The Terrier Dogs

Affectionately known as the terror breed. If there’s one word to describe a terrier, that word would be “driven.” Terriers are tough, sturdy, courageous, confident, vocal, and very independent. These dogs were first developed to hunt rodents and other small burrowing animals. They have high-prey drive and can be a little overly dog-aggressive.

There are two distinct types of terriers—the bull fighting terriers and the vermin hunter terriers.

The Bull Fighting Terriers

As the name implies, these terriers were bred by crossing the tenacious terriers with bull-baiting dogs and were used for dog fighting and other blood sports. Fortunately, these breeds are no longer exploited and their fighting instincts have been tamed down.

In appearance, these bull fighting terriers are muscular and stockier with powerful jaws. Their coats are short and flat and they do not have the protective coarse coat of the vermin terriers. Just like their appearance, they are brave, confident, and aggressive which many owners kept them as guard dogs. Having said, they are also great as companion pets as they are very playful, affectionate, and even friendlier than the vermin terriers. Of the four, Staffordshire bull terrier has the “sweetest” temperament mainly due to its innate love for children.

These breeds need a strong, dominate, confident owner with a firm yet gentle hand. It is very important to socialize them from puppyhood in order to avoid aggressiveness and rough behavior. They are not recommended for inexperience owners and families with children, as they can be very aggressive and dominant.

List of Fighter Terriers:

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Miniature Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Vermin Hunter Terriers

These terriers were originally developed to hunt and kill fast-moving preys like otter, badger, and other vermin. They are bright, alert, independent, and always ready to take on a job. Depending on their use, usually the small and short-legged ones were bred to catch the prey from the tunnel and the large and long-legged ones were bred to catch and kill preys or used as guard dogs.

Because of their high-prey instinct, they are unreliable with small animals. They should be kept on leash when outside. However, with plenty of proper training and early socialization, this breed will be very happy walking alongside you off-leashed.

Terriers have a tendency to become destructive—chewing, digging, and barking incessantly—when left alone for prolong period. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

List of Vermin Hunter Terriers:

• Airedale Terrier
• Australian Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Border Terrier
• Cairn Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Irish Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lakeland Terrier
• Manchester Terrier
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Norfolk Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Parson Russell Terrier (aka Jack Russell Terrier)
• Scottish Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Skye Terrier
• Smooth Fox Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Welsh Terrier
• West Highland White Terrier
• Wire Fox Terrier

Conclusion: I personally do not recommend this breed if you’ve a layback personality especially when you have other small animals in the house. Terriers are very active and they compliment well with owners of similar energy. Definitely not your ideal couch poochato!