Terrier Small size 5-8 kg

Plummer Terrier

A keen, colorful working terrier; energetic and clever but with a strong prey drive and terrier stubbornness.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
5-8 kg, 30-36 cm at the shoulder
Very high
Activity
Very high; a busy working dog
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles moderate alone time
Moderate
Trainability
Smart but headstrong
Low
Coat care
Short coat needs minimal care
Moderate
Fit with kids
Good with active, older children
Cautious
Other pets
Strong prey drive; supervise small pets
Light
Health burden
Obesity; Luxating Patella; Skin Issues

The Plummer Terrier typically weighs 5-8 kg, stands 30-36 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you are active and want a small, tireless working companion,
you enjoy terrier sports - earthdog, ratting, or fast-paced training,
you can channel a strong prey drive rather than fight it,
you want a bold, characterful dog and can match its stubbornness.

Do not consider this breed if…

you keep rabbits, rodents, or other small pets it would hunt,
you want a placid dog that ignores squirrels and cats,
you cannot commit to daily exercise and mental work,
you have very young children who cannot handle a busy, quick dog.

A typical day with a Plummer Terrier

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Brisk walk plus a game with a purpose
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Chew or a puzzle toy, then rest
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk and sniffing
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training or terrier games in the yard
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second walk or a run-off session
  6. 21:00 · Night
    A worked terrier finally switches off

Temperament and training

Prey drive Very high
Energy Very high
Boldness High
Independence High
Trainability Moderate
Sociability with dogs Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Expecting it to ignore small running animals · Providing too little exercise, then facing digging and barking · Being inconsistent with a smart, stubborn terrier

Family and environment

Kids Conditional
Great with active older kids; too busy for toddlers.
Dogs Conditional
Can be scrappy; socialize early and supervise.
Cats Cautious
High prey drive makes cats and small pets risky.
Apartment Conditional
Small enough, but only with heavy daily exercise.
House with a yard Suitable
Secure fencing needed - it will dig and hunt.
City Manages
Fine with committed exercise and mental work.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run and hunt suits its working roots.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Obesity Watch calorie intake and keep it lean
Luxating Patella Kneecap slips out of its groove; may need surgery
Allergies & Skin Issues Environmental and food triggers are common
Dental Disease Routine brushing and cleanings help

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Similar bold, high-drive working terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog with an enormous engine that suits experienced, active owners - the trade-off is relentless energy, strong prey drive, and a low tolerance for boredom.
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Closely related energetic terrier
Parson Russell Terrier
A bold, tireless working terrier; fun and trainable but needs firm outlets for its high drive.
View profile →
Another tough, driven working terrier
Patterdale Terrier
A tough, driven working terrier; hardy and tenacious but a handful for inexperienced owners.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Plummer Terrier cost in the US?
The Plummer Terrier is rare and centered in the UK, so US buyers face limited availability, waitlists, or importing; when found, puppies commonly run about $500-$1,000. Across a 12-14 year life, food, routine vet care, and supplies typically add $12,000-$18,000 or more, and any recurring skin or dental issue can add to that.
Is a Plummer Terrier a good family pet?
It can be, for an active, experienced family. It is affectionate and bold, but it also has a strong prey drive, high energy, and terrier stubbornness. It suits homes with older children and no small pets, and owners who can provide daily exercise and firm, consistent training.
Do Plummer Terriers get along with cats?
Often not. Plummers were bred to hunt and dispatch vermin, so their prey drive toward cats, rabbits, and rodents is strong. Some raised with a cat from puppyhood can learn to coexist, but it is never guaranteed, and small pets should be kept separate to be safe.
How much exercise does a Plummer Terrier need?
A lot for its size - plan on at least an hour of active exercise a day plus mental work like training or terrier games. Bred as a working ratter, it becomes destructive and vocal when bored. A short walk around the block will not be enough to satisfy it.