| Terriers developed at a time when people were more | | | | The terrier used to control larger animals, such as the |
| dependent upon dogs to help them make a living on | | | | fox, hare and badges included the Bedlington Terrier, |
| their land. They were the ones who were charged | | | | The Border Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the |
| with keeping the land free of the unwanted animals | | | | Glen of Imaal Terrier, the Irish Terrier, The Norfolk and |
| that wreaked havoc on the farmer or rancher. They | | | | Norwich Terriers, the Parson Russell Terrier, the |
| were the hunters who ensured the land would be pest | | | | Scottish Terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Soft |
| free. | | | | Coated Wheaten Terrier, the Welsh Terrier, the West |
| They were invaluable to the owners of land. They | | | | Highland Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. |
| were bred to be untiring in the fight against pests who | | | | The reason for the need to know what the dog breed |
| would devour feed for the owner's other animals, or to | | | | was originally developed to do is so that you may be |
| consume the crop meant for the family or for income. | | | | better apt at predicting its behavior. Although much of |
| They were vicious hunters that would never give up. | | | | the killing instinct of each terrier breed has been bred |
| Their job was unending, but that fact never | | | | out of the line, they still have the instinct to chase other |
| discouraged them, for that was the fun in it! They are | | | | animals. This is the reason why it is so important to |
| known as tenacious terriers for a reason; they never | | | | socialize this particular group with other dogs and |
| give up, and when you own land that can easily fall | | | | animals early on in its life. This way they begin to see |
| prey to pests, that trait is very important. | | | | other animals as friends, not as prey. It's also important |
| Understanding how a particular breed was developed | | | | to know that they may not be reliable off leash, since |
| and for what purpose is very important when | | | | they may not heed your calls in the heat of a chase. |
| considering it as a family companion. Terriers can be | | | | This group of breeds can be very loving and faithful |
| very loving dogs and are mostly easy to groom. They | | | | companions, but they have high energy needs and are |
| can be very entertaining, but their prey drive can be | | | | probably not suited for the first time dog owner. They |
| too strong for some environments. | | | | tend to get themselves into trouble if left alone for long |
| Each Terrier breed was born out of a need to control | | | | periods of time and do best when obedience trained |
| a certain type of vermin. The ratters included the | | | | and given a job to do. If you are looking for a |
| Australian Terrier, the Cairn Terrier, The Dandie | | | | companion to lie on the couch with you all day, then a |
| Dinmont Terrier, the Irish Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier, | | | | terrier is definitely not for you. But if you are looking for |
| the Manchester Terrier, the Norfolk and Norwich | | | | a highly energetic and challenging dog, you will not be |
| Terriers, the Parson Russell Terrier, the Skye Terrier, | | | | let down if you decide to adopt a terrier. |
| the Smooth Fox Terrier, and the West Highland Terrier. | | | | |