Which Terrier is Right for You?

PetSmart - PetSmart

The name "terrier" derives from the Latin word terra, meaning earth; thus, the terrier is the earth dog. Developed specifically to go to ground (burrow into the earth) in pursuit of such vermin as rats, badgers, foxes, weasels, otters and badgers, the terrier was bred for centuries to be the determined dog he still is today.

The terrier, bred in all sizes, was long the companion of farmers and quickly endeared himself to city-dwellers looking to rid themselves of rodents and other pesty creatures. There is a terrier for everyone, from the adorable West Highland White Terrier to the "gentleman" of the terrier world - the Wire Fox Terrier - to the scrappy Welsh Terrier to the versatile and popular American Staffordshire Terrier. Some of the terriers have a distinctive double coat of soft and wiry hairs that needs special grooming. Left untended, these coats grow bushy and unkempt. Breeders take great care to "pluck" these coats by hand, which gives them a very different look and texture from a clipped coat.

Twenty-four breeds currently constitute the Terrier Group recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Though they range in size and physical characteristics, today's terriers all share the unmistakable character for which they are renowned: they are tough guys. They won't back down, especially from an aggressive incident with another dog. Most are friendly with people.

We suggest you attend dog shows whenever possible to see various breeds and talk to the owners or handlers to gain as much information as possible. There are pros and cons in owning any breed, and the more you know the better advised you will be to make the right decision.

Most American Kennel Club breed clubs have codes of ethics for their members, who strive to produce physically and temperamentally sound dogs. You can contact breed clubs via the AKC by writing them at 5580 Centerview Dr., Suite 2, Raleigh, NC 27606; calling (919)233-9767; or looking them up on the Internet at www.akc.org. If you intend to become a pet owner, don't worry about whether your pup is show quality. A mark here or there might disqualify the pup as a show winner, but has no impact on its ability to be loving.

The initial price for a good, sound pet is negligible compared to its lifetime care cost, so it's better to start with a healthy dog from a responsible source.

The following brief breed descriptions will provide only basic information. There are authoritative books on all these breeds that can be obtained at book stores, pet stores and dog shows, or by contacting breed clubs.

AIREDALE TERRIER
Named for the river of Aire in the district of Yorkshire, England, the Airedale was originally developed to hunt badger and otter. He was the offspring of the larger ratting terriers and the Otter Hound, who contributed substance and swimming ability. Today's Airedale Terrier is a kingly dog, standing up to 24 inches high and carrying himself with the grace and dignity of someone who knows he's in control.

AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER (AMSTAF)
This breed is sometimes confused with the Staffordshire Terrier of England, which it closely resembles. It is, however, much larger than its British cousins. The American breeders selected the larger type than those preferred by the English. Seen together, they are obviously different. He is an imposing dog, which belies his truly loving outgoing disposition. If ever mean, it is the result of some demented, mean person deliberately abusing him to make him so.

AUSTRALIAN TERRIER
Originally called the Broken-Coated Toy Terrier, the Australian Terrier is now so-named because of where he was developed: the land down-under. Feisty and fast, he could handle rabbits and snakes with ease, and his confidence made him an excellent watchdog. All these traits are still evident in the Aussie. He's a great and loving family dog ready to announce any intruder.

BEDLINGTON TERRIER
The Bedlington is one of the most unusual looking of all dogs, resembling a dainty lamb more than the true terrier he is. It's difficult to assess which terriers were bred to produce the Bedlington's look, and it's hard to imagine that he was once a poacher and pit fighter. Today his unique type is fixed and treasured, and his nature is filled with love. He doesn't pick a fight but will not back down.

BORDER TERRIER
Perhaps of all terriers, the Border most resembles what his true purpose is: an efficient, strong and hardy terrier, long-legged enough to keep pace with hounds, yet compact enough to go to ground. His "otter" head gives him a distinct expression. More and more he is being recognized in the show ring and gaining in popularity.

BULL TERRIER
This breed was developed to serve a dual purpose: to be among the most refined of showmen and the most relentless of gladiators when dog fighting was accepted. He is a strong, muscular dog with a striking egg-shaped head and deep-set eyes. He is a friendly, lovable and energetic family pet. When introduced to the world in 1850, the Bull Terrier was known as the "White Cavalier," bred by gentlemen for gentlemen, able to protect and serve until the death, yet never instigate a quarrel.

CAIRN TERRIER
True to his name, the Cairn is an eager working terrier with the courage to enter narrow spaces among rocks, cliffs and ledges in pursuit of otter, foxes and vermin. In head he differs from other terriers being broad but short in muzzle with wide-set ears. He is short of leg being no more than 10 inches at the top of the shoulder. This harsh-coated, lovable dog has a foxy expression.

DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER
It's appropriate such a distinctive-looking dog should have such a funny name, and in fact this breed was named after the character Dandie Dinmont in Sir Walter Scott's 1814 novel, Guy Mannering. With his long, trim body; relatively short legs; large, round, sad eyes; domed head and fluffy topknot, the Dandie is one of dogdom's unique fraternity and one of its best-loved. He's as much a lover as a fighter.

SMOOTH & WIRE FOX TERRIERS
The Fox Terriers were developed and bred for the same purpose: to work with Foxhounds to drive a fox from its hiding place. Interestingly, they were probably not bred from the same stock, and today are considered two different breeds. The Smooth Fox Terrier is less popular in general - the Wire having won the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show more times than any other breed.

