- From The Sporting Lucas Terrier Club Website

Bearing in mind this small gene pool, and the small number of SLTs around at the moment, every litter is important if we are to safeguard the future of the breed. Careful thought should go into not only registering the litter but a number of things prior to deciding to breed it in the first place:

Why do you want to breed a litter? If it is for financial gain then forget it. Firstly it is the WRONG reason to breed any litter and secondly it just won’t happen. With stud fees, vet bills, feeding a hungry litter, etc you will never become rich and may not even break even after selling the pups. I know only too well myself.

Do you have the time, space and patience to look after the bitch and her litter especially if things go wrong? It is very hard and demanding work if a litter needs to be hand reared for any reason for example.

Do you have homes ready for the pups to go to when they are ready to go? Although the club will help with this whenever possible.

If after considering the above you decide to go ahead then there are still a few things to think about. First, your bitch must be fit and healthy and free from any hereditary problems such as luxating patella which is a problem in a number of terrier breeds. This problem is caused when the knee cap (patella) dislocates either temporarily or permanently causing the dog to skip on 3 legs. No litter can be registered with the SLT Club unless both parents are firstly registered themselves and secondly that they have been checked and cleared by a vet for this problem. A copy of a letter from the vet should be sent to the Club’s Breed Registrar, Carlos Oliveira. Secondly, find a suitable stud dog. As Breed Registrar he not only has a record of all dogs cleared of luxating patella problems but also, in a lot of cases, their pedigree going back many generations.

The Club is only too happy to assist anyone looking for a stud dog. We have for a number of years been trying to set up a stud book, without much success, so can I appeal for anyone wishing to help me, to send us details of their dog – height at withers, weight (when fully fit), details of coat texture, temperament and, if it is worked, please include those details as well. It would also be very helpful if you could send a good side-on photo.

This information is very useful when trying to match studs to bitches as although breeding lines may be ideal the physical attributes may not match up, for example, if both dog and bitch are at the upper end of the height limits or both have soft coats. Armed with this information I can discuss things with the bitch’s owner and hopefully arrive at a suitable match. There is no guarantee that the resulting pups will be the best ever born but there is a better chance that they will be decent examples of SLTs than from a random mating.

The subject of tail docking is, I know, a sensitive one and the choice to dock or not is entirely up to the individual but should you decide to do so then the recommended tail length is one third removed. Not all vets will carry out tail docking but information on those who will in your area can be obtained from The Council of Docked Breeds. Some pups are born with dew claws on their hind legs and it is recommended that these are removed by a vet, particularly in working dogs, but again this is a matter of personal choice.

Now comes the important part and the main reason for this article, Registering the Litter. Before taking the bitch to be mated please download from the relevant forms from the website. These should be returned to our Breed Registrar along with the registration fee when completed. The first form is the Litter Registration Form and must be completed by the owners of both the bitch and the stud dog at the time of the mating. The second is a New Owner Registration form which will allow us to register the pups in their owner’s name and to send them a pedigree. I would recommend that you do not register the litter until shortly before they go to their new homes as it is a sad fact of life that puppy deaths can and do occur in the first few weeks of life.

- From The Sporting Lucas Terrier Club Website

It is with pleasure that I introduce myself as the new editor of the club magazine, not only being fairly new to the club but also new to a task such as this. I therefore may seek the memberships help and advise from time to time. All advice, assistance and more importantly input, whether via articles, comments, outings, events, photographs or advice, all input or information will be gratefully appreciated. Should you have a funny or interesting story please let me know.

It is proposed that future magazines or news letters can be available by email or where still preferred continue to be sent by post, it is however each members decision as to how they prefer to obtain their copy.

Further to this it is also our intention going forward that future magazines will be posted onto the club web site as well as being forwarded via email or post.

With your help going forward, I hope to produce interesting and informative magazines and news letters in the future.

My contact details are :-

Tel: 01383 88908
Email: stewart084@btinternet.com

Best Regards
Peter Stewart

Updated Club Committee Information

Recently there have been some new additions to the club committee, some positions within the club have also changed hands. The previously vacant positions within the club have now also been taken up by committee members. Listed below are details of the club committee and their positions within the club.

