Finding a Puppy

Finding a Lucas puppy is not easy. There are no 'breeders'. People with one or two bitches, that are primarily companions, not brood bitches, will have an occasional litter to pass on their good fortune in owning these dogs to others and to give something back to the breed. Those who do have pups may only ever breed one litter in their bitch's lifetime and often some, if not all, of the puppies in the litter will be placed with friends and family.

 Things to think about before you get a puppy.....

Before deciding to have a  puppy you should consider that owning a dog is a lifetime commitment with the average dog living for 13 years. You should be aware that over that period you should expect to pay out around £10,000 caring for the dog. Puppies are hard work, particularly if there are young children in the house also demanding time and attention. Puppies don't train themselves and they can cause damage to precious possessions through chewing, accidents and general high spirits. They don't stay small forever and within a matter of months the cute little baby you left the breeder's with is a boisterous teenager in need of socialising, training, exercise and attention. Lucas terriers, whilst not particularly dominant and generally willing to please, will be hooligans, just as will any other breed, if they are not correctly reared. So, are you prepared to put in the time and dedication required to bring up a well adjusted, healthy, socialised dog? You must be honest about your circumstances and if this is not the right time to have a puppy then don't get one!

Should I have a male or female?

It is  not uncommon for people to think that females are sweeter than males, are less domineering and, basically, make all round better pets. This is nothing more than a myth - there is no better gender.

There are differences of course, males will more often than not be bigger and heavier than females, but we aren't talking feet or stones here, a couple of inches and a few pounds may be all that separates a fully grown litter brother and sister.

If you don't have an entire (unspayed) female in the house then males rarely develop those marking and dominating habits that give them a bad reputation as pets, things like urinating on furniture and humping legs, children or other dogs (of either sex). In actual fact I have had females who were much worse 'humpers' than any male!

Males are every bit as loving and eager to please as females and they don't suffer from hormonal mood swings! Males may be a bit more confident and extrovert than females and often like to spread their affection around more. Females can be a little more discriminating in their loving, sometimes choosing one member of the family to receive their undivided attention, whilst males are more likely to be downright affection slobs. However, the female Lucas can be quicker to learn as they are less easily distracted than the male who is too busy trying to be everybody's friend to pay attention!

In some of the more domineering breeds it is recommended that if you already have a male that you should not have another one as when the younger one reaches maturity there will be constant sparring for top dog position between the two. However, the Lucas terrier is a very accommodating and accepting breed so a male Lucas will generally live quite happily with another male without caring too much about who is alpha dog. On the other hand, if you already have a dominant male that actively dislikes other males then a female may, of course, fit in more easily. Females, actually, can be worse than males if they take a dislike to another dog in the household - as someone once said to me 'They don't call them bitches for nothing!'.

Boys DO happily live together ~ here are brothers Coco (back) and Chester (front) on the chair and cousin Harry on the rug

Don’t close the door on a puppy because of preconceived notions. Every dog, irrespective of its sex, has it’s own personality & is unique in every way.  It is very important to talk to and listen to advice that the breeder gives you about the puppies in a litter. A breeder will have had ample opportunity to observe their puppies and will have identified the quiet, laid back one, the on-the-go busy one and those that fall somewhere in-between in a litter. The personality of a puppy can then be matched with you, the prospective owner, taking your specific requirements and lifestyle into consideration, Often this best-fit puppy will not be of the gender that you had first thought you would want to have but please don't discount it merely because of its 'plumbing'! 

Current status with puppies

There have been very few puppies thus far in 2008 and I am only aware of one litter due which should put in an appearance early September. Currently I am advising new enquirers to expect a wait of a year and to be delighted if they are offered a puppy in a shorter period of time.

How much should I expect to pay?

The Lucas Terrier Club currently recommends that breeders sell puppies for £500.

Are adults more readily available?

The short answer is no! We are very fortunate that adult Lucas terriers rarely come up for re-homing. When this has happened it has been because the previous owner has died or had an unforeseen change of circumstance. In the 16 years I have been involved with the Lucas terrier I can think of only 6 adults who have needed new homes. If you would like to be considered for an adult please do ask, but don't hold your breath!

If you are still interested in being considered for a puppy please click on the photo below to go to enquiry form:

Or, if you prefer, you can 'phone and speak to me (Pamela Harrow, Secretary). The number is 01659 74444.

Please note, I do not do this because it is in any way financially rewarding. So, if you leave a message on my answering machine asking me to call you back I can guarantee that I won't. Best time to get me is between 7pm and 9.30pm.

© 2008 Pamela Harrow. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the copyright owner.