| The word terrier comes from the Latin meaning earth. | | | | tails of other dogs. |
| Certain dogs were given this name for their habit of | | | | Have you ever wondered why Terriers - and all other |
| actually going into the earth after fox, badgers, and | | | | dogs - put their tails between their legs when they are |
| other pests. Probably the most popular of this family is | | | | frightened? Dogs didn't always do this. Thousands of |
| the Fox Terrier who was used primarily to chase fox. | | | | years ago when dogs were chased by their enemies, |
| A famous individual in this group was Fala, the Scottish | | | | the part of the dog's body nearest to the pursuer was |
| Terrier that belonged to Franklin Roosevelt. Still another, | | | | his tail. And many times the tail would be responsible |
| the Dandie Dinmont, was made immortal by Sir Walter | | | | for his being caught. One day it occurred to the dogs |
| Scott in his novel, Guy Mannerling that was first | | | | that if they were being chased, their chances of |
| published in 1814. | | | | getting away would be better if their tails were not |
| Terriers, like Spaniels, are born hunters and because of | | | | exposed like a convenient handle. But a dog couldn't |
| this trait they have a tendency to wander. For this | | | | cut off his own tail and he couldn't fold it flat on top of |
| reason, they don't make the best watch dogs. There | | | | his body. So the only place left was to fold it under his |
| isn't a better dog for a boy or girl who likes to run and | | | | rear legs. It was such a successful habit that to this |
| play. Terriers like nothing better than to play outdoors | | | | day when a dog is frightened he puts his tail down |
| with an active youngster. And they're especially good | | | | under his legs in the hope of escaping whatever doom |
| for small children as playmates because the short tails | | | | threatens him. |
| of most Terriers aren't as easy to grab as the longer | | | | |