Contact Details:-

Chairman:- John Boswell,  johnboswell1@btinternet.com, 01754 762770

Treasurer & Membership:- Bill Sargent, info@pargetters.com, 01359 271779

Stud List:- John Boswell,  johnboswell1@btinternet.com, 01754 762770

Breed registrar:- Carlos & Annette Oliveira, carlosoliveirauk@hotmail.com, 07956 504585

Puppies:- Kath Boswell, kathwboswell@btinternet.com, 01754 762770

Magazine:- Peter Stewart, stewart084@btinternet.com, 01383 889084

Website:- Debbie Mavor, d.mavor@hotmail.co.uk, 01259 210168

Other Committee Members:-

Mary Creelan – 07714 986476

Peter Mavor – 01259 210168

Annual Show News

The annual show took place on the 18th September at the Fox Hall Inn, Richmond, North Yorkshire, The weather stayed kind and the expected afternoon rain stayed at bay, allowing at times, pleasant sunshine to break through. The dry, sometimes sunny weather added to what turned out to be a well attended and successful show.Members travelled from as far as the south of England, Northern Ireland and the north of Scotland. The Fox Hall Inn put on an excellent lunch for all which was kindly provided for by the club. All agreed it was an enjoyable and successful event. Top honours went to well deserving, Leon Robinson’s Hanslope Bracken.

Thanks go to those who attended, especially to our judge for the day Mr. Mark Turnbull from Blythe as well as those involved in organising the show

The club is looking for alternative / additional venues to hold future events. If you know of any venue that may offer suitable facilities please pass on the details to allow the venue to be assessed, Further to this, if you would like to organise and event or an outing please let us know.

Best Bitch and Best in Show

Show Results

Best Puppy Under 12 Months:-

1st Randalsfield Tobias – Charley Williams
2nd Randalsfiled Sampson – Maria Wilson

Best Veteran over 7 years:-

1st Hanslope Bracken – Leon Robinson
2nd Rovam Sal – Debbie Mavor
3rd Tynedale Begood – Jean Simpson

Best Veteran and Reserve BIS

Best Young Bitch 12 to 24 Months:-

1st Randalsfield Penny – Owner John Boswel, Shown by Lias Robinson
2nd Bogleburn Mayfly – Jean Simpson

Best Pair any Age or Sex:-

1st Hanslope Bracken & Hanslope Bramble -  Leon Robinson
2nd Tynedale Begood & Bogleburn Mayfly – Jean Simpson
3rd Millie & Robbie Neil Williams

Best Young Dog or Bitch 12 to 24 Months:-

Best Young Dog or Bitch

1st Randalsfield Penny – Owner John Boswell, Shown by Lias Robinson

Best Bitch over 24 Months:-

1st Hanslope Bracken – Leon Robinson
2nd Rovam Rosie – Yvonne Mavor
3rd Meg – Keith Horsley

Best Child – Young Handler:-

1st Randalsfield Penny – Lias Robinson

Best Puppy

2nd Hanslope Bracken – Chantelle Wilson

Best Movement:-

1st Tynedale Begood – Jean Simpson
2nd Rovam Alfie – Peter Stewart
3rd Randalsfield Penny – Owner John Boswell, shown by Lias Robinson

Best Dog over 24 Months:-

1st Hanslope Kipper – Mick Wlson
2nd Rovam Alfie – Peter Stewart

Best Dog

3rd Briarswood Harlequin – Denise Stewart

BEST in SHOW

HANSLOPE BRACKEN – Leon Robinson

Reserve – RANDALSFIELD PENNY – Owner John Boswell, Shown by Lias Robinson

Runner up – HANSLOPE BRAMBLE – Owner Leon Robinson, Shown by John Boswell

Committee Meeting Update

A committee meeting was held following the annual show at the Fox Hall Inn. Malcolm stated, that as he has completed a two year term as club Chairman he will be standing down from the post in January. Deborah has also decided to stand down as Vice Chairman at the same time. I am sure that all club members would like to thank both Deborah and Malcolm for the time and dedication given to the club not only within their respective rolls but also for the over and above contributions they afforded the club out with these posts.

