AKC terrier dog breeds
AKC Terrier - description
People familiar with this Group invariably comment on the distinctive terrier personality. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters.
Most of these breed were developed in the British Isles. They were used to control rats, rabbits, and foxes both over and under the ground.
Some larger terrier were also used to hunt badgers. In fact, the word terrier comes from the Middle French terrier and before that the Latin terra, meaning earth.
The gameness of the terrier dog breed was exploited by using them in so-called sporting contests. Initially, terriers competed in events such as clearing a pit of rats.
The dog that was fastest in killing all the rats won. Bull Terriers, in particular, were developed as fighting dogs. Today, most terriers are kept as companion dogs and make great family pets.
They are generally loyal and affectionate to their owners but can be "big characters" requiring a firm hand. Terrier dog breeds can be divided into different types and groups, such as:
Hunting or working terriers - Still used to find, track, or trail quarry, especially underground, and sometimes to bolt the quarry. These dogs are usually of mixed breeding or of breeds not recognized as pure breeds.
Show terriers - Rarely used for their original working purpose but are bred for the show ring or as companion dogs. Many of these breeds are excellent family pets and also perform in dog agility trials.
Toy terrier - Bred "down" from larger terriers, these terriers are shown in the Toy or Companion group.
Fighting Terriers - The Bull and Terrier types, of which the modern Bull Terrier is one, were originally combinations of bulldogs and terriers as general mixed breed pit dogs.
Fell terriers - breeds developed in northern England to assist in the killing of foxes.
Hunt terriers - breeds developed in southern England to locate and kill or bolt foxes during a traditional mounted fox hunt. In general, terriers make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters. While usually small, these dogs are brave and tough with a lively, energetic, and almost hyperactive personality.
To discover more about specific breeds of Hound Dogs, their origins, history, temperaments and other characteristics please follow one of the links below:
