All about terriers

Terriers appeared in the 18th century in Great Britain, where they were bred as hunters for small animals and foxes. They also protected houses from rodents, and over time became participants in dog competitions and fights - the favorite entertainment of commoners. Since that time, hunting passion and fearlessness have been preserved in the character of dogs.

Although terriers are considered to be English breeds, there are other varieties of them, because to bring your own national breed of terriers is considered the height of prestige. There are American and Australian breeds, as well as Japanese and Mexican. Apart from this, some European countries also have their own terriers. Over time, most species have lost their original characteristics and turned into pets. There are quite a few types of terriers that differ not only in appearance, but also in character traits. However, they are all connected by such characteristic features as incredible courage and loyalty.

Terriers are different extraordinary devotion to his family, which earned the love of many dog ​​breeders around the world. But at the same time, it must be remembered that they are hunters, and they need frequent walks and active pastime.

According to the standards of the Kennel Federation, all types of terriers are divided into 3 subgroups: small, medium and large. Let's dwell on each in more detail.

There are a significant number of small breed dogs among terriers.This is due to their initial characteristics, because mainly small breeds were bred to penetrate holes. Small breeds mostly give birth to as pets and companions, although they also share the characteristics of their ancestors.

The breed is quite young, it was bred only at the end of the 19th century in Yorkshire in England. Yorkies are decorative breeds and have a cheerful and energetic disposition. With their cute appearance, these miniature dogs have gained immense popularity among dog lovers. They have a small body, a tiny cute muzzle with a button nose and black eyes. The growth of animals is 18-20 cm with an average weight of 2-3 kg.

A distinctive feature of the breed is beautiful, long hair, it has no undercoat, so the animals practically do not shed. This feature makes it possible to keep Yorkies in the house even for those who are allergic to wool.

There is only one color for purebred representatives. The head is brownish in color, the neck and back are blue-gray, and the abdomen is brownish-yellow. The coat on small legs is golden brown, but the coat on the tail is gray-blue, but of a darker shade than on the body.

Yorkies have an average lifespan of 11-15 years, and with proper care and attention, they can live longer. The character of Yorkshire terriers is inquisitive and peaceful, but despite their miniature size, they are quite brave and, when danger appears, they will rush into battle without hesitation. They are distinguished by extreme devotion to the owner, but they also require increased attention and love.

Originally from Australia, although the breed is registered in America. The breed also belongs to decorative types. At the withers, dogs reach 20-25 cm, and weigh 3.5-4.5 kg. The animal is characterized short in stature, with a stocky body and a wedge-shaped head of medium size.

The ears are erect, triangular, the coat is unusually soft and silky. In addition, it is rather thick and long, and on the legs it is short and tight-fitting. Its color can be of two types: gray-blue with a light fawn tone or blue with tan. The coat on the tail is darker. The shade of fawn is mainly found on the cheeks, legs and back of the torso. It is rare to see a representative of the breed with red or sandy hair.

Puppies are born exclusively black, and by the age of one and a half, their color changes to that of the breed. By their nature, dogs are energetic and inquisitive, they are distinguished by devotion and courage. They have good contact with other animals, even cats. Children are treated patiently and peacefully. But to strangers - with caution. Ideal as a companion.

Dogs are distinguished by the absence of a characteristic long coat, but this does not detract from their merits. The emergence of this breed is a matter of chance, a pair of Rat Terriers gave birth to a puppy devoid of hair, the breeders of the Scott wife became interested in him, and a few years later, thanks to this puppy and the persistent efforts of the breeders, a new breed appeared. American Terriers are very cheerful and inquisitive, they love to learn new things.

Due to its activity and friendliness easily find a common language with everyone - both with people and with animals... Sometimes a pet's instinct of a rat-catcher may wake up - it is necessary to forbid him to do this in the same way as to make sure that he does not engage in fights with dogs, since his skin is delicate and he can easily get hurt.

Representatives of this breed are distinguished by their unique facial expressions. Their cute little face can express many emotions.In appearance, American Terriers are similar to their Rat terrier relatives: strong muscles, an elongated muzzle, erect ears and strong limbs. The color in dogs can be different, but the most common color is pink with small spots of black, brown or white. The growth of the animal is 25-36 cm with a weight of 3-6 kg.

The breed belongs to hunting, it was used to bait otters and foxes. Although now the dog belongs to decorative, it has retained all its qualities. In the formation of the breed qualities, the main characteristics were the properties of the hunter, and they did not attach much importance to the appearance, therefore, the representatives of the breed look slightly inconspicuous. The size of the dogs is 25-30 cm, weighs 5-7 kg.

