Deriving its name from Dr David Brian Plummer, the breed's creator, the Plummer Terrier was primarily bred to hunt ground vermin and serve as an all-purpose working dog. Developed in the 1960s in the Midlands, the Plummer Terrier combines Jack Russell Terrier, Beagle, and red Fell Terrier blood, with a Bull Terrier being crossed in later, much to many fancier's distaste. The Plummer was highly valued for its acute senses and game temperament, although many criticized its size and appearance, suggesting it was too large to access den quarry, and was a genetic monster, boasting ugly and undesirable traits. Such characteristics have been selectively bred out of the Plummer, perhaps by removing outcrosses from the mix. Not a recognised Kennel Club breed.
The breed standard describes how the Plummer should have the anatomy of a sporting terrier, with a strong jaw, robust legs, a flexible spine and a short, close-lying coat. Additionally, the Plummer Terrier should have a narrow chest, allowing it to maneuver into tight spaces when on the hunt, high-set ears, a defined muzzle and a slightly sloping topline. The coat is typically red with white or tan markings, having descended from the red Fell Terrier, which was incorporated in its development for aesthetic value. Otherwise, the Plummer Terrier should possess a willing and fearless attitude, whilst being highly trainable and responsive.
Rarely seen in the domestic setting, the Plummer Terrier is commonly utilised as a pack dog, hunting vermin and rabbits as part of a sporting group. This has no bearing on its character, with the Plummer being an adaptable and affectionate breed, well suited to active family life. With a natural tendency to display stubborn and strong-willed behaviours, the Plummer Terrier benefits from firm leadership, early socialisation and consistent training in order to achieve its pleasing potential. On average, a fully grown Plummer Terrier will weigh 6-8 kg, with a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
Due to the relative rarity of the breed, any genetic or breed-specific diseases are difficult to determine. Patellar luxation and related orthopedic complaints have been identified in the breed, although not with any great recurrence.
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From France
We had two plummer terriers,who were brothers from the same litter,at first there was a lot of brotherly squables for one to be boss,,when this was sorted,they lived happily together until they were 14 years old,sadly when we lost our first boy,his brother only survived for a futher 6 months but they were inseprable.They are very affectionate ours were one family dogs very loyal,Iwould recomend a strong leadership by the owners,you must be their pack leader,because although they are relatively small,they are very strong willed,if you establish that from the start you will have many fun filled years,ours lived quiet harmoniously with our German Shepherd and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
We adopted our 'Plummer' Terrier from a rescue place nine and a half years ago. He was twelve weeks old and had been sent there because he had an abscess on his neck that the previous owner probably couldn't afford to get sorted. That was done. He'd been in the rescue centre for about half an hour and when we went to see him, he chose us! We thought that he was a Jack Russell/Beagle cross, but l wasn't sure. He is so affectionate, but has problems with his trachea now. (Collapsing trachea). We have to give him inhalers and some other stuff. But - he's happy once he's sorted in the morning.He is gorgeous and very loyal. I think he would guard our house very well in spite of his problems.
From Staffordshire, United Kingdom
I have owned Plummer terriers for twenty years and been involved with all the Plummer terrier clubs at committee level. I am currently Chairperson of the Plummer Terrier Club and responsible for PR work with the breed and our club Yearbook.
Plummers are essentially working terriers that excel in ratting and bushing work. They are very agile dogs with a high prey drive and great scenting ability. As with many terrier breeds they are spirited little dogs that require assertive handling, but they do make excellent/loyal pets that thrive on plenty of exercise and attention. They have bred true to type for many years now and their white and mainly fiery- red smooth coats make them very distinguishable from other terriers. There is a robust gene pool of pure- bred Plummers between the clubs so when looking for any litters of pups for sale please ensure that they are registered with those official clubs and that club pedigrees will be issued. The breed standard encourages docked tails but undocked are also acceptable. Club shows are held each summer around the country and this can be a good way of getting to know about the breed. There are also club websites and Facebook Plummer forums which welcome new members.