| The Truth About Terriers | | | | years. They are curious and interested in |
| | | | what is going on around them even as the move |
| Terriers are one of the most popular types of | | | | into their senior years. |
| dogs around the world. There are seven | | | | |
| different breeds of terriers in the top 50 | | | | The Challenges to Owning A Terrier |
| most popular dogs in the world, and this | | | | |
| isn't by chance. Terriers as a group are | | | | There are challenges to owning any breed of |
| lively, intelligent, playful and generally | | | | dog and terriers are no different. As a whole |
| very hardy and stout little companion dogs. | | | | the group is more prone to problematic |
| They do have their own specific quirks and | | | | behaviors such as excessive barking, digging |
| personalities, just as all other breeds do. | | | | and chewing when left alone. They tend to |
| Most terriers are relatively easy to care for | | | | prefer being with the family rather than by |
| as far as grooming is concerned but the | | | | themselves and will quickly find ways to let |
| Yorkshire terrier is a bit of an exception to | | | | you know they are unhappy with the current |
| the rule. Its fine coat requires regular | | | | situation. |
| grooming to keep it tangle and mat free. | | | | |
| | | | All terriers were originally from dogs that |
| The Benefits to Owning A Terrier | | | | were bred to hunt and dig, and modern |
| | | | terriers still carry those traits. A terrier |
| As mentioned above most of the various | | | | is a natural chaser and may have difficulty |
| terrier breeds are very social and friendly | | | | learning to live with other pets in the |
| dogs that enjoy spending time with both | | | | house, especially if the terrier is not |
| familiar friends and even new people. | | | | socialized as a puppy. They may also be so |
| Terriers are naturally fun and love to play, | | | | absorbed in the chase they don't listen to |
| even well into their senior years. Some | | | | commands or may even run into traffic areas |
| terriers almost seem to have a streak of | | | | without paying attention, often with tragic |
| mischief in them and delight in doing | | | | results. |
| something that causes laughter and fun within | | | | |
| the house. | | | | Terriers tend to aggressive towards other |
| | | | dogs and often will take on even very large |
| Terriers generally enjoy sharing the couch or | | | | dogs to protect their territory. They may |
| a chair with the owners. While not completely | | | | also be aggressive even in parks and other |
| lap dogs they are always up for a bit of a | | | | public areas so should be kept on a leash for |
| cuddle, however will remain alert and ready | | | | their own safety. |
| to run and romp at a minutes notice. Most | | | | |
| terriers require moderate levels of exercise | | | | Some terrier breeds are somewhat snappish and |
| and are known to thoroughly enjoy a game of | | | | difficult to train. It is generally not |
| fetch or a game of chase with the kids. | | | | advisable to leave small children with |
| Generally terriers love to be outdoors even | | | | terriers that are very possessive of toys or |
| in wet or snowy conditions. Their coarse | | | | food as often this results in the child being |
| outer coats are largely water resistant so | | | | bitten or nipped. Terriers, while very |
| they are able to tolerate rain or snow, but | | | | intelligent, often become bored of the same |
| should not be expected to stay outdoors in | | | | routines and may begin to simply ignore |
| extreme weather conditions. | | | | repetitive commands if obedience training is |
| | | | not consistent and firm. |
| As a smaller dog terriers are not as costly | | | | |
| to feed as the larger or giant breeds. They | | | | As a breed terriers respond very well to |
| are generally very hardy and have few genetic | | | | positive rewards but not at all well towards |
| conditions that are problematic, provided | | | | punishment based training methods. Terriers |
| they are purchased from a reputable breeder. | | | | may become overly aggressive or even hostile |
| Some lines of terriers have problems with | | | | towards people through punishment-based |
| allergies, Von Willebrand's disease (a | | | | training. |
| hemophilia type blood disorder), and some | | | | |
| difficulties with giving birth, but careful | | | | Terriers are great dogs for most people, but |
| screening by breeders can eliminate almost | | | | do require some special attention and care. |
| all of the conditions. | | | | They thrive best when provided with |
| | | | consistent training, lots of love and |
| Generally terriers are a long-lived group of | | | | attention and high levels of socialization |
| dogs often living for twelve to fifteen | | | | throughout their lives. |