The Sporting Lucas Terrier is a somewhat modern breed although not a “designer dog” by any means. Starting around the end of World War 1, the Sealyham Terrier was crossed with the Norfolk Terrier in order to keep the breed from getting too big as some of the show bred Sealyhams were trending toward. These dogs were called Lucas Terriers. In the 1990’s a man named Brian Plummer bred these Lucas Terriers with Jack Russells and Fell Terriers and the resulting dogs were then deemed Sporting Lucas Terriers. There has since been a split in these two bloodlines, with each being considered a different breed. Today the breed is used to hunt vermin and is considered a true working terrier. They are known for “going to ground” (down into holes) and squishing into tight corridors in order to do their job.

The Sporting Lucas has a sturdy build despite his tiny size. The wiry coat is either mainly white with dark patches, or mainly dark with white patches – always coming in two or more colors. The tail is traditionally docked. The head is broad without being heavy and possessing a distinctive stop and high-set folded ears. The dog should never be square in profile, but rather be an oblong shape with legs that are fairly short.

The Sporting Lucas Terrier, like most terriers, is overly-confident and active. This means he’s a poor choice for an owner looking for just a lapdog. He enjoys adventures and getting himself into trouble! This said, compared to some of his terrier cousins he is a little less inclined to launch himself into reckless situations. He also has a touch less energy, being less hyperactive than related breeds as long as he is given adequate exercise. This is an alert and rugged little dog with a strong will to hunt that can also make a great companion in the right home.

Sporting Lucas’ are friendly with both people and other dogs in general, although may be a little too boisterous around timid dogs. They are the happiest when with people they know and love such as their families, and with strangers can range from sociable to indifferent. They aren’t known to bark at strangers while out in public (although will often bark at guests at the door) and generally have stable, level-headed temperaments. Despite their diminutive size, they can command the attention of any room with their large personalities. Sporting Lucas Terriers do best when living in country settings or places with plenty of land. They have a bit too much energy for an apartment.

The Sporting Lucas is responsive to obedience training despite his fairly independent mind. This is because he is intelligent and enjoys learning new things! His willingness to please and excitement to learn can make him a good dog for even a novice owner. This said, it is important to exercise both his body and mind so that he doesn’t get bored and become destructive. Regular obedience lessons combined with hardy walks and plenty of enrichment exercises (such as nosework, Frisbee, agility or flyball) are required to ensure a happy and well-behaved terrier. Owners that have the ability to take the dog hunting as well will see the most benefit to their dog’s well-being!

Sporting Lucas Terriers are only recognized by the UKC. This is true even in Scotland where the breed was originally created due to the controversy over the breed split. The Lucas Terrier has more of a following in Scotland, particularly in dog shows while the Sporting Lucas is more often seen as a working terrier and valued for his speed, flexibility and willingness to hunt, even in inclement weather.

Treeing Feists are small terrier-type dogs bred for hunting squirrel, vermin and other small game (and barking repetitively once the game has been treed). Feists in general were created in the southern regions of America by crossing hunting hounds with terriers, and are similar to the various cur breeds in that both curs and feists are bred with working qualities first and foremost. It was (and still is) vital that these dogs be low-maintenance, high stamina and high-drive – virtual hunting machines! In fact, they have been nicknames the “ultimate squirrel dog” by fanciers of the breed.

Along with their hunting prowess, Treeing Feists actually make very good little guard dogs as well! Possessing great bravery and plenty of tenacity, they will fight to the death if need be. Keep in mind that they get no bigger than 30 pounds max, and 18 inches at the withers (with individuals on the low range at 12 pounds and 12 inches tall), and one can see just how brave these dogs are! These are very loyal little dogs who form strong bonds with their owners and will protect them if necessary. They get along great with children as well, although may be a bit much for extremely young kids due to their rambunctious nature.

