Information On Dogs

TERRIERS

Defining the Terrier breed group by the look of the dog may not be as easy as you think. Most of us think of Terriers as having wiry hair but not all Terriers in this group share this trait. The origin and occupation of the breed plays a large part in defining the terrier. Most Terrier breeds originated in Britain and the surrounding areas. Terriers were bred to track down and pursue prey from their holes or lairs. In fact, the Terrier breed group gets its name from the Latin word, terra, which means earth. For a dog to be able to pursue animals from the ground, they had to be brave and tenacious, alert and agile, active and aggressive. As a result, most Terriers are defined as being courageous, feisty, and relentless, often to the point of being single-minded and head-strong. Terriers generally do not tolerate other dogs and have a tendency to fight. (This particular trait is what unfortunately makes the American Pit Bull Terrier be used in illegal and inhumane dog fighting.) Despite the toughness of this breed, Terriers are generally docile and well-behaved with their owners.

Terriers range in size and shape, most having a wiry coat which requires special grooming. They also tend to be rather vocal and some may even inherit the instinct to dig. Dogs in this group include the American Staffordshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and more.