Terriers

Author: Denise Partlow

Instagram: @modernk9 Carolinas

Terriers were designed to hunt and kill small animals. With their compact size it helped humans get rid of pests that would hide out in small places where larger dogs would not be able to fit. This was very helpful during a time when there were rat infestations that caused unsuitable living conditions. They were bred to be fearless, athletic, alert to changes and most importantly, tenacious; they were designed to finish the job No. Matter. What.

Some breeds that fall into the Terrier group are:
Boston Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Fox Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Airedale Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Wheaten Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Bred to hunt and kill small rodents that typically hide in low places, Terriers may have an extremely high prey drive and a love for barking and digging. With a keen sense for change, they may bark at the slightest sound.

They may be small in size but have large personalities. They are quite intelligent and fun to train.

If you own a Terrier it’s important that you appreciate them for their tenacity, they are always ready for action and never give up! They are fearless and brave but may have difficulty focusing on their human when they set their eyes on something and may have difficulty following directions.

Terriers are a high energy breed but they are also very loving. They are typically excessive barkers and will bark at almost anything. They can often exhibit unmanageable behavior when on leash. They have a need to dig and chase so they require some sort of outlet that allows them to satisfy their needs.

This is not a full list of characteristics and may not apply to every dog. If you are interested in diving a little bit deeper, I encourage you to read the book “Meet Your Dog” by Kim Brophey