Plummer Terrier

Working

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Barking Level:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Protective:

Height: 32 - 36cm M | 28 - 34cm F

Weight: 27 - 32kg M | 27 - 32kg F

Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 Years

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Introduction

The Plummer Terrier was developed in the 1960s by Brain Plummer. Bred originally as a working dog in Wales, it is an energetic and intelligent breed with outstanding hunting skills. Thriving in a household of people with active lifestyles, it requires at least 1 hour of daily exercise. It is not recommended to first-time owners since it needs a firm owner with experience in handling a strong-willed and high-energy dog.

Are you thinking of getting a Plummer Terrier? Here is a brief background of this energetic and loyal dog.

History

The Plummer Terrier is a relatively new breed created by Brian Plummer in the 1960s in Wales. Its ancestors were different types of terriers including Fox Terriers and Bull Terriers crossed with Jack Russells and Beagles. This breed was originally bred as a working dog and is known for its exceptional hunting abilities paired with loyal, loving and feisty characteristics.

The Plummer Terrier Club of Great Britain was established in 1998 but the breed is yet to be recognised by major breed registries including The Kennel Club. Also, since this breed is not very popular, those wanting to own this charming and alert dog as a companion need to be on a wait list.

Appearance and Grooming

Standing 28 to 36 centimetres at the withers and weighing 12 to 16 pounds, the Plummer Terrier is a small, compact and sturdy dog with a big head and a well-defined stop. It has a blunt muzzle, a broad nose with open nostrils, powerful cheek and jaw muscles, and a strong powerful neck. Its eyes are dark, oval and set wide apart with an alert and intelligent expression, while its ears are dropped, rounded and neatly pinned to the head.

The Plummer has a short, smooth, tight and waterproof coat that usually comes in brindle, red & white, and tri-coloured. Grooming is very easy since it only needs brushing once or twice a week. During shedding seasons, spring and autumn, it needs to be brushed more frequently to remove dead hair.

As with other types of dogs, other basic dog grooming requirements for Plummer Terriers are cleaning of the ears, brushing of the teeth and trimming of the nails. These, along with checking of the skin for ticks and redness are all necessary to avoid infections, tooth and gum disease and discomfort.

Temperament and Intelligence

Plummer Terriers are loveable dogs that are affectionate and loyal to their owners. Since they were bred as working dogs, they are active and energetic, making them suitable to families who lead active lifestyles. They do not belong in a tiny city apartment and would thrive in the countryside where they can roam in bigger areas. Plummers also need experienced dog owners that could take on the alpha role and guide them with a firm yet gentle hand. They can prove to be a challenge for first-time owners since they are clever, energetic and strong-willed.

The Plummer needs early socialisation with different people and animals, as well as exposure to various situations and settings to grow up as a well-rounded dog. It is also important to start training as soon as the dog arrives in the house. Since it tends to suffer from separation anxiety, it should be in a household where at least one person stays at home. If left to its own devices, it can develop unwanted behaviours such as digging, chewing or excessive barking.

The Plummer Terrier is good with children but since it can get overly excited and rowdy at times, there should always be adult supervision during interactions. It usually gets on well with other pets in the home, including cats when they are raised together. Well-socialised Plummers also do fine when meeting other dogs.

Nutrition and Feeding

A typical serving for an adult Plummer Terrier is 1/2 to 1 cup of excellent quality dry dog food per day. This general estimate is based on dogs weighing 10 to 20 pounds. Like in every breed, the amount of food varies on the dog’s age, build, activity level, and metabolism. It is also advisable to seek advice from your veterinarian. Typical calorie needs of adult Plummer Terriers per day:

Senior and less active: up to 450 calories daily
Typical adults: up to 505 calories daily
Physically active/working dogs: up to 560 calories daily

Most dogs, especially active ones, thrive on a diet rich in animal protein. Feed your Plummer high quality kibbles with chicken, beef, salmon, or bison as its top ingredient. Stay away from brands that are filled with artificial flavours and fillers that offer no nutritional content.

Health and Exercise

The Plummer Terrier has an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. The good news is that it is known to be a healthy and robust dog that does not suffer from too many health issues. However, since it is a new breed, there may be insufficient health records. It is important to regularly take your dog to the vet for routine check-ups and ensure its overall health.

Since Plummers are intelligent and energetic, they need at least 1 hour of physically draining and mentally stimulating activities daily. This breed will happily accompany you in your walks, hikes or runs. It will also enjoy hunting activities and playing games with you. Also make sure it has access to a fenced yard where it could let off steam anytime it pleases.

Cost of Ownership

If you are interested in caring for a Plummer Terrier, you would need to go on a waiting list as this breed is rare in the UK. The price for a well-bred pedigree puppy is at least £500. To ensure it stays healthy at whatever age, you will need to feed your dog high quality dog food and treats, which can set you back £40-£50 a month. You would also need to spend on dog accessories such as leads, collars, eating bowls, crates, beds, and toys. The combined initial cost for these things is estimated at £200.

Moreover, you need to consider paying for pet insurance to offset veterinary bills in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. Depending on where you live and your dog’s health and age, a time-limited cover can cost £21 a month while a lifetime one can cost up to £43 a month. Generally, insurance companies do not cover routine veterinary consultations, initial vaccinations, boosters, and neutering or spaying, so you may also have to spend an additional £800 annually for these services.

On average, the minimum cost to care for a Plummer Terrier is £50-£80 per month depending on your pet insurance premium. This estimate does not include the rates for other services such as walking and grooming.

Plummer Terrier Breed Highlights

The Plummer Terrier is a small, energetic and intelligent hunting dog.
It is affectionate, loyal and feisty.
It is a rare breed and not recognised by The Kennel Club.
It has low grooming needs.
As an energetic dog, it needs at least 1-hour worth of daily exercise.
Plummers thrive in families that live in the countryside and lead active lifestyles.