Treeing Feists are active and agile although can live in smaller homes as long as their exercise needs are met. These needs include giving them a daily walk, as well as providing mental stimulation in the form of games or other similar activities (about an hour a day combined). Their smaller size makes them more adaptable to various homes than other hunting breeds. Apartments may be a bit iffy, however, because they are quite territorial and tend to bark suspiciously when people walk by the door or pass by a window – which may make them difficult to live with in areas of high “traffic”. Whether one lives in a small condo or a large house, just make sure to keep up with the daily exercise as this breed can get bored and destructive without a physical routine!

When it comes to appearance, Treeing Feists come in a wide variety of looks. Their standard is purposefully kept very loose as hunting ability is considered the most important point, much more so than looks. All colors and patterns are allowable (with the exception of albinos) although the coat is always short, dense and smooth. Ears can be either dropped, erect or button. Tails can be either long or naturally bobbed.

Treeing Feists are most active outdoors, and in a fenced yard will often be seen running, hunting or finding things to chase. Indoors, they are much more laid-back and content to lay around. They enjoy the comfort of a soft couch and/or a lap and some even become “champion” lap-dogs! In addition to their top roles of squirrel hunting, rodent eradication and watch/guard dog duties, they were also bred to be loving companions.

Training a Treeing Feist is best accomplished with a firm, yet fair attitude. These terrier-like dogs will often try to go for top-dog status if they are given zero guidance or rules which means that obedience training needs to be started young! Luckily they are easy to train, particularly if the owner has set the dog up for success from the beginning and follows a consistent training plan. Once a Treeing Feists respects you, half the “battle” is already won. Remember that they are loyal and are very willing to please a person whom they love and respect. Because they have a high prey drive, extra attention should be given to proofing a dog around animal distractions.

Photo By Atomic Feist

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a biddable and alert little companion dog with a ton of vigor and spunk! This “big dog in a small body” loves to be given a job to do and is happiest when he has a task to perform. Farmdogs were general purpose dogs and needed to perform a lot of different functions.  Originally he was used for a slew of different purposes – everything from herding livestock, alerting when people came on the property, killing rodents, accompanying the hunter for dinner, and finally coming home and filling the role of family companion.

The DSF is fairly easy to take care of, with a smooth easy-to-care-for coat. Although they will bark to alert when a stranger comes to the door, the DSF is not a noisy dog.  They do have a fair bit of energy, however, and require daily exercise as well as a regular job. A good-sized walk a day, plus a training session of some sort, should be the minimum. Despite their “do it all” attitude, most owners appreciate the fact that the dogs can relax at home after a long day of activities. As long as these dogs have enough physical and mental exercise, they are fairly well behaved in the house. If their needs aren’t met, however, they can become destructive.

DSFs do ok in apartments or small homes as long as the owner takes them out and give them activities to occupy their minds. Active families or individuals are the best matches for this breed, while lazy or rarely-at-home people should look elsewhere. Take note, however, that the breed is slow-maturing and may retain puppy characteristics for longer than average. If living in an apartment, double check your pet deposit stipulations! Patience is key with young Farmdogs!

Farmdogs are intelligent and take very well to training. Although a rare breed in this country, they are eligible to compete in dog sports such as barn hunt, herding, nosework, rally, open show conformation, agility, flyball, lure coursing, obedience and tracking. They also are occasionally seen participating as therapy dogs, in earthdog trials (to rat out rats) and even used to be seen as circus performers! Whatever type of training an owner wants to provide, they should make sure that it is fun, fair and firm. Go ahead and give plenty of positive reinforcement and excitement, but hold firm on the rules once the dog has learned the command!

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs tend to be very good and playful with kids, and also get along well with other dogs and pets. Cats and livestock aren’t often a problem either, although small pocket pets probably shouldn’t be trusted alone with breed. Overall, this is a very friendly dog without sharpness or random aggression. Despite his terrier-like appearance, the breed is actually more closely related to the pinscher breeds and doesn’t have the scrappy terrier temperament one might expect. Farmdogs enjoy making their owners laugh and often have great senses of humor. Don’t understand how a dog can have a sense of humor? Spend some time around a DSF and find out!