Relevant Points from The Meeting:-

The use of pedigree Norfolk as an outcross will cease as from the 1st April 2011

The use of Sealyham as an outcross will be kept open.

Members will be contacted regarding membership renewal, one reminder may be sent.

Pups are required to be registered by four weeks of age.

Show trophy winners will be requested to return all trophies four weeks prior to the annual show. Small shields etc, where awarded are to be kept by the recipients.

The future sourcing of rosettes and small trophies will be looked into, in so far as to obtain these at as reasonable a cost as possible (Should any member be able to assist with information, sourcing etc, please let us know)

It was discussed that the magazine should be offered to members via email, a return slip is enclosed with this magazine for members to complete if appropriate.

Two magazines will continue to be produced these will be:- November/December & April/May each year.

John Boswell, after being popularly proposed to take on the mantle of following Malcolm as the new club chairman, agreed to do so. The now vacant club web master position has been filled by Debbie Mavor. The magazine publication by Peter Stewart. Bill Sargent has kindly confirmed that he will fill both the vacated treasurer and membership positions.

Mick Wilson’s Letter

Mick Wilson kindly sent the following letter to John Boswell accompanied by some photographs. John has passed it on, opposite is one of the photographs.

Hi John,

I enclose some of Kippers photos on the farm last winter.

At just 2yrs 6 mths he had his 1st retrieve of a full Cock Pheasant, a good 50yrds away and back to hand (no damage) Also he is about with myself most days and has made his seat in the Marlo Tractor. The boss and his guns just love to see him on shoot days. Kipper has taken over my Dogs as No1 of 10 dogs and he is the only one to get in the House (that’s the wife)

With Best wishes

Mick Wilson

When Things Don’t Always Go To Plan

I came across this story and wondered if others may find it as interesting as I did.

While walking an old terrier and a pup around the field out the back of my house in my breakfast one morning, the old boy started to hunt up in a bit of cover as normal then both went right out of sight and ear shot. As time went by I thought nothing of it and thought they will catch up at work in a little while, so off I went about my work. A while later, still nothing, so I thought I had better take a look as I now knew he must have found a Fox in a hole.

I was worried about the pup as he was only 7 months old, too young from me to want him to be to ground. So off I went, climbed into the cover and had a good look around, finely I found a hole and then another half way down the steep bank. I wasn’t too worried at this point, the dogs had been there before, the earths were only a couple of feet deep the last time I looked. Had a listen at the hole but could only here a dog baying in the distance. So I decided to go home, get my spades and another terrier and the locators, also to tell someone what I was up to.

When I got back to the earth two hours had gone by, another listen, I couldn’t here any sign of baying now. A few moments later and the young pup scrambled out of the hole. One down, One to go. I made a start and cleared the brambles so I could check for more holes and see if I could here him, no joy. It was of course possible that the fox had bolted and my old terrier had followed. Best thing I could do was send my other terrier into the earth, she went straight to ground, but no baying. I gave her ten minutes or so and located her with her collar, after a long while I had her marked.

Yes, at last! Then oh no! I was standing on clay and the terrier was twelve foot down! Agh, the joy of terriers. I now had to make another trip to the house, this time to make a couple of phone calls to call for re–enforcements. I was lucky, the man I wanted was in as he worked nights.

I waited his arrival and we both climbed back onto the earth, we re-marked the terrier with the locator, she hadn’t moved an inch, we both had a listen at the hole, still no baying. The question was, do we still give them time, maybe they will kill the fox and then come out?

It had been four hours now so we set to work. It was hard work, tractor tyres, bits of old scraps, you name it, all had been dumped there. Four hours gone and only four foot down, it was now dark; we had another eight foot below and no sound below us. We needed more help, so a few more telephone calls later we had two more sets of hands to help. What a difference those people made yet the work was slow and painful. Eight feet down now and were putting in a step to get down as we couldn’t lift the spades any higher. At ten O’clock we heard one dog baying from below, a wave of relief went over us all, I knew it was the bitch, no sound at all from the old dog. The bitch was obviously tired and couldn’t keep up her baying constantly.

