Lucas Terrier

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Lucas is similar in appearance to the Sealyhams terriers of the 1920?s and 1930?s. Lucas Terriers have been in the USA since the late 1960's. This is a rare breed, with less than 100 inside the USA. The Lucas Terrier may be bred to either of it's parent breeds, the Sealyham Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier, and still be considered a purebred Lucas.

A sturdy, symmetrically built working terrier like the Sealyhams of old. There should be a combination of substance, power, balance and hard muscular condition. Any tendency to grossness or weediness is a serious fault. In balance with other proportions of the dog, and in keeping with its general conformation.

Color

The color should be tan (all shades) or saddle and tan (the saddle can be black or bluish grey). White markings in the pattern of Irish spotting (i.e. around the muzzle, on the feet and legs, on the underside, on the chest area and/or around the neck) is acceptable. Black or bluish grey should not be the predominant color. An 'Irwin' Lucas terrier should have a base coat of white with colored markings in a piebald or extreme white spotted pattern. Markings may be tan (all shades), black, badger-grey, black and tan or badger-grey and tan. A completely white dog is acceptable.

Coat

The coat is fairly harsh, weather resistant and of medium length. Very soft, fluffy coats are undesirable but short, harsh Norfolk type coats are acceptable.

Personality

The Lucas Terrier is a small, sweet, non-exaggerated British terrier that is making a comeback in popularity in the US. Smart and easy to train. Friendly towards people and other dogs. Excellent with children. Eager to please. Not a yapper by nature. Likes to dig. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals.

Care

Brush weekly, bathe occasionally when necessary. Hand stripping is the preferred method of grooming this breed's double coat. They shed little to no hair and have low doggie odor.

Training

They are smart and easy to train.

Activity

This breed are good for apartment living. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed needs a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. The breed is a low energy dog that makes a good walking companion. Calm and content indoors, adaptable to life in town or the country.