Small, strong and characterful, the Plummer terrier has garnered many fans. These friendly dogs love family life and are great with kids but require plenty of exercise and stimulation. Their distinctive red and white coats set them apart and they are renowned for their robust health.
Which breed group is the Plummer terrier in?
Breed group: Working
Plummer Terrier breed history
The Plummer terrier was first bred in the 1960s by Dr. David Brian Plummer. He was a passionate hunter who had become an expert in canine genetics. The Plummer terrier was evolved by crossbreeding Jack Russells, fell terriers, fox terriers, beagles and bull terriers. The aim was to produce an efficient hunter of rabbits and vermin.
The Plummer Terrier Club of Great Britain was established in 1994 but the breed is still not recognised by the Kennel Club. However, the dogs are becoming increasingly popular both as working dogs and family pets.
Plummer Terrier breed characteristics
Diminutive but incredibly sturdy, Plummer terriers are true working dogs boasting powerful jaws and flexible spines. Their feet are compact and they have strong muzzles which are broad at the nose. The dogs appear wonderfully alert and their eyes are almond shaped. Their coat is both short and highly water-resistant. Plummers have gorgeous red coats with white collars or full white capes and their heads are red with white blazes.
Renowned for their friendly nature, intelligence, loyalty and robust health, these dogs are wonderful family pets. They are easy to train and low maintenance but possess oodles of energy.
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Height: up to 36cm
- Weight: up to 8kg
- Short, water-resistant coats
- Red coat with white collar or cape
- Compact feet
- Almond shaped eyes
- Friendly nature
- Loyal
- Good with children
- Easy to train
- Active
- Strong prey drive
- Suffer from separation anxiety
- Can bark excessively
Health issues with Plummer Terriers
These study little dogs generally enjoy robust health and are not prone to hereditary conditions. The breed is not associated with susceptibility to any serious issues and can live 15 years or longer.
What is the Plummer Terrier bred for?
This breed was developed to provide farmers and country dwellers with an efficient hunter of rabbits and vermin.
What sort of owners does the Plummer Terrier suit?
A secure garden is a must-have for any prospective Plummer terrier owner as these robust little canines are great diggers and notorious escapologists. They are wonderful for families as they get on with children of all ages and their small stature ensures that they can’t easily knock over youngsters. But these dogs need a lot of exercise and so are best suited to active people who spend a great deal of time outdoors. They need a firm hand during training due to their strong prey instinct and they shouldn’t be left home alone as they tend to suffer from separation anxiety.
Plummer terriers are intelligent working dogs and as such, like to be outside with activities to keep them occupied. They will become destructive if left alone or when not provided with sufficient stimulation. Plummers like the sound of their own voices and so are most appropriate for homes in the country with no neighbours close by.