We renewed our efforts and got stuck again, we now knew we had a live dog to rescue. At one o’clock in the morning we broke through and found the little bitch flattened but alive, lying on top of a mass of dead matted fur. I pulled her out and passed her up through Hands that who had spent so long digging deep to recover her. My heart sank as I pulled out the lifeless body that had been beneath her. Gently handling him with due respect, I mourned my old dog, as he came into the make shift lighting we had set up around the hole, I could hardly believe it. It wasn’t my old boy, it was the corpse of a fox! Back in the hole I went, scraping more heavy soil, I grabbed my torch and pushed myself head first into the narrow earth. Two of my mates were hanging on to my ankles; reaching forward I could feel fur, warm fur! We dug on, another hour and my old dog came out of his cold, would be burial ground, alive and well. Alongside him was another dead fox!

It all started with a mornings quick walk, just like always.

A Lighter Note

The vet told me that a woman called him to let him know that her yellow Labrador whelped ten pups, she then asked him what vaccinations they would need, the vet enlightened her. She then requested that the vet should come to her house to attend to her pups. The vet told her that due to his busy schedule she should make an appointment to bring the pups to the surgery where he could do the needful.

When the woman arrived with all of these boisterous pups scrambling over each other, the vet had a thought, as she appeared totally out of her depth, it would be easier as the pups were all the same colour. to save him doing the same pup twice he simple filled a dish with water and as he injected each pup, to identify them he wet the back of its head. After three or four pups the woman said “amazing, I didn’t know they got Christened as well”

Letter From America

John Boswell contacted Courtney Daniels from Virginia USA, John had assisted Courtney and her husband with their plans to view SLT bitch pups during a planned earlier UK visit. Following is the letter and photo Courtney sent us of her pup “Teasel” I have been interested in Sporting Lucas Terriers for quite a while after reading an article in Country Life. They remind me of a long haired Jack Russell I have named Francis. I contacted John Boswell by email to ask about female puppies and explained where we live on a farm in in Virginia with plenty of room and gardens to explore. I said I would be in England in early summer looking at works by young English garden designers. John put me in touch with Lt. Colonel Gerald Lesinski in Warwick, close to where we were staying. After numerous emails Lt Colonel Luinski agreed to sell me one of Tinsel’s Puppies. My husband and I hired a car to drive to Warwick, meet the Lesinskis and pick up my puppy, Teasel. The next hurdle was to find a hotel in London that would welcome and eight week old puppy. The Lanesborough welcomed us with open arms including the General Manager who made a point to meet Teasel. U.S. Customs, of course, was the biggest hurdle. An irate husband and two hours later we were allowed to continue our trip home to Virginia. Teasel instantly took control of the situation at the farm and has become our Alpha female. She is affectionate and curious spending hours with us in the gardens and unsuccessfully hunting rabbits.

What a wonderful terrier and we couldn’t be happier!

Courtney Daniels

Teasel

Courtney has also indicated that she is interested in breeding from Teasel and owning more SLT’s in the future and has said to John that she would be seeking advise as to the best way forward.

Tail Docking Update in Scotland and Northern Ireland

As you all know in Scotland there was a total across the board ban on the prophylactic tail docking of dogs. Unlike in England and Wales no provisions for the exemptions of working dogs of any kind were included within the act. Subsequent to this petitions { PE 1196 & PE 1230 } have been raised by a Mr. Michael Brander {PE1196} and The British Association for Shooting & Conservation, the Scottish Countryside Alliance, the Scottish Game keepers Association and the Scottish Rural property and Business Association {PE1230} calling on the Scottish parliament to urge the Scottish Government to amend the Prohibited Procedures on Protected Animals {Exemptions} {Scotland} regulation 2007 to allow Prophylactic tail docking of dogs under tightly specified circumstances.

“PE 1260” was initially lodged on January 1st 2009 and first considered by the committee on the 27th January 2009. Subsequent to this various studies and questionnaires were

commissioned namely from the University of Bristol and The Royal Veterinary College and on gathering the findings of these studies etc, a decision may be made. A letter dated 4th June 2010 was sent to the committee from a Dr, Shedden of the BASC which comprehensively goes over results from these studies. The petitions were to be further addressed during a meeting on the 26th October 2010., The committee agreed to suspend further consideration of the petitions until the Scottish Government has announced whether, in light of the studies from these two bodies it will commission further research focussing on the risk of tail injuries specifically in working dogs in Scotland. I think it is one of those don’t hold your breath situations.