The body of the Border Terrier is quite compact, with a powerful head, small drooping ears and a long body. The limbs are long, strong, the short tail is set high. The coat of a Border Terrier can have several color options: red, brown, bluish-tan or with gray hair. The coat is tough and has a medium undercoat. The mustache and beard stand out on the face.

Another decorative breed, which is native to America. It appeared relatively recently and was first known as the American Bull Terrier. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by their extraordinary quick wit and lively mind. Due to these qualities, as well as the graceful appearance, dogs are most often chosen as a companion... The Boston Terrier is distinguished by its friendliness and affection for the owner, although it is not averse to being stubborn at times.

It treats other animals peacefully. A dog is suitable for not too active people, since it does not need long walks and active pastime, as well as any special care. In addition, representatives of this breed are distinguished by their cleanliness. Due to the fact that they do not react well to temperature changes, they should not stay outside for a long time. The dog has a slightly square body, short muzzle and tail, and a flattened nose. The coloration can be brindle or black with white spots on the muzzle, forehead, neck and legs. The coat is short and smooth. Such terriers weigh up to 11.3 kg.

In the past, the breed was used as working or hunting dogs. She belongs to the ancient Scottish breeds and is known in rather narrow circles of expert dog breeders. With a height of 20-28 cm, dogs weigh about 8 kg, they are distinguished by a strong constitution, despite their small size. The body is elongated, the head is rather large, and the legs are short. The color is mainly peppery or mustard; there may be white spots on the breast.

The dog is characterized by a muscular, elongated body, on the head there is a silky crest that falls over the eyes. The coat is two-layered with a fluffy undercoat and long, thick coat. Coloring can be of several colors: black, gray, brown, cream. In the yard, the dog is active, but indoors it is calm. He is loyal and friendly to the family, but chooses only one as the owner.

Accepts children and other animals well, subject to early socialization. They are suspicious of strangers, which are excellent qualities for a watchman. Although Skye is fearless, but with a gentle disposition, he often likes to be stubborn.

The breed is considered one of the oldest in Scotland, but it is quite popular in European countries, America and even in Australia... Dogs have a compact, strong, proportionally folded body. The hair of the core is short, harsh, but has a soft undercoat. On the head, the coat is softer and thicker.The color can be varied, except for white, there may be dark spots on the muzzle and tail. Representatives of the breed do not differ in particular mobility, but equally serve all family members.

In the past, working dogs and hunters, and now loyal companions, the cores become great friends who love to learn new things.

Initially, the breed was bred as hunters for rats and other rodents. The first dogs were taller than modern representatives, and had the qualities of fighting dogs. At the moment, the Manchester Terrier is being acquired for the role of a companion. The dog is distinguished by an active, cheerful disposition and cheerfulness. She is a very devoted friend, but extremely restless.

Representatives of the breed are often used as show dogs. According to the standard, the height of the animal should be 25-30 cm, and the weight should be up to 6-10 kg. The dog's coat is short, tight-fitting, its color is coal-black with a slight tan, having a shade of mahogany, and the line of separation of colors should be clear.

The breed belongs to one of the most expensive. This is explained by the fact that only 1-2 puppies are born in the litter. The dog has an extremely calm disposition, but if it is pissed off, it will be able to protect itself. Representatives of the breed are distinguished by their endurance and working capacity, as well as by their freedom-loving disposition. They do not like passive rest in the apartment, they prefer nature in the countryside.

The animal's body is compact, with well-developed muscles, the back and legs are rather short. The dog weighs up to 5-5.5 kg, and its height does not exceed 25-26 cm. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, the ears are pointed. Coloring can be of several options: gray, black, wheat, red. The coat has a stiff structure, the ears and head are covered with a short and smooth coat, and a slightly longer wool collar is formed on the neck and shoulders.

The breed is known mainly in England, while its closest relative, the Norwich, is more popular in other countries. The Norfolk are friendly and cheerful, with a playful, good-natured character. Representatives of this breed get along well in urban apartments, so they do not require long walks. Differ balanced disposition, therefore fit as a companion even for inexperienced owners. In appearance, the representatives of the breed are similar to the previous one.

At the withers they reach 25.5 cm, they have a strong, squat physique with a rounded head. The coat is rather hard, short, thicker on the neck and shoulders, forming a mane. The coloration is the same as that of the Norwich Terriers.

