Sporting Lucas Terrier
Also known as Slt
United Kingdom, Terriers
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 28–33 cm
- Weight
- 6–9 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 yrs
- Friendly
- Playful
- Hardy
- Compact
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
About the Sporting Lucas Terrier
The Sporting Lucas Terrier is a small, rough-coated British terrier, a working-minded relative of the rarer Lucas Terrier. It is low-set and sturdy, with a weatherproof coat usually in tan, grizzle or black and tan, sometimes with white. Numbers are small and published information is limited, so the details here are given with caution.
Temperament
Owners usually describe it as friendly, playful and a little softer in nature than many working terriers, though it still enjoys hunting and digging. It tends to be sociable with people and is generally reported to mix reasonably well with other dogs.
Exercise
Daily walks and play, with chances to sniff and explore, suit it well. It is robust enough for country rambles but does not usually need the intense workload of high-drive terriers.
Grooming
The harsh coat benefits from brushing once or twice a week, with occasional hand-stripping or tidying to keep it neat. Check for burrs and mud after outdoor walks.
Care & wellbeing
Because the breed is rare, it is worth contacting its breed club to find responsible breeders and learn what health screening is carried out. Gentle, consistent training and early socialisation help. As with any small terrier, see a vet if your dog starts limping, rubbing its eyes or holding up a back leg.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 7.5 kg adult- Water
- 300 ml–450 ml
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 510 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Exercise
- 60–90 min
- a day
- Grooming
- A brush once a week
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a Sporting Lucas Terrier
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
The original Lucas Terrier was developed in Britain in the 1940s by Sir Jocelyn Lucas, who crossed Sealyham and Norfolk Terriers to produce a smaller, friendlier working dog. In later decades some breeders introduced other working terrier blood to broaden the gene pool and restore sporting ability, and those dogs became known as Sporting Lucas Terriers. Exactly which breeds were added is not well documented. It is not recognised by The Kennel Club.
Health
The breed can be prone to
- Patellar luxation
- Eye conditions
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Patella check
- Eye examination
Not every Sporting Lucas Terrier is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
Lower than average- Smaller food bills and medicine doses
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–15 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a Sporting Lucas Terrier right for you?
Could suit
- Owners who can manage a good walk or two each day
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- Smaller homes, as long as daily exercise needs are met
Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.
Common questions
How big does a Sporting Lucas Terrier get?
Adult Sporting Lucas Terriers typically stand about 28–33 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 6–9 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Sporting Lucas Terriers live?
Typically 12–15 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Sporting Lucas Terrier need?
As a guide, around 60–90 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Sporting Lucas Terrier need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Sporting Lucas Terriers easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Sporting Lucas Terriers shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Sporting Lucas Terriers good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Sporting Lucas Terrier live in a flat?
It can work — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Sporting Lucas Terriers have?
The breed can be prone to patellar luxation, eye conditions. Not every Sporting Lucas Terrier is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.
Breed details
- Country of origin
- United Kingdom
- Type
- Terriers
- Recognition
- Kept by its own breed club; not recognised by the FCI or The Kennel Club