Lucas Terrier
From England; created in the late 1940s by Sir Jocelyn Lucas at his Ilmer Kennels.1
At a glance the quick version
Typical range of 11 to 17 lb, converted; no male/female split given.
Coat and looks how to spot one
harsh double coat, medium length
A small, sturdy terrier with a fairly harsh, medium-length double coat.1
Personality what they are like
A steady, sociable little terrier that is friendly without being pushy or timid, while keeping a terrier's lively spirit.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A lively terrier that enjoys daily walks and play; some are also used as working dogs.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The harsh double coat benefits from regular brushing.1
The story where it all began
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
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Lucas Terrier Club (UK)
- Breed club founded in 1988; keeps the breed register (over 700 dogs) and standard. Not recognised by major kennel clubs.1
- United Lucas Terrier Association (ULTA)
- Founded in 2020 to look after the breed in the USA.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lucas Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
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?
Furry Diary'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.4 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Lucas Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Lucas Terrier weekly to keep its harsh double coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing also strengthens your bond.1 Furry Diary 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.4 Furry Diary 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.1 Furry Diary 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.4 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Sealyham Terrier
Norfolk Terrier
Plummer TerrierLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Lucas Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.