Page 187 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

TERRIERS

TERRIERS

Tough, fearless, self-confident, energetic—a terrier can claim all of these descriptions, and more. The
terrier group takes its name from the Latin word terra (soil), referring to the original use of various

types of small dog as hunters of underground-dwelling vermin, such as rats. However, some modern
terriers are large dogs, bred for different purposes.

Many breeds of terrier originated in (see p.189), are small, sturdy, and the vicious and now illegal sports of
the UK, where they were traditionally short-legged. Terriers with longer legs, dogfighting and bullbaiting. With their
regarded as hunting dogs for the such as the Irish Terrier (see p.200) broad heads and powerful jaws, these
working man. Some are named after and the beautiful Soft-coated Wheaten dogs suggest a close affinity with
the regions where they were first bred: Terrier (see p.205), were once used mastiffs and are, in fact, likely to be
for example, Norfolk Terrier (see for hunting above ground and also related to that group.
p.192), Yorkshire Terrier (see p.190), as guard dogs for protecting flocks. Most types of terrier are today kept
and Lakeland Terrier (see p.206). The largest terriers of all include the as pets. Intelligent and usually friendly
Others are known by the types of Airedale Terrier (see p.198), originally and affectionate, they make excellent
animal they were used to hunt: for bred for hunting badger and otter, companions and watchdogs. Because
example, Fox Terrier (see p.208) and and the impressively built Black of their inherent traits, terriers need
Rat Terrier (see p.212). Russian Terrier (see p.200), which was to be trained and socialized early to
Terriers are by nature quick to react specifically developed for military prevent trouble with other dogs and
and show great persistence when on use and guard duties. pets. Hunting-type terriers also love
the track of quarry. They possess In the 19th century a different type to dig and can wreak havoc in a yard
independent—some would say of terrier became popular. Crosses if unsupervised. The modern breeds of
willful—characters and are ready to between terriers and bulldogs produced those dogs historically used for fighting
stand their ground against larger dogs. such dogs as the Bull Terrier (see are now largely free from aggression
The dogs developed for hunting below p.197), the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and, when properly trained by an
ground, including the much-loved Jack (see p.214), and the American Pit Bull experienced owner, are usually
Russell (see p.196) and Cairn Terriers Terrier (see p.213), breeds intended for trustworthy with families.

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