised.2

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

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

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 Sporting Lucas Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Sporting Lucas Terrier at least two meals a day for adults, or three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help digestion, but avoid free feeding. Check the food label and your vet for exact portions.3

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

A Sporting Lucas Terrier thrives on high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a safe diet.4

How often should I bathe a Sporting Lucas Terrier?

Pet Wiki's plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Sporting Lucas Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Sporting Lucas Terrier weekly to keep its harsh coat weatherproof and tidy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing removes loose hair and prevents mats.1 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim your Sporting Lucas Terrier's nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Sporting Lucas Terrier need?

Your Sporting Lucas Terrier needs daily walks and chances to sniff, dig, and explore. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily exercise with walks and play. A secure garden is important due to its strong hunting drive.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Sporting Lucas Terrier's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and never insert anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Sporting Lucas Terrier live?

The lifespan of a Sporting Lucas Terrier is not specified in our sources, but senior years typically begin around age 10. For exact lifespan, consult your breeder or vet. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Sporting Lucas Terrier good with children and other pets?

The Sporting Lucas Terrier is a stable, bold terrier that enjoys company and was bred to work in packs. With proper socialization, it can be good with children and other pets, but always supervise interactions. Ask your breeder for specific advice.1

Can a Sporting Lucas Terrier be left alone?

The Sporting Lucas Terrier enjoys company and involvement, so it may not do well left alone for long periods. It is adaptable but thrives with companionship. For specific advice, ask your breeder or vet.1

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.