Terriers - They are terr-ific Dogs!

Whatever breed of dog you prefer, you are certain to find terrier dogs among the best candidates for a pal. You’ll get the energy and enthusiasm you want with little grooming and much enjoyment.

Basically bred for hunting, terrier dogs offer a wide variety of features that you find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not be as intelligent as some other breeds but they offset these with various characteristics that only they can offer.In general, these dogs make ideal home pets. While some may display aggressiveness, properly trained, most staffs have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dogs in this breed can be very playful and need be given a great deal of attention and time with obedience training and exercising.

The names of the four breeds of terrier discussed in this article are give below, If you want to go directly to one of the breeds, click on the name below.

Welsh Terrier   Jack Russell Terrier   Yorkshire Terrier   Staffordshire Terrier


The Welsh Terrier

terrier

Welsh terriers were originally bred as hunting dogs. However, this native breed of Wales soon rose to become show dogs. Breeders attempted to outdo each other by developing the Welsh terrier dogs' wiry coats and color. People often have a Welsh terrier dog as a pet because it is one of the most mild-mannered of terriers.

You might think that this characteristic would make it one of the more boring terriers. In fact, even the most die-hard terrier fan can have fun with this breed. This is because of the fact that Welsh terrier dogs love to play. This makes the Welsh terrier dog a great companion.

Although not as high-energy as other breeds, this dog still is a terrier, which means that it still is very active. Because of this, it is advised that they be given proper exercise regularly. Another piece of good advice to follow is to properly socialize the dog at an early age. This will help the dog be more friendly towards humans and will help the dog to develop good relationships with other animals. It is generally friendly with children, provided that the children do not provoke or pester it too much.

Care and Exercise:

• They require daily combing to prevent their wavy and thick coat from tangling.
• They should undergo trimming by professionals at least four times each year.
• Dry shampooing or even bathing should be done only when it is necessary.
• Eyes and ears should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis.
• They should be included in family activities such as play sessions, hiking, picnic, and even walking.

Top of page


The Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell picture
Jack Russell Terrier

With a terrier's basic nature to run around over any ground, muddy or not, (terrier by the way came from the Latin term "terra" which means earth), Jack Russell terriers also like to hunt. Thus, they need be given considerable grooming in order to keep them clean and remove the dirt they pick up from digging soil to either bury a treasure or to recover a hidden treasure buried long ago.

One basic character of this dog is its disposition towards strangers. They can easily figure out who must be kept away from their homes and who can be accepted inside the house. This very attitude also makes them good watchdogs. They were designed specifically to be aggressive on preys. And while they can be very vocal, many of them only barks when they find good reason to.

They do not appear vicious though. But once they smell threat, they can show off aggressiveness that could serve as warning towards the strangers. However, once the stranger is let into the house by the owner, a Jack Russell can already tolerate his or her presence.

Care and Exercise:

• Their coat needs weekly brushing.
• They should be professionally groomed at least twice a year.
• They should bathe only when necessary since they shed little or no hair. Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on a leash.
• They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts.

Top of page


The Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkie picture
Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, originated from Scotland but bred in England. They usually are quite small and light. Hence, owners do not mind having their pets on their lap almost all day. Moreover, this bonding activity often transforms this lap dog into a bright, playful, and loyal companion pet.

In 1870, a "broken-haired Scotch terrier" was named as a Yorkshire terrier by a reporter. He argued that the breed should be called as such because this type of dog were bred in a county called Yorkshire.

Though the Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs, they became fashionable pets is England in the latter part of the Victorian era. In 1972, Yorkies were brought to the United States and became the country's favorite pet.

You can say that the Yorkies developed into tough breeds because of their ancestors' reputation as rat-hunters. However, their size, and playful and bright character have actually captured the attention and affection of most pet owners. Most proud owners would boast that they have the great giants inside the bodies of these little dogs. If you want a small but lovable breed of dog, get a Yorkie now! Just a friendly reminder though, they really need your attention and companionship more than any other terrier.

Care and Exercise:

• They require daily grooming.
• Ears and eyes must be cleaned and checked regularly.
• Dental hygiene must be regularly maintained.
• They should only be taken on short walks.
• They should have a regular play time on sunny days, chasing shadows, and joining in a tug-of-war.

Top of page


The Staffordshire Terrier

Staff picture
Staffordshire Terrier
Merry Christmas

The Staffordshire bull terriers, because of their build, are known for their great strength. They are muscular and stocky but are also known for their agility. Surprisingly, this breed is one of the two breeds recognized by the UK Kennel Club as very suitable for keeping with children. Furthermore, they ranked 5th when it comes to dog popularity in the UK, where the breed originated. Interestingly, Staffies are the only breed of dog that are "totally reliable" when it comes to standard and quality of breeding.

The Stafford bull terrier has become a popular pet while still retaining reputations gained through generations of fighting dogs bred for tenacity, courage, agility, and most importantly, its reliability and great affinity with people especially with children.

Care and Exercise Tips:

• Bathe when necessary. • Brush their coat only occasionally, using a brush with firm bristles.
• Rub down their coat with a chamois or towel to remove hairs that are loose.
• Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on a leash.
• They should be on leash while walking in public places.

Top of page


Warning

From the funny little pals to the more aggressive ones, terriers have a wide range of temperaments and characteristics which many people find interesting. Be aware that some can be very mischievous while others can be very timid. Many terriers can be extremely playful and need to be given much attention and time with obedience training and exercising.


To read more articles or to return to a previously read article, click on the topic(s) below

Golf   Mathematics   Herbs   Fishing   Animal World   Home Page

© R Bell February 2008

Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional

Valid CSS!