The Plummer Terrier is, first and foremost, a working terrier bred to hunt rats in the UK. Created by the late Brian Plummer in the 1970’s, the breed is essentially a mix of early Jack Russell bloodlines crossed with Beagle, with a splash of both Bull Terrier and Fell Terrier. Having a fantastic sense of smell, a very high prey drive and an athletic body, they can “get the job done” when it comes to finding, digging out, and dispatching their prey. While they make excellent sport dogs for those who want to get into competitions such as obedience, agility, frisbee or flyball they do require lots of exercise in order to be happy in the home. For owners who possess enough energy to handle them, they can also be great household companions!
Plummers aren’t known for being yappy as long as their needs are met, particularly their substantial exercise requirements. Without adequate physical stimulation they can become obnoxious and difficult to live with. They do best in homes that have space for them to stretch their legs in the yard, play and “hunt” any backyard critters they can find. Additionally they also need structured exercise with their owner such as a long walk every day. The backyard alone will not cut it! While it is possible to keep one in an apartment, this is a daunting task as their already-substantial exercise requirements will triple!
Like many terrier breeds, Plummers aren’t for the faint of heart and do require firm handling due to their bold temperaments and occasionally manipulative ways. This said, they are intelligent and exceptionally versatile and, once trained, can do a number of things. Though their primary quarry is rat, they can hunt rabbit and some have even been used for retrieving water fowl! They have a need to work, and without outlets to use their brains they can become destructive. Therefore, training and interactive games are extremely important to keep the mind engaged! Extremely trainable, a Plummer needs an owner who will give them sessions regularly throughout the week (or the day) to channel that energy and enthusiasm into meaningful work. They do best with owners who are experienced with active terrier breeds.
The Plummer Terrier is a tiny breed, standing no higher than 14 inches at the withers. Color should always be red and white, and while a number of patterns are encouraged in the breed standard the dog should have a white chest, belly and legs. The smooth, tight-fitting single coat is low-shedding and requires only basic care. Ears are folded “neatly pinned to head”, above a strong powerful muzzle. The body is square and compact ending in a tail which is docked fairly long and balanced to the size of the dog. A rare breed, the Plummer is not recognized by any major kennel club and instead most dogs are registered with various breed clubs around the world, particularly in the UK. Many fanciers of the breed are more than happy to keep it this way!
Plummer Terriers are generally good with kids, enjoying active playtime out in the yard with “their” children, followed by an affectionate face-wash session inside. Many are also good with other dogs – not a surprise since they would often work in packs during hunts. Finally, most are social enough to do well with strangers both inside and outside the home. Despite their fearless nature when it comes to vermin, they don’t tend to make the best guard dogs. Although many will at least alert to the presence of someone entering the property, the majority are just happy to meet a new “friend” and are quick to enthusiastically greet whomever comes to the door – whether friend or foe! These social terriers need to spend plenty of time with their families and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Plummers are diggers and they are apt to destroy a yard or garden. They are also escape artists and may try to dig out or otherwise maneuver around a poorly-secured fence. Make sure that the yard is totally secure, particularly if you live in an area where wildlife may roam! These feisty terriers are most likely to escape if they smell a “tasty” woodland creature nearby. Although they make fantastic companions, they are hunting and ratting dogs through and through.
Photo by Phill the Kettle