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Sporting Lucas Terrier
Terrier breed from England
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Sporting Lucas Terrier
The Sporting Lucas Terrier is a small, sturdy, and active working terrier developed for hunting ability. It has a harsh weatherproof double coat and a compact build. The breed is known for its friendly and game nature. Temperament traits include being alert, intelligent, friendly, energetic, and courageous. However, individual dogs may vary. The breed's recognition status varies by registry. Estimated adult weight ranges from 6.5 to 8 kg for both sexes, and estimated adult height ranges from 28 to 33 cm. Estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Energy and trainability are rated 4 out of 5, grooming and shedding are rated 3 out of 5, child suitability is 4 out of 5, dog compatibility is 3 out of 5, and apartment suitability is 3 out of 5. These scores are based on modelled estimates and may not apply to every dog.
Quick facts
Sporting Lucas Terrier at a glance
Sizesmall
Breed groupTerrier
OriginEngland
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight6.5–8 kilogram
Female weight6.5–8 kilogram
Male height28–33 centimetre
Female height28–33 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Sporting Lucas Terrier was developed in the late 1940s by Sir Jocelyn Lucas in England. It was created by crossing Sealyham Terriers with Norfolk Terriers. The goal was to produce a smaller, more agile working terrier capable of accompanying hounds. The breed's origins are in England, and it belongs to the Terrier group. The exact details of its early development and recognition history are not fully documented in the available facts. The breed's recognition status varies by registry, meaning it may be recognized by some kennel clubs but not others. No specific dates of recognition or historical events beyond the 1940s development are provided.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
6.5–8 kilogramAdult weight28–33 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesDoubleCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Alertintelligentfriendlyenergeticcourageous
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Sporting Lucas Terrier-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Sporting Lucas Terrier puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight6.5–8 kilogramAdult female weight6.5–8 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Sporting Lucas Terrier?
Estimated adult height is 28 to 33 cm, and estimated adult weight is 6.5 to 8 kg for both males and females. Estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Sporting Lucas Terrier?
The breed is described as alert, intelligent, friendly, energetic, and courageous. However, individual dogs may not exhibit all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Sporting Lucas Terrier need?
Energy score is 4 out of 5, indicating a fairly high energy level. Regular exercise is likely important, but specific exercise needs are not detailed in the facts.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming score is 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate grooming needs. The coat is a double coat, and shedding score is also 3 out of 5, indicating moderate shedding.
Is the Sporting Lucas Terrier good with children and other dogs?
Child suitability is rated 4 out of 5, suggesting generally good compatibility, but supervision is always recommended. Dog compatibility is rated 3 out of 5, indicating variable tolerance; early socialization is important.
Is the Sporting Lucas Terrier suitable for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is rated 3 out of 5, meaning it may adapt but likely benefits from access to a yard and regular exercise.
Where does the Sporting Lucas Terrier originate?
The breed originates from England, developed in the late 1940s by Sir Jocelyn Lucas by crossing Sealyham Terriers with Norfolk Terriers.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.