A steady, sociable little terrier that is friendly without being pushy or timid, while keeping a terrier's lively spirit.1
how to spot oneLucas Terrier coat and colours
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
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksLucas Terrier exercise needs
A lively terrier that enjoys daily walks and play; some are also used as working dogs.1
the hands-on bitsLucas Terrier grooming and care
The harsh double coat benefits from regular brushing.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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?
Pet Wiki'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.4Pet 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. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing also strengthens your bond.1Pet 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.4Pet 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.1Pet 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.4Pet 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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Lucas Terrier costs
Running costs for a Lucas Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Lucas Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Lucas Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named after its creator, Sir Jocelyn Lucas, who developed the Lucas Terrier at his Ilmer Kennels in the late 1940s.1
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.
where it all beganLucas Terrier history
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
Sealyham Terrier
Norfolk Terrier
Plummer Terrier