What were terriers used for?

terrier, Any of several dog breeds developed, mostly in England, to find and kill vermin and for use in the sports of foxhunting and dog fighting. Bred to fight and kill, they often were pugnacious but are now bred for a friendlier temperament.

1. What was the original purpose of the terrier?
2. What is the history of terriers?
3. Why are dogs called terriers?
4. Are all terriers aggressive?
5. What is special about terriers?
6. Why terriers are the best dogs?
7. Are terriers good with kids?
8. Why are terriers so common?
9. Do terriers eat rats?
10. Is a Schnauzer a terrier?
11. Is a Staffordshire terrier?
12. Are bull terriers aggressive?
13. Which terrier is the calmest?

What was the original purpose of the terrier?

The word “terrier” comes from the Middle French chien terrier — literally, dog of the earth. The dogs were originally bred to kill vermin — there's still a breed known as the rat terrier. And it is this hunter's instinct, this fearlessness, that has come to define the temperament of the breed today.

What is the history of terriers?

Terriers originated on the British Isles and were a product of man's evolving needs. Compared to hounds, terriers are a relatively new type of dog. The original purpose of almost all of the early terriers was to control pests such as vermin and foxes.

Why are dogs called terriers?

Terrier (from the French word terrier [tɛʁje], meaning "burrow") is a type of dog originally bred to hunt vermin.

Are all terriers aggressive?

Most terriers are small, but some terrier breeds can be aggressive despite their size and are fearless while challenging other animals. ... Among the many breeds of dogs making great pets, terriers are preferred by most people for their size and attitude.

What is special about terriers?

terrier, Any of several dog breeds developed, mostly in England, to find and kill vermin and for use in the sports of foxhunting and dog fighting. Bred to fight and kill, they often were pugnacious but are now bred for a friendlier temperament. ... All terriers are vocal and inclined to chase and confront.

Why terriers are the best dogs?

Today, many terrier breeds pay homage to their ancestors with their love of digging and exceptional courage and persistence. With a bit of patience and proper training, terriers can become loyal and obedient pets. Training for terrier dogs can be challenging because of their stubbornness and sharp hunting instincts.

Are terriers good with kids?

Not all terrier breeds are good with children. The smaller terriers can be more excitable, aggressive, and prone to biting. But breeds like the soft-coated wheaten terrier and the West Highland white terrier relate well to kids. ... Another gentle terrier that needs a bit less exercise is the Boston terrier.

Why are terriers so common?

Terriers were bred to rid barns and stables of vermin, to dig out unwanted burrowing rodents, and to make themselves generally useful around the stable. Terriers were used in the “poor man's recreation” of rat killing, especially in England where most of these breeds originated.

Do terriers eat rats?

There are certain breeds of dog that were especially created to control the rat population. Most of these breeds are different kinds of Terriers. This is because Terriers are the most super-efficient breed for catching rats – and that is not just us being bias. ... Our terriers are well trained in catching rats.

Is a Schnauzer a terrier?

An interesting aside: While the Miniature Schnauzer is considered a Terrier by the AKC, the Standard Schnauzer is classified as a member of the Working group.

Is a Staffordshire terrier?

The ancestors of the modern American Staffordshire Terrier hail from England and were a mix between Bulldogs and Terrier breeds. Their mixed heritage earned them many names, including Bull-And-Terrier Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, and Half and Half. Eventually, they came to be known as Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Are bull terriers aggressive?

Bull Terrier Dog Breed Information and Personality Traits. A tough, powerful breed, the bull terrier is also gentle, affectionate and playful with family members. Bull terriers are strong and some have aggressive tendencies. Therefore, obedience training is a must.

Which terrier is the calmest?

Border terrier

Here's another exception to the rule when it comes to calm dog breeds of the terrier group. “Terriers as a whole tend to have a love of energy and tenacity, but the Border Terrier in my experience can be less intense while still having that bouncy energy that many terrier owners enjoy,” says Hof.