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs do have a bit of prey drive and can be enthusiastic diggers – most likely left over from their ratting days. The prey drive also means that they are likely to chase any cats or squirrels they see wandering outside. Keeping them on a leash or behind a fence when outside is highly recommended, especially if they haven’t yet been given obedience training.

Photo By Danish-swedish farmdog

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, up until 1999, was considered the short-legged version of the Rat Terrier. Nowadays these fun little dogs are a breed of their own! While they can still do their original job (ridding the property and home of vermin), they are also capable of competing in all manner of dog sports (obedience, agility, conformation, barn hunt…and even weight pull!), as well as being affectionate companions.

TRTs are an intelligent breed that enjoy doing most everything that their owners want to get involved in. These energetic terriers simply enjoy being a part of the action! When training them, it is best to take advantage of their curious nature and make learning into a game. When done right, these dogs are actually fairly easy to train! Furthermore, this is a versatile breed which should be physically and mentally able to compete in all sorts of different competitive venues.

Unlike many other terrier breeds, the Teddy tend to get along well with other dogs both in and outside of the home. Possessing a great sense of play but also gentleness, they also get along with children as well as the disabled. Many even get along with cats, as long as they were raised with them, and the cats are indoor-only. They do tend to be one-person dogs, for although they are good-natured (if not somewhat aloof) with most people, they will hold their owner in greatest esteem. Teddies are social animals that want to be next to their owners’ sides whenever possible, often accompanying them from room to room.

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can make himself at home in all sorts of circumstances, including apartments. They are quite adaptable (just don’t keep them locked up or tied outside all day). Keep in mind that if they are given a yard to run in, they will undoubtedly try to dig up burrowing animals and tree squirrels. This is a hunting terrier, after all, and they don’t make the best pets for those with perfect gardens. Their high prey drive also means that they will try to chase anything that moves, including outdoor cats. When done hunting, most are comfort-loving dogs who want nothing more than to curl up on the bed or under a blanket. Thankfully, most Teddies are active dogs with an off-switch.

The Teddy is fairly long-lived, averaging from 14-16 years. This means that this loyal dog will stay by their owner’s side for a very long time and any prospective owner should be able to commit to taking care of him for years to come. While grooming is easy and low-maintenance, he will still need regular exercise, vet care and mental stimulation for his whole life (like any dog). There isn’t a ton of information collected on this breed as far as health goes, but Patellar Luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are occasionally seen. Overall, however, most members of the breed are very healthy, provided they are given a good diet and kept from over-eating.

TRTs make great watch dogs as they will alert to people coming to the door (keep in mind this breed can be very vocal). Many can also be fairly territorial and protective of their home and property. Because they also tend to be more on the dominant side, they don’t do well with pushover owners – they need rules, structure, and leadership so their territorial and protective traits don’t get out of control.

The Jagdterrier is a clever little German dog with a brave soul and a diligent nature. These small terriers tend to make friends wherever they go – proving that small size does not mean small personality! Jagdterriers tend to be social and love meeting new people, however first and foremost they enjoy working – particularly hunting. Their name in German, after all, is “hunt terrier”. This breed is proclaimed by many to be the most versatile of all terriers – hunting everything from rabbit all the way up to bear! These dogs have also been used to retrieve game, blood track wounded animals, and even to herd livestock.

The Jagdterrier is an active dog, however his small size allows him to be transported easily. He also can fit into smaller homes or apartments with ease. Like most working dogs, he does need regular exercise as well as a job to keep him busy. All manner of exercise will suit him, up to and including swimming! As for a job, just as long as it keeps his mind busy (and, ideally his body as well), he is happy – these dogs love to work. And remember – 20 minutes every other day is not nearly enough for these dogs. They have stamina to go far beyond that.

The coat of the Jagdterrier can be either rough and wiry or smooth and slick. Black and tan is the color combination seen most often although they also come in brown or “grayish”, all with yellow-red points. Both coats types are easy to care for and require only occasional baths (moreso if the dog has been digging through the mud – digging is a favorite pastime). Nail care, dental care and ear care are also important steps in the grooming routine – just like any other breed.