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by their sociability and energy, but at the same time they are always on the alert. They make not only excellent companions, but also good watchmen. Sealyham does not need long, active walks; he prefers a quiet pastime. The breed is characterized by devotion to the owner and an aristocratic, refined disposition. In the past, the breed was considered a hunting breed and was used to catch badgers, otters and foxes, and modern Sealychems are decorative dogs, frequent visitors to exhibitions.

The animal is characterized by a small stature - up to 31 cm - and a strong constitution. Wool of a rigid structure with an undercoat. The color can have several options: purely white or with brownish, lemon spots on the head.

The breed is characterized by poise and obedience, as well as affection for the owner. Easily adapts to different conditions, can live in a city apartment and outside the city. He treats strangers with distrust, but does not show aggression, he is friendly with other animals. The breed is still not numerous enough, therefore it still belongs to rare ones. Dogs are classified as decorative, although they are also good in the role of a companion.

At the withers, the animal reaches a height of 27-30 cm, its dimensions are compact, the body is slightly elongated, the limbs are short. The coat is long it is cut as needed, it is not customary to remove it on the front of the head, therefore the Czech Terrier has thick eyebrows and a mustache. They also do not cut the hair on the legs, chest and belly, leaving a thick, silky "shirt".

The breed was originally bred for catching rats, which is evident from the name, and, it should be noted, the dogs did an excellent job with this task. They were then used in races and rat-catching competitions. Animals differ extreme speed in running, and the elongated shape of the head allows, without slowing down, to pass into the hole. The muzzle is wedge-shaped with well-developed jaws. The limbs are strong and well muscled.

The dog's coat is short and smooth. The color can be two or three colors: white-red, variegated with red, red, black and tan, blue and white with tan. Despite the excellent qualities of a hunter, the Rat Terrier has an inquisitive and playful disposition. The dog loves children very much and becomes an excellent friend for them, is distinguished by devotion and care for the owner.

The breed is small, dogs weigh 2-4 kg, their height is 30-33 cm. The animal is characterized by a square format and rather light bones. The head is graceful, narrow, the ears are drooping. The coat of the breed is short and soft, without undercoat. The color can be tricolor, black, red and white predominate, and brown speck may also be present. It is considered ideal when the dog has a white body with a dark head. The breed was bred as a companion, so the Japanese terriers are loyal friends, however, with an extremely mischievous disposition.

Medium Terrier breeds are also quite plentiful and have many virtues.

Like all terrier breeds, they are characterized by endurance and unpretentious care. Dogs differ in jealousy, so they get along poorly with children and other pets. In general, Bedlington's disposition is quite affectionate and sociable, but they are wary of strangers. Animals need to do regular jogging in order for them to feel good. According to the standards, the height of a purebred dog is 40-44 cm for males and 37-41 cm for females, and the weight is 8-10 kg.

The coat has both soft and hard hairs, on the head and muzzle they are slightly curly. The color can have several options: blue, sand or liver (maybe tan). Bicolored animals may have tan patches on the breast, under the tail, on the hind legs and near the eyes.

Representatives of the breed are characterized by a height of 35-49 cm and a weight of up to 10 kg. Their coat is short, white with gray-blue, brownish or black spots. The dog is quite active and needs training. Differs in devotion only to the owner, treats the rest of the family kindly. The Brazilian Terrier loves to bark even for no reason, so it is not very suitable for panel houses.

Refers to dogs that hunt foxes, badgers and other rodents. The physique is compact, harmoniously folded, the head has a somewhat rectangular shape. The front legs are not too large, but the hind legs are rather muscular. The coat is dense, with an undercoat. Dogs can be of two or three colors, the most common color combinations are gray, red and black.

Puppies are born completely black, and with age they acquire a characteristic color. By its nature, the dog is rather stubborn and wayward, but cheerful and energetic, does not show any aggression towards people.

Used the dog as a hunter for small birds, as well as a shepherd. Now the Kerry Blue is mainly a pet, an excellent companion and exhibitor. The breed is characterized by affection and devotion towards the owner and hostility towards other dogs. The animal has a playful and lively disposition, moreover, it is distinguished by love and care for children. The dog has a compact size (height 44-48 cm), a somewhat square body shape with well-developed muscles.

The wool is thick and soft, almost does not shed, in addition, it is slightly wavy. Exhibition standards require a mandatory haircut to give the necessary shape. The coat of the breed has an unusual blue color of various shades, and does not have an undercoat.