IRISH TERRIER
The Irish Terrier ranks as one of the most universal of dogs. He thrives in any climate, is an accomplished hunter, and can be taught to retrieve in water or on land. To top it off, he gained a great reputation as a war dog in World War I. He's a stylish showman, fearless when challenged with no regard for danger, which has won him the nickname of "Daredevil." He is a loving family member and guardian.

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER
The JRT is a high-energy dog beloved for his antic humor and his "look-at-me" personality (which landed him his big role on TV's hit show, "Frasier"). He's big enough to qualify for many as a "real" dog, but small enough to go anywhere - including tight spaces where varmint dwell or a favorite toy has fallen.

KERRY BLUE TERRIER
Another bona-fide Irishman is the Kerry Blue Terrier, native to the Kerry Mountain region of Ireland where for centuries he dutifully handled the vermin problem, kept flocks together, even retrieved game. He is a solid specimen whose appearance is notable for his blue-black coat and flat head with long hairs covering it. Don't mess with him because he is fearless.

LAKELAND TERRIER
This little terrier was developed in the Lake and Border districts of England, and has long been prized for his fearlessness. As determined as he is in going to ground, he is equally flashy in the show ring, and for a rarer breed has won many big ribbons in major shows. Though not big, he is like a little racehorse.

MANCHESTER TERRIER STANDARD
The Manchester is a notorious rat killer. In Victorian times this breed was called the "Gentleman's Terrier," and those who share their lives with him today, though comparatively few in number, know why. He is ardent, lively and good-natured, needs minimal grooming and is a convenient 15-16 inches high and 12-16 pounds.

MINIATURE BULL TERRIER
This down-sized close copy of the Bull Terrier was recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club on January 1,1992. He is what his name denotes - a small version of the original.

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
This breed of terrier was bred down from the Standard Schnauzer by breeding the smallest ones to Affenpinschers and Poodles. He may be small, but he is a game dog with an outgoing, happy temperament. His color can be salt-and-pepper, the most common black and silver, and solid black. If you're concerned about his being a terrier, don't be, he despises vermin. He is a good guard dog and a great pet.

NORFOLK & NORWICH TERRIERS
Though now recognized as separate breeds, for our purposes they are considered together. The most obvious difference is that the Norfolk has drop ears and the Norwich's are erect. But there are more subtle differences; for example, the Norfolk is square, whereas the Norwich is slightly longer than tall. Both are the same spirited hunters. They are delightful small dogs, not more than 10 inches at the shoulder, with sparkling, eager eyes. Loved by all who know them.

SCOTTISH TERRIER
A true classic whose looks have been used to typify style and elegance in advertisements worldwide, the Scottish Terrier has brains besides beauty. And let no one question his terrier skills - he's been using them to earn his keep for centuries. This is a big dog in a compact body, as feisty as they come. Commonly black, they can also be iron gray, brindled or grizzled, sandy or wheaten.

SEALYHAM TERRIER
This spunky terrier is the result of breeding made on the estate of Captain John Edwards at Sealyham in Wales. Developed from ancestry known for hunting and quarrying badgers, otter and fox, of unlimited courage and endurance, able to run sufficiently fast yet small enough to bolt quarry from rocks or underground. The outcome is a dog of great substance, power and determination.

SKYE TERRIER
The Skye is an old breed dating back over four centuries. It takes its name from the Isle of Skye, one of the Northwestern islands of Scotland, which was its home for ages. Unlike other terriers, this long, low-set dog has a long, flowing coat and a Scot is proud to say, "A Duchess would almost be ashamed to be seen in the park unaccompanied by her long-coated Skye." He is a proud, dignified hunter and a no-nonsense individual.

SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER
The name is apt, as it describes a dog with a soft coat that is wheaten in color. Known in Ireland for over 200 years, he was originally bred to be a small game hunter who worked silently and intelligently with great willpower and tenacity. He also serves as companion and watchdog. His coat is his hallmark. It is a profuse, very soft coat that passes through a progressive change until it becomes clear wheaten, at about 18-24 months. It is abundant, slightly wavy, but never curly. The temperament is much less aggressive than other terriers, but he is prepared to vigorously defend himself if challenged.

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
He was originally a tenacious fighting dog, a fact that held back his acceptance by the Kennel Club in England for some time. While still a tough, no-nonsense dog, his breeders have done much to convert him to be a gentleman, and his popularity is slowly increasing as a result. He is still of indomitable courage, intelligence and tenacity. He is affectionate with friends and family, especially children.

WELSH TERRIER
If one describes the Lakeland terrier as a "racehorse," then the Welsh, by comparison, is the "work horse." This black and tan, compact, rugged, wire-coated dog was formerly called the Black and Tan Terrier. Of typical terrier temperament , he is a no-nonsense dog ready to meet and challenge other dogs or beasts.

WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER
Like the other short-legged terriers of Scotland, the "Westie" comes from the same family tree. Today it is one of the most widely known and is well-loved by its many admirers for being a proud, in-your-face little fellow who is quick and cunning, possessing great intelligence. The Westie is a delightful, faithful, thoughtful, devoted happy pet. Little wonder the breed has continued to be so popular, he requires minimal upkeep and is happy whether in an apartment or on an estate.

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