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