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by a rather narrow body, which allows you to crawl even into narrow burrows, since dogs were originally used for burrowing hunting. The dog has a somewhat aggressive and pugnacious disposition, so he needs socialization, although in the house she is cheerful and positive. The breed is suitable for active people. The shape of the head is rectangular, the hair is thick, hard, on the muzzle and legs it is longer. There is no standard color, it can be any.

At the withers, dogs should be 34.5-37 cm.

A burrow breed that was used only for hunting. However, they make loyal friends. They are extremely reserved and not used to showing their feelings. The color of the Jagdterriers is black and tan, the coat is hard, dense, with an undercoat that protects well from cold and insects. The breed standard is 30-40 cm at the withers.

The head of the dog is elongated, with strong jaws that hold the grip well. Representatives of the breed are characterized by courage and fearlessness, because of this they often suffer from larger animals while hunting.

These two varieties differ only in wool, otherwise their standards are the same. Wirehaired members have a coarse, wiry outer hair and a soft undercoat. This coat needs trimming: when properly treated, the dog's head has the shape of an elongated rectangle, lush cuffs on the paws and a short, slightly wavy coat on the body. Smooth Fox Terrier has a short coat that fits snugly to the body. Such dogs have special grace and grace.

The standard features of the fox terrier include the height at the withers 34-40 cm. The breeds are characterized by a tricolor color, where spots are located on a white background. The character of dogs is dominated by sociability and friendliness. They love energetic games with children, allowing them any liberties. The Fox Terrier loves to be noticed and is quite proud and proud. Breeds were bred for hunting foxes, so their representatives are very fast and energetic, sometimes they are even too fussy.

The breed is distinguished by its versatility, its representatives can be faithful companions, working dogs or hunters. Animals are distinguished by their vigor, endurance and lively mind. Dog by nature good-natured and affectionate, very loyal to the owner. But despite this, when danger appears, he will boldly repulse anyone. The height of the dog at the withers is 46-48, weight is 11.5-12 kg. The color is predominantly red with a wheat or yellow tint. The short coat has a tough texture.

Large breeds of terriers are similar in temper and characteristics to their small and medium-sized relatives.

The breed is one of the largest among terriers - with a height of 56-61 cm, they weigh 18-29 kg. They bred her in England as hunters for river rats and otters. The dog is very energetic and needs daily walks, sports activities or active games. Representatives of the breed differ independence, tend to make decisions on their own, but at the same time they are too touchy and often harbor resentments. The Airedale is not very friendly to other animals.

They make excellent watchmen, the dog will defend the family under any circumstances. Despite its large size, the animal is very cheerful and playful, loves to play pranks. Airedale terriers love to spend time with their family and do not tolerate loneliness. The dog has a strong, muscular body, the color is predominantly black and black or gray with a reddish brown tone.

The breed is distinguished by its enormous size: the dog weighs 36-65 kg with a height of 68-76 cm. They took her out for protection, and now the animal is an excellent companion, selflessly devoted to the owner and his family. This giant among terriers is distinguished by good nature and boundless love for his family. He is a real guardian who needs to take care of everyone. Representatives of the breed are distinguished by a large, athletic physique with strong bones and highly developed muscles. The coat has a double structure, rather thick.

The hair can be either straight or wavy; on the head, the hair falls over the muzzle, thus forming the characteristic mustache and beard. The color of the dogs is exclusively black, grayish blotches are allowed in small quantities.

Terriers are not very demanding in grooming. The main thing they need is love and care. When bringing a puppy to the house, you should be prepared for the fact that he will begin to consider himself the main one, so you need to immediately put everything in its place. Terriers do not tolerate violence, they will respond to any such attempt with their famous stubbornness. The rest of the care consists in a balanced and high-quality diet, regular meals, hygiene procedures, medical examinations and regular walks. Breeds with long or thick coats need extra grooming and trimming.

When choosing a breed in the first place you need to decide in the role of whom the puppy is purchased: a companion, a decorative dog, a hunting assistant or a watchman. In addition, it is worth focusing on living conditions, since it is difficult to keep a large dog in a small apartment or one that loves to bark. Such individuals are more suitable for keeping in a private house.

Terriers are very energetic, so for those who do not like too busy pastime, the Boston Terrier, Cairn Terrier or Norfolk are more suitable. By purchasing a puppy, you need to make sure first of all that he is healthy and has the appropriate vaccinations.

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