I noted that the petitions named only gun dogs and hunt point retrieve dogs, I contacted the BASC to clarify this point, they confirmed that this was the case. They further clarified the point by saying that if the petition was successful the dog types to be covered by the exemption would then be clarified.

Northern Ireland

21st September 2010 Government officials were asked to reconsider a controversial piece of legislation on tail docking, after hearing evidence from various interested parties Agriculture & Rural Development Committee members Jim Shannon, Francie Malloy and Trevor Clarke, in particular very vocal in their opposition to a total ban on tail docking and called for the tail docking clause to be dropped. The Chairman of the committee Stephen Moutray then asked Department of Agriculture & Rural development officials to re-consider their position and report again to the committee. A meeting on the 22nd October the committee chairman stated to Ms Collette McMaster {Department of Agriculture & Rural Development} that its current position was after a great deal of consideration that it wishes to see the clause removed. however members indicated that they would accept an exemption for working dogs. Ms McMaster said that she would reflect that to the Minister and inform the committee clerk of her response.

John Glover’s Article

John Glover visited our tenth anniversary show at Rugby last year, subsequent to this John wrote an article which was published in a January edition of the Countryman’s Weekly. Having read the article with great interest and knowing that some members may well have already read this, I thought it would still be of value to members who may not have had sight of it before.

Nice Long Flexible Terrier

It would be difficult to dislike the Sporting Lucas Terrier (S,L,T.) as it epitomises the all round working companion, whether it be in the traditional role or doubling as a gundog. The S.L.T. can excel in either Sphere.

It was back in the summer of 1999 that I first saw an S.L.T. at the big Bedlington and Sporting Lucas Terrier Show staged near Leeds of that Year. I was impressed then but now I know a little more I have only Praise for this unique and handy sized all round working dog. Leon Robinson is the hardworking champion for the cause of the S.L.T., Working and breeding the type near Milton Keynes and at this year’s Sporting Lucas Terrier Club 10th Anniversary Show I became more closely acquainted with their prowess. Judge for the day was Countryman’s Weekly regular contributor Colonel David Hancock MBE, and I jumped at the chance to rekindle my interest with this enigmatic little tyke.

It was ten years ago that the late Paul Hawkes and Dr. Brian Plummer formed the Sporting Lucas Terrier Club, from whence it the club membership has swelled to a steady following and the terrier itself is increasing in popularity. It is easy to see why.

I know that a vast majority of S.L.T. owners work their dogs and it is evidenced in the show winners I saw at both the 10th Anniversary Show and the dogs at Leeds back in 1999. Outstandingly field fit compared to the pet dogs also paraded at the shows. It was most encouraging to hear the many tales from the field. Pest controllers, gamekeepers, shooters alongside out and out working terrier enthusiasts numbered amongst the people who work the S.L.T. Leon Robinson works his dogs in a variety of situations, including ratting, ferreting and assisting on shoot days.

As a “type” it is in it’s infancy, for this is the Sporting Lucas Terrier not a Lucas Terrier, Sealyham or Norfolk Terrier. An expanded gene pool is needed, given that most S.L.T.’s were descended from two Raggenhill line stud dogs. Colonel Hancock is the breed adviser, his advise was to use 4 types of outcross and these were as follows the Norfolk, the Sealyham, the Lucas and working type Sealyhams. Members of the S.L.T.C. were consulted and a consensus amongst them was to use two of these suggested breeds, the Norfolk and the pedigree Sealyham Terrier.

Certainly an expanded gene pool, based upon soundness and working ability is sought after and of course the resulting progeny should be true to type. I did see one or two specimens that were in my opinion not typical, however under the guidance of Colonel Hancock and by following his sound advise the breed could be on a sound footing.

