Terriers: Terrific or Terrible?
The answer to this question depends on your point of view. Their name derives from the Latin terra, meaning “earth.” This alludes to their intended function, to dig into the ground in search of vermin. The small terrier breeds are all genetically predisposed with this hunting drive. It makes them aggressive in pursuit of prey, whether it's a squirrel in your backyard, a squeaky toy, the neighbor's cat, or the dog next to it at obedience class.
Thankfully, not many of us have a vermin problem these days, but these little dogs remain focused on their mission. After all, it was their reason for living back in the days when they had to earn their keep. It makes them strong-willed and fearless; many were pitted against quarry two or three times their size.
Small terriers and dachshunds can be rewarded for just being themselves in AKC-sanctioned Earthdog trials, earning titles for their inborn talent at going to ground in pursuit of rats (caged for humane reasons) or scent-laden artificial quarry.
Mixing it up with badgers, foxes, otters, weasels, and rats was a tough duty, often a matter of life or death for these little warriors. Consequently, they also developed a high tolerance for pain. Some have wiry coats that protected them like a suit of armor as they launched themselves into the bramble bushes or tunneled underground in hot pursuit.
Small terriers still have feisty personalities. If you are attracted to such spirited companions, you will admire their spunk and delight in their toughness. On the other hand, if you want a docile companion that is a snap to train, you may think these little characters have an attitude problem.
In general, terriers make wonderful, fun-loving pets. But when it comes to training, they require owners who appreciate their lively personalities and whose determination matches their own. If that person is you, get busy doing your homework, researching the small terrier breeds.
Because small terriers love to dig, they will be happy to unearth those bulbs you just planted and to dig their way to freedom. A fenced-in yard is wonderful, as long as you make sure there are no gaps a small dog can squeeze through. A wire-mesh barrier along the bottom of the fence can keep your little Houdini at home.
Terriers vary in terms of size, coat care, degree of independence and dominance, compatibility with children, and need for exercise. The AKC website is a great place to learn about them. As already noted, the terriers have a group of their own, but a few tiny members are also found in the Toy Group: the Yorkshire, silky, toy fox, and toy Manchester terriers.
In that same group are also a couple of small dogs with a healthy dose of terrier in their genetic makeup. For instance, the affenpinscher and Brussels griffon both used to hunt vermin in their early days. These droll little characters owe their impish personalities and harsh coats to their terrier heritage.
