Dogs in the Terrier Group can be described as feisty and stubborn.1&2 That doesn’t mean they’re not great pets, but it does mean they need determined owners to handle them. They are high energy dogs and do require a special type of grooming to maintain their appearance.2
These dogs were bred to hunt vermin and guard their homes.2 They would dig up burrows of vermin, rodents, and foxes to drive them out for hunters. Sometimes they would finish the job off themselves.1
Some of the dogs in this group include:
- Russell Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Bedlington Terrier2
Although most of these dogs are perfectly safe to own, the history of some breeds, like the Bull Terrier, causes them to require more work to keep safe. Bull Terriers have a bad reputation surrounding them, mainly because they were bred for dog fights in the 18th and 19th centuries.3
However, these dogs are found to be friendly to humans in their family, although they can be suspicious of strangers. Without training and socialization, they can be aggressive to other dogs. So it’s imperative to emphasize proper training for everyone’s safety.3
Which terriers are your favorite?
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