About the Lucas Terrier

The Lucas Terrier was created in the early 20th century by Sir Jocelyn Lucas, and further developed with the assistance of his kennel manageress, the Hon. Enid Plummer. This original type was further set in the 1980’s by English breed champion, Lucas Terrier Club president, and noted Sealyham Terrier enthusiast, Miss Anne (Jumbo) Frost, LVO. This physical type is the one recognized in the U.S. and globally as a traditional “Lucas Terrier,” differing from the so-called “Sporting Lucas Terrier,” which contains mixes from other breeds.

BREED STANDARD

General Appearance

Sturdy, symmetrically built, working terrier like an old-fashioned Sealyham type. The Lucas Terrier was originally created by crossing a Norfolk to a Sealyham Terrier.

Every authentic Lucas Terrier can trace its ancestry back to Sir Jocelyn Lucas’ 20th century Ilmer kennels, and each contemporary Lucas Terrier must demonstrate a direct link back to an Ilmer Terrier.

Characteristics

Friendly, without aggressive tendencies towards people or other dogs, and not fearful or nervous.

Head

Broad skull, a little curved between the ears, flattening to a slight but definite stop. The jaw should be strong, deep and well developed. A medium length, deep muzzle. The nose is black, irrespective of the color of the dog. Dark, almond shaped eyes, well set, with pigmented eye rims. The drop-ears should be of medium size and v-shaped.

Jaw

The teeth should be strong, sound and regularly placed, gripping with a level or scissor-like action, the lower incisors close behind and just touching the upper. Not to be overshot, undershot or wry.

Neck

The neck is strong, muscular and of medium length broadening to blend into the body.

Forequarters

The shoulders are broad of blade, sloping, muscular and well angulated to the upper arm and the point of the shoulder should not be too closely set. The forelegs have strong, round bone, extending to the feet without weakness of the pasterns. The forelegs should be perfectly straight when viewed from the front.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are broad, strong and muscular. Thighs are long, broad and well let down. When viewed from behind the hind legs, from the hocks to the feet, are straight and placed neither close nor too wide apart.

Body

The length of the body from the point of the breast bone in a straight line to the buttocks is slightly greater than the height at the shoulder. The topline is level, back strong, with ribs well sprung and ribbed (not barrel ribbed). The chest is deep and muscular and moderately broad, loins are broad, deep and muscular with deep flanks strongly coupled between the fore and hindquarters.

Tail

Either docked or undocked. Docked: tail of medium length with one-third off, two-thirds on, with a rounded tip and preferably carried erect. Undocked: tail of moderate length and ideally carried erect, but not excessively over the back, and with no curl, kink or twist.

Coat

The coat should be weather resistant with a soft, dense undercoat, a fairly harsh, wiry top coat, and of medium length. The standard calls for traditional hard jacket (attained by hand stripping method).

Color

May be colored or white.
a. In predominantly colored terriers the color should be tan (all shades) or saddle and tan (the saddle can be black or badger-grey). White markings may be elsewhere. Black or badger-colored terriers, while rare, are permissible.
b. In predominantly white terriers the color should be a base coat of white with colored markings, piebald or extreme white spotted pattern. Ticking is permissible. Markings may also be tan (all shades), black, badger-grey, black and tan or badger-grey and tan.

Height

Measured at the shoulder: 10-12 ins (25-30 cms).

Weight

Dogs, 14-20 lbs (6-9 kg); Bitches, 12-18 lbs (5-8 kg).

Movement

Soundness is essential. The action should be true, free and supple, and with capability of quick and sudden movement.