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In attempting to breed working Sealyhams, small enough to go to ground to a fox or otter and yet strong and active, I found that I was up against the difficulty and dangers of breeding from a very small bitch, "too small to breed from". I therefore looked around for an even smaller sporting terrier, with all the right instincts, a hard working jacket and above all not too strong a head! The latter was an essential if whelping troubles were to be avoided. My Norwich dog was red, with drop ears, and weighed 11lbs.
The first litter was an outstanding success, and having once bred, the Sealyham mother was then able to be mated to a small dog of her own breed with safety. By this method I have been able to establish a strain of miniature Sealyhams that reproduce this small size without whelping troubles.
But the cross-bred puppies were so attractive that they found a ready sale, and made such grand little workers that I now breed several litters a year and have established a type. Lucas terriers, pedigree on both sides, are bred from workers who are also selected for good looks. They are quicker than Sealyhams, face any cover, being small enough to follow the rabbit meuses, throw their tongues well, and like the Sealyham, work with you.
In appearance they are normally red, or grizzle and tan, weighing about 11 - 12 lbs, but if bred to a small Sealyham bitch they would weigh more. They normally resemble a little red Sealyham with short hard working jacket, legs shorter than the Norwich, and with less bone than the Sealyham. The head is well shaped, but not so strong as the Sealyham. The eyes are intelligent. I have never known one to fight. They are sometimes a little shy as puppies, but are quite fearless with other dogs, as being friendly they expect no evil!
They make grand pets, as they are affectionate and friendly, but they know their master and don't just follow anyone. Their little red jackets are easy to keep clean and do not show the dirt. I have never known anyone who has not "fallen" for them, and they always bring recommendations.
They respond to kindness, andit is never necessary to hit them. Like most inter-bred dogs they are often more intelligent than either original breed. So far as looks and conformation are concerned, it stands to reason that both sire and dam must be of the right size and type, sound, active and good-looking, and so far as character is concerned, Lady C----- of ------ near Scarborough wrote "the family adore her .......... so far as my husband is concerned she is worth more than gold. She is death on rats and rabbits and (almost) on foxes! (age 15 months)">
Mrs P. ------ Montreal, Canada, "Everyone is crazy about the Lucas terrier, including me. They are everything I would expect in an affectionate and sporting terrier. Such husky, gay little dogs. Everyone asks where they come from and if they can get one."
JOCELYN LUCAS
The Hon. Mrs Alec Plummer
Bonners
Pepperstock
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