Types of Terriers

Terriers around the world are known as a universal breed. Some varieties of these dogs are distinguished by unique hunting qualities, others serve as excellent watchmen or companions, and still others are extremely popular due to their unusual appearance. In this article, you will get acquainted with the common types of terriers, as well as with the external features of these dogs.

All modern varieties of terriers can be divided into two factors:

• type of coat;
• country of origin.

It is worth saying right away that the vast majority of terriers bred in the UK have a tough type of coat that does not require specific care. Terriers all over the world are characterized as universal types of dogs relative to all exterior features. Most of the terriers do not need a cardinal haircut, however, to maintain a neat appearance of the hair of the wire-haired terriers, Welsh terriers or Czech terriers, they need to attend trimming procedures at least once every six months.

• Smooth and short-haired varieties: English Toy Terrier, Boston Terrier, Brazilian Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

• Wire-haired breeds: Australian Terrier, Border Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Norflock Terrier.

• Pets with wool of curly and wire types: Lakeland Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, wire-haired Fox Terrier.

• Longhair: Australian Silky Terrier, Tibetan Terrier, Sky Terrier.

• Hairless: american hairless terrier.

Many breeders believe that England will always remain the true homeland of all terriers. It was on the territory of this state that the most active work was carried out on the breeding of these dog breeds. However, over time, terriers have gained incredible popularity, which led to their distribution in Europe and the United States. These dogs were actively used in breeding and creating many modern breeds, and therefore their descendants can be found today around the world. The classification of terriers according to their place of origin is described below (some of the breeds will be indicated in two countries, as they were actively bred in both territories).

• Modern England. The following varieties of terriers were created or bred here: Yorkshire, Jack Russell and Parson Russell, Airedale, Fox Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Bull Terrier, English Toy Terrier, Border Terrier, Welsh Terrier (Wales), Dandy Dinmont Terrier, Lakeland , Manchester, Norfolk Terrier, Sealyham Terrier (Wales), Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

• Scotland. Among the most famous local dogs are the Scottish Terrier (or Scotch Terrier), the West Highland White Terrier, the Border Terrier (bred throughout the UK), the Dandy Dinmont Terrier, the Cairn Terrier, and the Sky Terrier.

• Ireland. Close relatives of the first English terriers: Glen of Imaal Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier.

• Germany. Only one variety is popular - the yagd terrier (or the German hunting terrier).

• America. Followers of terriers from England: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Naked Terrier, Boston.

• Australia. The following breeds are known here: Australian and Australian Silky Terrier.

• Czech. The only official breed is the Czech Terrier.

• China. Tibetan Terrier.

• Brazil. Only one popular species is the Brazilian Terrier.

• Japan. The Japanese Terrier is an extremely rare and expensive breed of dog.

To date, the ICF has approved as many as 32 full-fledged breed of terriers with certain features of the standard and behavior. About 20 of these breeds were created in England and Scotland., 4 breeds were bred in Ireland, the remaining species were created based on them. It may seem unbelievable, but even such different breeds as the toy terrier and bull terrier share the same relatives.

Terriers are famous all over the world for their strong, slender and muscular exterior. These dogs have remarkable working qualities, and therefore are often used as watchmen and helpers in the hunt.

The breed got its name from the Latin word "terra" - land. An interesting fact: initially all dogs were called terriers, which, thanks to their small size, strong jaw box and sharp mind, could track down fur animals and fight underground with them (with foxes, badgers or raccoons). In addition to hunting, terriers showed themselves excellently in the protection of houses, herds of small cattle and in the eradication of rodents.

Among the varieties of terriers there are representatives of both small and medium, large breeds.

Some breeders call these dogs “terrier kings”, this name was formed due to the significant size of these dogs - among the terriers they are considered the most massive and tallest. Individual individuals of this breed can grow up to 61 centimeters at the withers and gain up to 30 kg in weight. The birthplace of this breed is the York Valley Air (United Kingdom).The original purpose of breeding airedale was to create a hardy and muscular breed of dog for hunting aquatic mammals.

These dogs differ from their relatives in excellent sports and working qualities, thanks to which they were actively used during the hostilities of the First World War. These dogs delivered messages between headquarters and ignored even the most brutal battles with machine gun bursts and bombing.

Experienced breeders consider representatives of this breed smart, calm and cheerful in skilled hands. In addition to the excellent orientation skills in any terrain, modern individuals of this breed are distinguished by a friendly and balanced character, which makes them ideal companions.

Regarding the exterior, these dogs are very reminiscent of the famous Fox Terriers: slightly curly coat, medium ears with tips down, a characteristic beard with a mustache, as well as a small and erect, slightly curved tail; with one exception, an exceptionally tan color is found in the exterior of these dogs: red zonal spots on the limbs, chest and muzzle, and a black body.

A fairly popular variety of terriers in England. For some time, possession of these dogs was considered elite - every self-respecting professor at English universities should have a purebred bull terrier. Initially, these dogs were bred only for fighting activities - a powerful exterior and strong jaws made them enviable competitors among other dog breeds. Over time, the fashion for fighting pits passed, and then the standard of these dogs was modified to meet the modern needs of breeders. Dogs have become more slender, balanced and playful.

These dogs have a unique exterior, which is expressed in the special structure of the egg-shaped muzzle with a wide nose bridge and a complete lack of stop (pronounced transition from the forehead to the dog's face). The physique of these dogs is incredibly strong and muscular, limbs strong, parallel to each other. Regarding the coat, these dogs belong to the group of smooth-haired. Bull terriers grow up to 35.5 centimeters at the withers (according to the requirements of the standard), as for weight, the standard of bull terriers does not limit this. The main condition is that the body of the dog look harmonious.

Despite such an impressive size and a fighting pedigree, modern bull terriers in the right hands are extremely playful, funny and sensitive. These are very devoted dogs, ready to the last breath to protect absolutely all members of their family.

Another breed bred in the UK. Relative to other breeds, Staffordshire - a fairly young breed - they were bred only in the middle of the XIX century. Initially, their potential was used exclusively in the hunt for big game - bears, moose and even bulls, but in the future these dogs became more and more actively used in fighting activity. With the decrease in the popularity of dog fighting, the standard of these dogs was slightly adjusted, which led to the creation of individuals quite suitable for keeping at home.

These dogs have a very powerful and strong-willed exterior, which is characterized by remarkably developed groups of all muscles, with a wide and large head on a small strong neck, straight and widely spaced limbs, as well as an extremely short wool coat without undercoat.Regarding the colors, these dogs can be red, black, white and even blue (there are also official two-color colors). It’s difficult to call these dogs very large in size: they usually do not grow more than 40.5 centimeters and rarely gain more than 17 kg.

Unfortunately, many inexperienced breeders mistakenly consider Staffordshire an aggressive and unbalanced breed - such a stereotype was formed on the basis of the rich historical past of these dogs, as well as their terrifying appearance. In the right and experienced hands, these dogs behave like real children: they like to run, fool around and frolic in the fresh air.

This breed, as well as smooth-haired Fox Terriers, was first bred in the UK for hunting fur animals. These dogs differed from the rest of the congeners by their endurance, as well as the possibility of developing high speeds for chasing game in marshy areas. In addition, these dogs, due to the unique placement of the hock joint, are able to jump very high, which facilitates hunting for some animals.

The exterior of these dogs is similar to the exterior of the airedale. They can grow up to 39 centimeters in height, the optimal weight indicator for males is 8 kg. The exterior of the fox can hardly be called muscular - it is rather slim and athletic. A distinctive feature of these dogs is a rectangular muzzle covered with a long beard and mustache, as well as pointed, half-hanging ears. The legs of these dogs are very strong and straight. In coarse-haired fox terriers, the wool layer is presented in the form of undercoat and hard and wire outer hair, in color it is usually two-tone or three-color (black and white or black and white with red spots).

As during breeding, Fox Terriers remain wonderful companions with a balanced, friendly and calm character.. Despite the fact that these dogs are considered incredibly smart and quick-witted, in training and training they are able to show a high degree of disobedience, which irritates most breeders. These pets need a special approach to training, where any manifestations of self-will and indulgence are suppressed at the root.

This breed of dog is a classic representative of the fighting breeds - pit bulls have an extremely powerful muscular physique, deadly jaws, a wide chest and very strong, widely spaced limbs. These dogs were bred specifically for participation in dog fights, however, over time, the breed standard has undergone some changes.

The exterior of the American pit bull terriers is characterized by a powerful and muscular body, a large wedge-shaped head and a wide skull, which expands near short erect ears. Pit bulls have very short smooth hair (completely without undercoat) - which is why they cannot be kept outdoors. If we evaluate their size, then the largest males of the American pit bull terriers grew to 49 centimeters at the withers and gained up to 30 kg of weight.

To date, this breed of terriers is not recognized by the International Cynological Federation, and is also prohibited for private breeding in most European countries. Despite this, in many other countries, for example, in America and Russia, these dogs are very often used as service dogs - they perfectly show themselves in law enforcement when detaining especially dangerous criminals. Besides, pit bulls have a unique sense of smell that allows them to successfully detect narcotic or explosive substances.

An inexperienced audience has also formed an established opinion about these dogs as bloodthirsty and ferocious animals that spare no one in their path and throw themselves at any passer without warning. These dogs really need an experienced owner, but they will never be aggressive and capricious towards him and his family.

Among modern varieties of terriers, small and dwarf dog breeds are more common. You can familiarize with the most popular and bright of them below.

These dogs are considered one of the most popular decorative breeds in the world. All thanks to the insignificant growth and weight of these dogs: up to 20 centimeters and 3 kilograms. Despite their popularity, Yorkshire has a very short, albeit rich, history - they were bred in England at the end of the 19th century and managed to break into the market of the most coveted and popular decorative pets in just 100 years. Today, these dogs are ideal for families with children, the elderly or other pets. The small size of these pets allows them to be kept even in the smallest apartment, and the good-natured and playful character makes them a participant in children's fun.

The exterior features of these small dogs: a small head and a short flattened muzzle, covered with a dense woolen coat near the beard, eyebrows and cheekbones, a small and delicate body, a lightweight skeleton, the back is straight, like limbs. In relation to the size of the head, these dogs have rather large erect ears.

The most important pride of these pets is their soft, graceful and silk coat. In their natural form, the hair of these dogs should be so long that it drops to the extremities. However, many breeders are cutting these babies for aesthetic purposes, which also greatly facilitates their freedom of movement and provides full play space. The main advantage of the coat of these dogs is that it is similar in structure to human hair, which makes these pets hypoallergenic. Yorkshire color is also quite unusual: the head and muzzle, as well as the limbs, are covered with brown and red hair, and the body with the tail is blue and gray.

These are incredibly vulnerable, active and curious kids who are interested in everything that happens around. In their owners, these dogs do not dwell on the soul and, although sometimes they behave stubbornly and capriciously, always remain faithful and reliable. Unlike larger dogs, Yorkshire individuals live much longer - in rare cases, up to 17 years.

It is believed that the homeland of these dogs is the United States, as indicated by the name of the breed, derived from the city of the same name. As in the case of the Yorkshire Terrier, these dogs appeared recently - at the beginning of the XIX century. The initiator of the breed were many individuals of fighting dogs. This led to the creation of a unique exterior: Boston terriers are characterized by a fighting-type muzzle (as in typical bulldogs), but a slender and athletic physique characteristic of any terrier.

The Boston Terriers have a wide muzzle of a square type, a forehead with a stop is perfectly pronounced on the head. The ears are small, but set wide and very high. The jaws are powerful, but not particularly wide. The legs of these dogs are large and massive, as are the legs themselves. The coat is short and smooth without undercoat - this means that these dogs must not be kept in an aviary or outdoors.The colors of the Bostons are predominantly two-tone, most often individuals of precisely black-and-white or black-brown type are found, however, representatives of tiger coloration are sometimes found. Bostons rarely grow above 30 centimeters at the withers or gain more than 10 kg of weight.

Today, Boston Terriers are considered one of the most popular breeds in America. In 1979, Boston was even officially recognized as a symbol of one of the US states (Massachusetts).

In good conditions and with proper feeding, these dogs live quietly up to 16 years.

It is considered one of the most popular varieties of dogs in Scotland. Like many other varieties of terriers, these dogs were originally used in hunting. The first mention of these animals appeared back in the 16th century - before they were only companions of noble nobles, however, with the spread of the breed, they began to be actively used as companions and farm assistants.

According to the standard, scotch terriers grow no more than 28 centimeters in height and do not gain weight more than 10.5 kilograms. Outwardly, these dogs resemble Giant Schnauzer puppies, however, in this case, a dense and fairly strong body is located on very short limbs with large paws. The head of the scotch tape is quite large, but proportional to the body, the eyes are oval, small in size, the ears are also not particularly large - triangular and upright. A distinctive feature of the breed is precisely the stiff coat, which forms a characteristic beard and mustache on the face, as well as expressive and lush eyebrows above the eyes. Due to the short length of the limbs, the hair of these dogs is lowered to the ground.

Despite their down-to-earth sizes, scotch terriers simply adore entertainment, these dogs are incredibly active, adore any games and hints of them from the owner.

Representatives of this breed are sometimes called Norwegian terriers, which is fundamentally wrong.

At the beginning of the XIX century in England there was a huge problem with rats, which not only stole grain and spoiled provisions, but also carried dangerous diseases among cattle. Despite numerous bullying, these animals continued to actively develop their population throughout the UK, which was the reason for the creation of special breeds of rat-catcher dogs. Norwich terriers became one of such breeds. Small growth, the habits of the hunter and powerful jaws played a role - very soon these dogs started to be brought up in almost every house. They could skillfully climb even into the smallest openings and deal with malicious pests. In addition to hunting rats, Norwich terriers served as excellent companions for fishermen and hunters.

The standard of this breed is quite primitive for all dwarf breeds: tightly knocked down, although not large physique, body and neck are covered with developed muscles. The coat is extremely stiff, red, golden or wheat in color.

Terriers are characterized by an incredible variety of coat colors and coatings.

• Solid colors. This includes solid colors in black (Tibetan), golden (Japanese, Australian and Lakeland), gray and blue (Kerry Blue Terrier), white (Bedlington, Cairn Terrier).
• Two-tone. This includes breeds of terriers with black wool and tan throughout the body (yagd terrier, Manchester terrier, welsh terrier, English toy terrier). Also here are the following variations of the two-tone color: black and white (Boston), white and brown (Brazilian terrier), gray-white (dandy-dinmont terrier).
• Tricolor colors or tricolor. This includes terrier breeds with three shades in color: the Australian Silky Terrier (gray, red and white shades), wire-haired and smooth-haired Fox Terriers (red, white, black shades).

About the features of the breed Russian Toy Terrier, see the video below.