Jagdterriers get along very well with children and often take it upon themselves to watch over them when they’re not trying to engage them in play. This doesn’t mean they should be employed as babysitters (that’s normally a horrible idea for most dogs), but does mean that their protective and nurturing instincts are intact. The correct temperament of a Jagdterrier should be neither shy nor aggressive, but rather affectionate. Despite the fact that they will not back down in a fight with a dangerous animal, they make great loyal companions for people of all ages.

Jagdterriers are an intelligent breed that were bred to be trainable for many different tasks. Without regular guidance through obedience training, they may channel their high energy into destructive avenues – so make sure to start training early! Be aware of their strong-willed nature and make training fun so it won’t be a constant battle of wills. When done right, these little terriers can actually become very reliable workers.

The Jagdterrier does not always do great with other dogs and in fact can be aggressive toward other members of their species. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to live with multiple dogs, however they must be raised and socialized with other dogs in (and out of) the household in order to increase their chances of getting along. Even then… it may be iffy. This has a lot to do with their high prey drive, which will also kick in around cats and small pets. This is one of many reasons why the breed is recommended only for experienced owners.

Jagdterriers are not a quiet breed… and in fact, were bred to “give tongue” loudly and often. They will bark at almost everything or in response to almost any mood, so a potential owner must be prepared for this before bringing one home! On the bright side, this means they can be fantastic watchdogs. If you have a Jagdterrier, everyone who comes to the door will know that you own a dog!

The Norwich Terrier is an affectionate little dog, originally bred to kill vermin in England. These curious and feisty terriers have plenty of energy stuffed inside their relatively tiny frames, and are still able to do what they were bred to do if given half a chance. While they make great companions, they are not a toy breed and aren’t content to just sit on a lap all day doing nothing. Instead, these rough-and-tumble dogs are fearless, study… and unafraid to rip apart your garden on a cold fall evening in search of critters! This isn’t to say they aren’t capable of being calm and collected (they are quite capable of this as long as their needs are met), but they do enjoy their playing/hunting time!

Norwich Terriers can be very willing to please and therefore are quite trainable. Their intelligence means that they learn easily although they can get easily distracted (especially around moving animals or birds). This tendency to chase means that they should always be kept in a fenced yard. While the Norwich can be trained off-leash, it takes time and effort, not to mention plenty of practice! Once trained, this tiny terrier is capable of excelling in dog sports such as barn hunt, agility, earthdog, flyball, and even competition obedience. The Norwich really does best when given a job to do.

The Norwich usually gets along fairly well with other dogs, a trait which sets him apart from many other terrier breeds. He also loves being around people – both his own family as well as new human friends, although is most loyal to his immediate family. He gets upset when left alone for too long, so doesn’t do well in households where everyone works. This little terrier always happy and affectionate, and needs others with which to share his enthusiasm with. The breed also gets along great with children. The only living beings they tend to not do well with are small pets that roam free in the house, such as un-caged birds or ferrets.

The wiry, low-shedding coat of the Norwich helps to protect him from both inclement weather and overgrown vegetation. It is fairly easy for an owner to maintain as long as grooming is kept on a schedule. If an owner wants the coat to remain wiry in texture and bright in color, they should learn how to strip it (a technique where the dead coat is pulled out). Alternatively, a groomer could be hired do this job as long as they are experienced in the stripping of terriers. Baths don’t need to be done too often, as the coat naturally repels dirt, however after a while it will build up and need a good wash.

The active Norwich Terrier requires both mental as well as physical stimulation on a regular basis. Because they are so inquisitive, they really should be given regular on-leash outings to parks or other outdoor destinations. A walk around the neighborhood is ok… but the Norwich is happiest when taken on regular adventures! Super playful, many are usually up for a good game of frisbee once they’ve arrived at the park (but remember the fence rule). Overall, they should be given at least an hour of exercise a day. As the breed can be prone to obesity, it is easy to tell when a Norwich is not getting enough physical exercise.