Keeping these terriers alive, well and breeding true to type is of paramount importance requiring expanded gene pool and the recommended outcrosses. the Norfolk terrier of Sir Jocelyn Lucas’s time may well have seen some work but it seems few if any Norfolk terriers are used as working terriers today. So called pedigree Sealyham Terriers have also been endorsed by the S.L.T. Club, in preference to the “ ‘working type’ Sealyham, If indeed we could find any and to satisfactory establish their breeding as Sealyham types and not terriers carrying strong Jack Russell influences.” The Sporting Lucas Terrier Club Newsletter– Autumn 2007. I do know of someone who works pure bred Sealyham Sealyham Terriers and has also experimented with Jack Russell hybrids, might I suggest these dogs may be a more viable source of blood to introduce into the S.L.T. than perhaps the modern Norfolk Terrier or the very heavy contemporary K.C. Sealyham Terrier? How high up the list do working terrier enthusiast place working instinct?

Leon’s Terriers are exceedingly “typey”, fit and worked, winning several categories at this year’s show securing Best of Breed with his bitch Hanslope Bracken.

My personal view is that genuine working stock will always prove preferable to show bred stock in most breeds. That said show bred stock can, will and do work. There are however other considerations to take into account, characteristics such as coat texture for example, I may be hesitant in bringing in both modern Norfolk and Sealyham Terriers and feel that perhaps the use of “working type” Sealyhams is after all not such a bad idea?

Writing in the Sporting Lucas Terrier Clubs News letter of 2009, Colonel David Hancock makes mention of coat texture being “more important than coat colour” and continues saying that “soundness is more important than flashy appearance” Whatever the outcome, breeders should be cautious of what exactly they are bringing into the type. At the moment I like the fact that the breed has a lovely long flexible back, I have always been a fan of long backed working terriers.

I was particularly intrigued with a pup which was a second cross from a Norfolk Terrier, coloured red, it’s owner told me he was a pest controller and was hoping to use his dog when his contract involved removing pest species bird’s eggs from asbestos roofed buildings that would be to dangerous for a person to clamber across. His plan is to train the terrier to be light mouthed enough to pick up the eggs of pest species such as feral pigeons and retrieve them back to him safely. It is very encouraging to know that a good number of Sporting Lucas Terriers are being worked, as ratters, rabbiters and all round working dogs. I have much respect for this enigmatic, small but sturdy little dog with a good weather resistant jacket which comes predominately white, solid red and ‘black and tan’ with an awesome biting jaw and powerful teeth. The club is blessed with a highly experienced breed adviser such as Colonel Hancock, a dedicated club, a hard working committee and an admiral amount of working terrier enthusiasts amongst the ranks of the club members. I can positively see the type going from strength to strength and would have no qualms working a Sporting Lucas Terrier, a true all round working dog.

Dogs! Don’t Believe A Word They Tell You!

A man was driving past a house when he noticed a sign saying “Talking Dog for Sale” He decided to stop and ring the door bell, he was told the dog was in a kennel to the rear of the house. On approaching the kennel he noticed a little hairy terrier sitting there, “You talk” he said, “Yep” the little fella replies. “So what’s your story” the man asks, the terrier looks and says “Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young, I wanted to help the government so I told MI5 about my gift. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, no one would ever believe a dog would be capable of eaves dropping, I was one of their most valued spies for six years running. But the jetting around was getting me down and as I wasn’t getting any younger, I decided to settle down, so I signed up for a job in airport security doing some undercover work. I wandered near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. After that I got married, had a whole mess of pups and now I’m just retired”. The man is amazed, he goes back to the owner and asked “How much do you want for the little guy” the owners responds “Ten pounds” the guy is astonished “Ten pounds! the dog is amazing, why on earth is he so cheap” “Cause he’s such a damn liar, he never did any of that stuff” “Is that true?“ “Yeh, he was in the Navy! ”

Conclusion

I hope that you enjoy my first attempt at the magazine. I would be delighted for members to let me know of any way in which they think I may improve the magazine going forward and I would reiterate, be delighted for you to be involved in future by forwarding any material contribution etc no matter how small.

If you have puppies due for arrival, please let us know in advance so that they may be included in the magazine and on the club’s web site.

We hope that we can encourage as many of our SLT Club members to be active within the club, simply by supporting activities, outings etc it will allow the club to continue to be successful and hopefully grow in the future.

- From The Sporting Lucas Terrier Club Website