ABOUT THE BREED

What sort of dog is a Lucas Terrier?

The original Lucas Terrier breed was created by crossing a Norfolk Terrier and an Ilmer Sealyham Terrier. The result was, and is, an intelligent, willing and active dog with a delightful temperament. They are particularly good with young families, but are also very suitable for older owners. While they love going on walks, like many puppies and young dogs, they should not be over-exercised, especially in the first year or so.
 

What makes a Lucas Terrier unique?

Every living Lucas Terrier Club (LTC) registered Lucas Terrier in the UK is directly descended from Sir Jocelyn Lucas’s original Lucas Terriers. It is this link, occasionally combined with either an LTC approved Norfolk or Sealyham (only) which makes the breed unique. For a litter to be registered, one or both of the pair in all matings must be a LTC registered Lucas Terrier. This ensures that the link with the very beginning of the breed is maintained. It is best practice to pair similar sized dogs but, because Norfolk Terriers are generally smaller than either Lucas Terriers or Sealyhams, the use of a Norfolk bitch is not acceptable as this can put her at risk when giving birth.
 

Is a Sporting Lucas Terrier a Lucas Terrier?

No. A Sporting Lucas Terrier has other breeds in the mix, not just Norfolk and Sealyham, and is generally trained for sport. For further details do an internet search for Sporting Lucas Terrier.
 

How do I get a Lucas Terrier?

Go to Get Your Own Lucas Terrier and click on the relevant form.
 

How do I join the club?

You need to either already have, or be about to acquire, a Lucas Terrier before you will be able to join the Club.
 

How do I know if I am a current member of the Club?

Club membership runs on a calendar year basis and, once you’re paid up for that year, you will have a Username and Password to access the Members Area of the website. If it allows you access, you’re a member!
 

When do I have to put in my Username and Password?

Visitors are welcome to browse the various sections in the open part of the website to find out about Lucas Terriers. Access to the ‘Members’ tab is restricted to Lucas Terrier Club members only. Once you have a Username and Password click on ‘Members’ and then on ‘Member Login’.
 

Can I come to the annual Show?

The annual Show is a closed event designed not only for showing the dogs but to enable current owners to meet one another and discuss various health and welfare issues about their dogs. So it’s for members only or guests of members.
 

How much does a puppy cost?

The current rate is £1500.
 

If I get a Lucas Terrier will I be able to breed from it?

If you get a Lucas Terrier the Club will help you in every way possible to breed! Firstly, it is good for dogs and (especially) bitches to be able to fulfill their natural functions. Secondly, our breed is relatively few in numbers – too few to register sensibly as a separate breed with the Kennel Club – and we actively need to widen the gene pool in order to ensure the future health and well-being of the breed. Thirdly, breeding is a very fulfilling function for you as an owner, and it will allow you to build an even stronger bond with your dog.
 

Why is the Lucas Terrier not Kennel Club registered?

The Lucas Terrier is currently recognised but not registered with the Kennel Club. Breeds can be registered at the Kennel Club once they have ‘set the type’. This means that dogs and bitches from the parent breeds can no longer be used for mating and the gene pool is closed to outside influence. If at this point the gene pool is too small, or it contains unhealthy genes, the effects of inbreeding and disease will soon be felt and the breed risks become extinct. The Lucas Terrier gene pool is currently too small to ‘set the type’, and so Kennel Club membership is not even an option. Even if it was larger, there is a good case for keeping the ‘type’ open so that fresh genes are always available if needed. By specifying that only Kennel Club registered Norfolks and Sealyhams can be used, the Club is seeking to achieve the best of both worlds in order to maintain the Lucas Terrier’s outstanding temperament in a healthy body.