The size of the Norwich means that he is able to live happily in an apartment as long as enough exercise is provided. Keep in mind, however, that this breed can be noisy as well as intense in everything he does – so it takes the right owner and situation in order to make the apartment circumstance work well. Although tiny in body, the Norwich is definitely not tiny in mind! He will bolt out of doors, scratch up carpet and/or bark for hours if his needs are not met! Small puppies can also take longer to housebreak than other breeds, which may be something to think about for people not willing to forgo their pet deposits!

Photo By H. Gisin

The Skye Terrier has an elegant look with his long, flowing coat but is just as tenacious and fearless as other terriers. A true dwarf breed, he should be twice as long as he is tall. This means that while he may be low to the ground (averaging only 10 inches at the withers), he is still a substantial dog with a surprising amount of strength. He was originally bred to go to ground, searching out vermin (rabbits, fox, otters and even badgers) and then dispatching them, so he is surprisingly agile and energetic. The long coat is not just beautiful, but served as a protective covering when hunting.

As might be expected, the coat of the Skye needs to be maintained regularly or else it will mat up. Many owners find that the texture of this thick double coat is more forgiving than other breeds with long hair and are able to care for it with only a once-a-week brushing routine. Depending on what type of environment the dog lives in, the frequency of bathing will vary from between once a week to once a month. The coat requires no special scissoring or shaving, although ears, teeth and nails must be taken care of just like any other dog.

The Skye doesn’t take to obedience as eagerly as some other breeds, and his sensitive although stubborn nature means that a trainer must really know how to read the dog and train accordingly. He is said to have “a mind of his own”, which combined with his dominant tendencies means two things – One, that obedience training is especially important. Two, it may be more of a challenge for a novice owner. He will only work for someone whom he respects. This said, the Skye actually is very intelligent and is quite capable of being trained. Some owners even compete with their dogs in obedience competitions and other dog sports such as agility and tracking! He should never be trained with harsh methods, however, or he will remember this offense for a long time.

Because Skye Terriers become enormously attached to their owners, some may have a hard time transitioning to a new home if acquired at an older age. This is not to say that it cannot or should not be done, only that new owners should be prepared for a longer “breaking-in period” than other breeds. This also has to do with the fact that Skyes take a while to accept new people in general – whether it be a new groomer, dog walker, friend or new owner. It is best (for all new people) to let him come to you rather than to shower him with unwanted affection. Older Skyes that have never been around children may have a difficult time adjusting to a home with kids – while the breed can do well with children, they really need to be raised with them from puppyhood.

When it comes to exercise, the Skye Terrier is fairly adaptable and will usually take as little (or as much) exercise as an owner is able to give. While the Skye does have a lot of energy, he also tends toward laziness when inside the house. This also makes him able to live in an apartment setting if necessary. Ideally he would love a fenced yard to run and play in (these dogs love to play tug games outside), although walks can be given for apartment-dwellers. Owners who plan to show their Skye may need to find ways of keeping the coat from dragging through sticky grass. All owners should be careful not to over-exercise puppies in order to not stress their joints.

With the family, the Skye is gentle, friendly and extremely loyal. Extraordinarily sensitive, he has an almost otherworldly ability to sense his owner’s emotions and bring comfort when he can. Owners of Skyes insist that this breed is the most devoted out of all breeds – often citing the famous story of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skyle who protected his dead owner’s grave for 14 years until the day that he died. With strangers, it may take the Skye a while to warm up and he will be somewhat reserved until he’s decided they are worthy enough. He won’t just blindly accept anybody as a friend – it must be earned! It is highly recommended to socialize Skyes early in order to avoid an uncharacteristic fear of strangers.

Skye Terriers do have high prey drives and may be apt to chase cats and other small pets. Some will also try to chase dogs which are smaller than themselves. Early socialization to all of these things are helpful, as well as providing training and lots of supervision. If their prey drive is not triggered, however, the Skye tends to be one of the calmest breeds in the terrier group.

Photo By user, CC BY-SA 3.0