Small, bearded, with glowing eyes. He doesn't know he's small. He dashes at shepherds, digs holes in the sofa, barks at the vacuum cleaner like a live beast. Terrier. It's not just a dog. It's a personality type. Nervous, lively, obsessed with hunting and love for the owner. If you want a calm, lazy dog — don't get a terrier. If you're ready for adventures on your head — welcome to the world of fearless bearded men.

Common for all terriers

The word "terrier" comes from lat. terra — earth. They were bred for hunting burrowing animals: rats, foxes, badgers. That's where the psychology comes from. A terrier must be fearless (dive into a den to a predator), persistent (not come out until he's killed), vocal (barking to tell the owner where the animal is), and sharp (instant reaction). All terriers are descendants of these working dogs, and selection has preserved their character.

Common traits: energy (where to put it — that's the question), bravery (often turning into recklessness), stubbornness (you can't make a terrier, you can negotiate), territoriality (this is my sofa, my courtyard, my owner), hunting instinct (squirrel, rat, cat, a plastic bag in the wind — all prey).

Plus — loyalty. Terriers are attached to one person or family. They can be jealous. They can protect to the end, despite their size. Yorkie owners tell how their little ones dived at pitbulls to protect the children.

Minus — loudness. Terriers bark a lot and loudly. From joy, from fear, from boredom, from the wind not blowing in the right direction. If you live in a multi-story building, your neighbors will be "happy".

Different types of terriers: from Yorkie to Airedale

Terriers come in sizes from toy (Yorkshire terrier, 3 kg) to large (Airedale terrier, 30 kg). And character depends not only on the breed but also on size and purpose.

Small terriers (York, Norwich, Norfolk, Australian silky) are companions, but with a character. They are not toys. They may bite if they are hugged against their will. They may be possessive of their bowl and bed. They love to climb sofas and tables. They do not get along well with small children who do not understand that a dog is not a plush rabbit.

Medium terriers (fox terrier, Jack Russell, Parson Russell, Welsh terrier) are the classics of "burrowing". Energy is off the charts. They can run for hours, dig in the ground (and the lawn, and the flower bed, and the floor in the house), hunt everything that moves. The Jack Russell terrier is the most popular in this group thanks to the movie "Mask". But in reality, it's not a clown, but a whirlwind. Such dogs need work, otherwise they will destroy the apartment.

Large terriers (Airedale, Irish smooth-coated, Kerry terrier closer to medium) are more balanced. For example, the Airedale was used as a police dog in world wars. He is intelligent, loyal, but still stubborn. You need to work seriously with large terriers, otherwise they will dominate.

There are also fighting terriers (such as the bull terrier). That's a separate story. The bull terrier is a mix of terrier and bulldog. From the terrier, it took persistence and bravery, from the bulldog — strength and a unique appearance. The character of the bull terrier is complex: he can be aggressive to other animals, but almost always loyal to humans with proper training. It's risky to keep such a dog with children.

Jack Russell: a whirlwind in miniature

The Jack Russell terrier is a separate phenomenon. Bred in England by the Reverend John Russell for fox hunting. Ideal: white with black or ginger spots, stocky, with strong legs. Intelligence — above average. Workability — wild.

Jack's character: he can't stand idleness. He needs tasks. Bring a ball, find a hidden toy, run 10 kilometers with a bicycle, dig a hole. If there's no task, he will make one up: chew shoes, tear apart the sofa, go on a hunt for the courtyard cat.

Jack Russell loves children, but plays with them roughly. He may bite the heel to call them to run. He may accidentally knock over a baby. Therefore, he is ideal for children from 8 years old.

Jack doesn't get along with other animals. Rabbits, hamsters, birds — all prey. Cats are a nuisance. He will chase the cat until he loses his breath. The exception is if he grew up with a cat since puppyhood, but even then, occasional scuffles are inevitable.

Jack Russell is a champion in stubbornness. He hears the command, understands, but can pretend not to hear. He requires a firm but not cruel hand. If the owner is weak-willed, the dog will sit on his head.

Yorkshire Terrier: a toy with the character of a bulldog

The York — the most popular small dog in the world. Cute, princess-like fur, weighs 2-3 kg. Many think it's a living toy. And they are wrong. York is a terrier. He can be aggressive, nervous, barking for any reason. A Yorkie bite is painful (sharp teeth).

York's character: he is possessive. He is jealous of the owner to other people, other dogs, to the phone. He may hiss and snarl if someone tries to pet the owner without permission. He is fearless — he dashes at large dogs. And usually loses. Therefore, Yorkie owners should keep an eye on walking to prevent the little one from getting hurt.

