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Dog Breeds: Understanding The Terrier Group

When you describe a terrier there could only be one word for them “driven.”  The dogs in this breed are tough, sturdy, and courageous. Their personality traits are determination, confidence, and being very independent. The development for these dogs was to be used mainly as rodent hunters and any other small burrowing animal. They have very high-prey drive and can be a little overly dog-aggressive.

There are two types of terriers – The fighters and the vermin hunters.

The Fighting Breed

As the name states, these dogs were bred to bait bulls and fight other dogs. Their traits include being brave, confident, and aggressive. Luckily, these breeds are no longer used in this manner and their fighting instincts have been tamed down. Their uses now are being guard dogs and companion pets. They are active, playful and affectionate to their owners but suspicious of strangers. They need a strong, confident owner who can dominate them and be able to handle this tough breed.

It is very important to socialize these dogs from puppyhood in order to avoid aggressiveness and rough behavior. They are not recommended for families with children, as they can be very aggressive and dominant.

Examples of these fighters are: Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The Vermin Hunters

These dogs display the traits of being active, alert, and confident. They were originally developed to hunt for otter, badger, and other vermin. They are also usually very bright, independent, and always ready to take on a job. These dogs have higher prey instincts than most animals so they should always be leashed up when outdoors. This breed should be kept on leash when outside because of his high-prey instinct toward small animals. If you want this dog to walk alongside you unleashed then it can be done with proper training and early socialization. Terriers have a tendency to become destructive and chew, leave marks, and bark incessantly if left alone for long periods of time. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Below are the names of these hunters:

Scottish Terrier, Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Skye Terrier, Welsh Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Australian Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Irish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Norfolk Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and the Fox Terrier (Wirehaired and Smooth).