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 learn about common types of terriers, as well as the external features of these dogs.

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

• type of wool;
• country of origin.

It should immediately be said that the vast majority of terriers bred in the UK have a hard coat that does not require specific care. Terriers around the world are characterized as universal types of dogs in relation to all features of the exterior. Most of the terriers do not need a cardinal haircut, however, to maintain the neat appearance of the wool of the wire-haired terriers, welsh terriers or Czech terriers, they need to attend trimming procedures at least every six months.

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

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

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

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

• Hairless: american hairless terrier

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

• Modern England. Here the following types of terriers were created or bred: Yorkshire, Jack Russell and Parson Russell, Airedale Terrier, 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), West Highland White Terrier, Border Terrier (bred all over the UK), Dandy Dinmont Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Skye Terrier.

• Ireland. Close relatives of the first English terriers: glen-of-imaal-terrier, curry blue terrier.

• Germany. Only one species is popular - jagdterrier (or 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: the Australian and the 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 approved as many as 32 full-fledged breeds 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. This may seem incredible, but even such different breeds as the toy terrier and the bull terrier possess only relatives.

All over the world, terriers are famous for their strong, slim and muscular exterior. These dogs possess remarkable working qualities, and therefore are often used as guards and assistants in hunting.

The breed received its name from the Latin word “terra” - land. An interesting fact: initially, terriers called absolutely all dogs, which, thanks to their small size, strong jaw box and sharp mind, could track down fur animals and engage in battle underground (with foxes, badgers or raccoons). In addition to hunting activity, terriers showed themselves to be excellent in guarding houses, herds of small cattle and in rooting.

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

Some breeders call these dogs “terrier kings”, this name was formed due to the size of these dogs - they are considered the most massive and high among the terriers. Individual individuals of this breed can grow up to 61 centimeters at the withers and gain up to 30 kg in weight. The homeland of this breed is the Eyre Valley in Yorkshire. (Great Britain). The original purpose of breeding Airedale Terriers was to create a hardy and muscular breed of dog for hunting for aquatic mammals.

These dogs are distinguished from their relatives by 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 staffs and ignored even the most brutal battles with machine-gun fires and bombing.

Experienced breeders consider representatives of this breed intelligent, calm and cheerful in skilled hands. In addition to the remarkable skills of orientation in any locality, the modern individuals of this breed have a friendly and balanced character, which makes them ideal companions.

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

Quite a popular variety of terriers in England. For a time, the ownership of these dogs was considered elite - every self-respecting professor at English universities had to 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 has passed, and then the standard of these dogs was modified to the modern requirements 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 broad nose and a complete absence of the foot. (pronounced transition from the forehead to the dog's face). The build of these dogs is incredibly strong and muscular, strong limbs, are parallel to each other. In relation to the coat, these dogs belong to the smooth coat group. Bull terriers grow to 35.5 centimeters at the withers (according to the requirements of the standard), and as for weight, this standard does not limit the bull terriers. The main condition is that the dog's body looks harmonious.

Despite such impressive size and fighting ancestry, modern bull terriers in the right hands are distinguished by an extremely playful, cheerful and sensitive character. These are very dedicated dogs, ready to protect absolutely all members of their family to the last breath.

Another breed bred in the UK. Regarding other breeds, the 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, elks and even bulls, but in the future these dogs were increasingly used in fighting activities. With the decrease in the popularity of dog fights, the standard of these dogs was slightly corrected, 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., a wide and large head on a small strong neck, straight and widely spaced limbs, as well as an extremely short coat of coat without undercoat. Regarding the colors, these dogs can be red, black, white and even blue (there are also official two-tone colors). The size of these dogs can hardly be called very large: they usually do not grow more than 40.5 centimeters and rarely gain more than 17 kg.

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

This breed, as well as sleek-haired fox terriers, was first bred in the UK for hunting fur animals. These dogs differed from the rest of their kin with endurance, as well as the possibility of developing high speeds for pursuing game in the marshy areas. In addition, these dogs, due to the unique placement of the hock, can jump very high, making it easier to hunt some animals.

The exterior of these dogs is similar to the exterior of an Airedale Terrier. They can grow up to 39 centimeters in height, the optimal weight for dogs is 8 kg. The exterior of the Fox can hardly be called muscular - it’s rather slim and athletic.A distinctive feature of these dogs is a rectangular face, covered with a long beard and mustache, as well as spiky, half-hanging ears. The legs of these dogs are very strong and straight. In wire-haired fox terriers, the wool layer is presented in the form of undercoat and hard and wire guard hairs, in color it is usually two-colored or three-colored (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 intelligent and quick-witted, they are able to show a high degree of disobedience in training and training, which is what annoys most breeders. These pets need a special approach to training, where any manifestations of self-will and indulgence are stopped at the root.

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

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

Today, this breed of terrier 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 show themselves perfectly in law enforcement when detaining particularly dangerous criminals. Besides, pit bulls have a unique sense of smell that allows them to successfully detect narcotic or explosive substances.

Among these inexperienced publics, an established opinion has also been formed about these dogs as about bloodthirsty and ferocious animals that spare no one on their way and rush without warning to any passer-by. These dogs really need an experienced owner, but with respect to him and his family they will never be aggressive and capricious.

Among modern species of terriers, it is more common that small and dwarf dog breeds. With the most popular and vibrant of them you can find below.

These dogs are considered one of the most popular decorative breeds in the world. All thanks to the slight height and weight of these dogs: up to 20 centimeters and 3 kilograms. Despite their popularity, the Yorkshire has a very short, albeit rich history - they were bred in England at the end of the XIX century and managed to make their way to the market for the most desirable 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 part of children's fun.

Features of the exterior of these small dogs: a small head and a short flattened muzzle, covered with a thick woolen cover of a beard, eyebrows and cheekbones, a small and delicate body, lightweight bones, a back even, 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, elegant and silk wool. In natural form, the coat of these dogs must be so long that it falls to the limbs. However, many breeders cut 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. The color of the Yorkshire is also quite unusual: the head and muzzle, as well as the limbs are covered with brown and red hair, and the body itself, along 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 like souls and, although they sometimes behave obstinately and capriciously, they 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 birthplace 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. Many individuals of fighting dogs became the initiator of the breed. This led to the creation of a unique exterior: the Boston Terriers are characterized by a fighting-style muzzle (like typical bulldogs), but a slender and athletic build characteristic of any terrier.

In Boston Terriers, a broad muzzle is of a square type; on the head, the forehead is well expressed along with the foot. The ears are small, but set wide and very high. Jaws are powerful, but not particularly wide. The legs of these dogs are large and massive, like the paws themselves. The coat is short and smooth without undercoat - this means that these dogs cannot be kept in an open-air cage or on the street. The colors in Boston are predominantly two-colored, most often black-and-white or black-brown specimens are found, however, representatives of tiger coloration sometimes come across. Bostons rarely grow above 30 centimeters at the withers or gain more than 10 kg of weight.

Today, Boston Terriers are considered among the most popular breeds in America. In 1979, "Boston" was even officially recognized as a symbol of one of the American 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 mentions of these animals appeared in the XVI century - before they were satellites of only noble grandees, however with the spread of the breed they began to be actively used as companions and helpers in the household.

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 Riesenschnauzer puppies, but in this case, a dense and sufficiently strong body is located on very short limbs with large legs. The head of the scotch is rather large, but proportional to the body, the eyes are oval, small in size, the ears are also not particularly large - of a triangular and standing type.A distinctive feature of the breed is precisely the hard hair, which forms the characteristic beard and mustache on the face, as well as expressive and lush eyebrows above the eyes. Because of the small length of the limbs, the fur of these dogs is lowered to the ground.

Despite their mundane dimensions, Scottish Terriers just love entertainment, these dogs are incredibly active, love any games and hints from the owner.

Representatives of this breed are sometimes also 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 food, but also carried dangerous diseases among cattle. Despite numerous harassment, these animals continued to actively develop their population throughout the UK, what was the reason for creating special breeds of dog rats. One of such breeds became precisely Norwich-terriers. Small growth, hunter habits and powerful jaws played a role - very soon these dogs began to be wound up in almost every home. They could skillfully climb into even the smallest holes and deal with malicious pests. In addition to rat hunting, Norwich terriers served as excellent companions for fishermen and hunters.

The standard of this breed is rather primitive for all dwarf species: tightly knit, though not large build, body and neck covered with developed muscles. The coat is exceptionally hard, the color is red, gold or wheat.

Terriers are distinguished by an incredible variety of colors and coat colors.

• Monochrome. This includes the plain colors of black (Tibetan), golden (Japanese, Australian and Lakeland), gray and blue (Kerry Blue Terrier), white (Bedlington, Cairn Terrier) shade.
• Two-color. These include black-haired and black-haired terrier breeds throughout the body (Jagdterrier, Manchester Terrier, Welshterrier, English Toy Terrier). Also here are the following variations of two-tone color: black and white (“Boston”), white-brown (Brazilian terrier), gray-white (dandy-dinmont terrier).
• Tri-color or tricolor colors. These include 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.