York is attached to one person. If the owner is at work, he may howl, bark, chew things out of boredom. He does not tolerate loneliness well. But at the same time, York is a companion dog, he doesn't need much walking (although he loves to run). Suitable for the elderly if they are ready for his stubbornness.

The minus of York is the difficult care for the fur. If not trimmed, not combed, it falls out in mats. Some owners prefer a short haircut "like a puppy". The character does not change.

Fox Terrier: a smooth-coated aristocrat

The fox terrier (smooth and rough-coated) is a classic terrier. He was featured in the movie "White Bim Black Ear" (a mix, but similar). The fox terrier is energetic, cheerful, curious. He sticks his nose in every crack. It's hard to keep him on a leash if he sees a cat or a squirrel.

The fox terrier's character: he loves to play, especially with a ball. He plays until he's exhausted. He's good with children if they're not aggressive. He may fight with other dogs for dominance. He treats strangers warily, but not aggressively without cause.

The fox terrier is intelligent, but it's hard to train him due to his stubbornness. The best method is play. Turn the command into a game, and he will do it happily. Pressure and shouting will cause an opposite reaction.

The rough-coated fox terrier needs to be trimmed (combed) rather than clipped. This requires skills.

Terrier and children: compatibility

Terriers are not the best choice for families with infants and crawlers. They may bite if a child pulls their hair or ear sharply. They may drop a baby while running. But with children from 6-7 years old, terriers get along great, become loyal friends and playmates.

It's important: teach the child the rules of interaction with a dog. Don't touch during meals, don't wake up, don't pull the tail, don't stick your hand in the mouth. And teach the terrier patience. If the puppy grew up with children, he will get used to it.

The most friendly terriers to children are Jack Russell and Welsh terriers. The most nervous are Yorkies and Corgis (although the latter is not a terrier, but similar in character). Large terriers (Airedales) are also good with children, but they need to be controlled due to their size.

If there are two children in the family, a terrier will do. If there are three, noisy, restless — the terrier may become irritable and start barking non-stop.

Terrier and other pets

The classic answer: none. A terrier is a hunter. Rats, hamsters, chinchillas, parrots — all prey. The instinct will work even in the most well-behaved terrier. A guinea pig in a cage will be a source of stress for everyone.

Cats are a difficult topic. If the cat is adult and the terrier was taken as a puppy, they may get along. But sometimes the cat becomes an object of harassment. If the terrier is adult and aggressive to cats, it's better not to risk it.

Terriers often conflict with dogs of other breeds, especially males. They do not retreat, even if the opponent is five times bigger. Owners should socialize the puppy from an early age, take them to dog parks, teach them calm behavior. But there are no guarantees.

The best option for a terrier is to be the only pet at home. Then all the owner's love goes to him, and he is happy.

How to raise a terrier without regretting

Rule number one: socialization from 2 months. Take the puppy to crowded places, introduce him to other dogs, accustom him to noise, cars, the vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, he will grow into a timid aggressive person.

Rule number two: no physical force. A terrier will either break down mentally or defend himself in response to a hit. Only positive reinforcement. Praise, give a treat, pet.

Rule number three: short but frequent training sessions. 5-10 minutes several times a day. A terrier quickly gets tired of monotony.

Rule number four: mentally exhaust. Hide treats in toys, teach tricks, go through obstacle courses. An exhausted mind is the key to a calm dog.

Rule number five: physical exercise. At least 2 walks a day for 1 hour in an active mode. Running, games, fetching. Without an outlet for energy, the terrier will start destroying the apartment.

Rule number six: don't get a terrier if you're not ready for 15 years of active life. They live a long time (12-16 years) and maintain a "puppy" character until old age.

If you manage, you will get a companion dog with a big heart, loyal, and funny. If not — turn your life into a nightmare.

Who should not get a terrier

Pensioners with a sedentary lifestyle (they need a Yorkie, but not a Jack Russell). Office workers who spend 10 hours at work (the terrier will howl, chew, the neighbors will call the police). Families with children under 5 years old (risk of bites). People who love perfect cleanliness (the terrier sheds, digs, throws toys around). People who are squeamish (the terrier loves to lie in the garbage and rotting fish). Beginners without experience (terriers are a difficult breed, a dog trainer's help will be needed).

People who live in a studio and can't provide a walk. A terrier needs at least a small courtyard or a park nearby. Otherwise, he will wither.

But if you have a private house with a plot, you are active, you love nature, and you have a sense of humor — a terrier will become the best friend. He is always there, always ready for a hike, always stick out his bearded face from under the blanket and lick your nose. You won't get bored with him. And that's the main thing.

Permanent link to this publication: