Little, bearded, with fiery eyes. He doesn't know he's little. He dashes at shepherds, digs holes in the sofa, barks at the vacuum like a living beast. Terrier. It's not just a dog. It's a personality type. Nervous, lively, obsessed with hunting and love for the owner. If you want a calm couch potato, don't get a terrier. If you're ready for adventures on your head, welcome to the world of fearless bearded men.

Common for all terriers

The word "terrier" comes from the Latin "terra" — earth. They were bred for hunting burrowing animals: rats, foxes, badgers. That's where the psychology comes from. A terrier must be fearless (to climb into a den of a predator), persistent (not to come out until it's finished), noisy (to bark to tell the owner where the animal is), and sharp (a quick reaction). All terriers are descendants of these working dogs, and selection has preserved their character.

Common traits: energy (where to put it — the question), bravery (often going too far), stubbornness (you can't force a terrier, you can only negotiate), territoriality (this is my sofa, my yard, my owner), hunting instinct (squirrel, rat, cat, a plastic bag in the wind — all prey). Plus — loyalty. Terriers are attached to one person or family. They may be jealous. They may protect to the end, despite their size. Yorkie owners tell how their little ones rushed at pit bulls, protecting the children.

Minus — noise. Terriers bark a lot and loudly. Out of joy, fear, boredom, or just because the wind is blowing in the wrong direction. If you live in an apartment building, your neighbors will be "happy".

Different types of terriers: from Yorkie to Airedale

Terriers come in sizes from toy (Yorkshire terrier, 3 kg) to large (Airedale terrier, 30 kg). And character depends not only on breed, but also on size and purpose.

Small terriers (York, Norwich, Norfolk, Australian silky) are companions, but with a character. They are not toys. They may bite if forced against their will. They may be possessive of their bowl and bed. They love to climb on sofas and tables. They don't get along well with small children who don't understand that a dog is not a plush rabbit.

Medium terriers (Fox terrier, Jack Russell, Parson Russell, Welsh terrier) are the classics of "burrowing". Energy is off the charts. They can run for hours, dig up the ground (and the lawn, and the flower bed, and the floor in the house), hunt everything that moves. Jack Russell terrier is the most popular in this group thanks to the movie "The Mask". But in reality, it's not a clown, it's a whirlwind. Such dogs need work, otherwise they will destroy the apartment.

Large terriers (Airedale, Irish smooth-coated, Kerry terrier closer to medium) are more balanced. For example, the Airedale was used as a police dog in world wars. He is intelligent, loyal, but still stubborn. You need to deal seriously with large terriers, otherwise they will dominate.

There are also fighting terriers (for example, Bull terrier). This is a separate story. The Bull terrier is a mix of terrier and Bulldog. From the terrier, it took persistence and bravery, from the Bulldog — power and a unique appearance. The character of the Bull terrier is complex: he can be aggressive to other animals, but almost always loyal to humans with proper training. It is risky to keep such a dog in an apartment with children.

Jack Russell: a whirlwind in miniature

Jack Russell terrier is a separate phenomenon. Bred in England by Reverend John Russell for fox hunting. Ideal: white with black or brown spots, stocky, with strong legs. Intelligence — above average. Workability — crazy.

The character of Jack: he can't stand idleness. He needs tasks. Bring a ball, find a hidden toy, run 10 kilometers with a bicycle, dig a hole. If there's no task, he will make one: chew shoes, rip apart the sofa, go on a hunt for the neighborhood cat.

Jack loves children, but plays roughly. He may bite the heel to call for a run. He may accidentally knock over a baby. Therefore, it is ideal for children from 8 years old.

Jack doesn't get along with other animals. Rabbits, hamsters, birds — all prey. Cats — a nuisance. He will chase the cat until he loses his breath. The exception is if he grew up with a cat from puppyhood, but even then, periodic fights are inevitable.

Jack is the champion of stubbornness. He hears the command, understands, but can pretend not to hear. He requires a firm but not cruel hand. If the owner is weak-willed, the dog will sit on his head.

Yorkshire Terrier: a toy with the character of a Bulldog

York — the most popular small dog in the world. Cute, hair like a princess, weighs 2-3 kg. Many think it's a living toy. And they are mistaken. York is a terrier. He can be aggressive, nervous, barking for any reason. A Yorkie bite is painful (sharp teeth).

The character of York: he is possessive. He is jealous of the owner's attention to other people, other dogs, the phone. He may hiss and snarl if someone tries to pet the owner without permission. He is fearless — he rushes at big dogs. And usually loses. Therefore, Yorkie owners should watch their walks to make sure the little one doesn't get hurt.

York is attached to one person. If the owner is at work, he may howl, bark, chew things out of boredom. He doesn't tolerate loneliness. But at the same time, York is a companion dog, he doesn't need much walking (although he loves to run). Suitable for elderly people if they are ready for his obstinacy.

Minus York — difficult care for the hair. If not trimmed, combed, it will mat. Some owners prefer a short haircut "under a puppy". The character doesn't change.

Fox Terrier: a smooth-coated aristocrat

Fox terrier (smooth and wiry) is the classic of terriers. He was in the movie "White Bim Black Ear" (it's a mix, but similar). Fox terrier is energetic, cheerful, curious. He sticks his nose into every crack. It's hard to keep him on a leash if he sees a cat or a squirrel.

The character of the fox terrier: he loves to play, especially with a ball. He plays until he's exhausted. He's good with children if the children are not aggressive. He may fight with other dogs for dominance. He treats strangers suspiciously, but not aggressively without a reason.

The fox terrier is smart, but it's hard to train him due to his stubbornness. The best method is play. Turn the command into a game, and he will perform with joy. Pressure and cries will cause a reverse reaction.

Wiry fox terriers need to be trimmed (combed the hair), not cut. This requires skills.

Terrier and children: compatibility

Terriers are not the best choice for families with infants and crawlers. They may bite if the child pulls their hair or ear sharply. They may drop a baby while running. But with children from 6-7 years old, terriers get along great, become loyal friends and playmates.

Important: teach the child the rules of communication with a dog. Don't touch during meals, don't wake up, don't pull by the tail, don't put your hand in their mouth. And teach the terrier patience. If the puppy grew up with children, he will get used to it.

The most friendly to children terriers are Jack Russell and Welsh terriers. The most nervous are Yorkies and Cocker Spaniels (although the latter is not a terrier, but similar in character). Large terriers (Airedales) are also good with children, but they need to be controlled due to their size.

If there are two children in the family, a terrier will be suitable. If there are three, noisy, restless — the terrier may become irritable and start barking without a reason.

Terrier and other pets

The classic answer: none. A terrier is a hunter. Rats, hamsters, chinchillas, parrots — all prey. The instinct will work even in the most well-behaved terrier. A guinea pig in a cage will be a source of stress for everyone.

Cats are a complex topic. If the cat is adult and the terrier was taken as a puppy, they may get along. But sometimes the cat becomes the object of harassment. If the terrier is adult and aggressive to cats, it's better not to take the risk.

Terriers often conflict with dogs of other breeds, especially males. They don't back down, even if the opponent is five times bigger. Owners should socialize the puppy from an early age, take them to dog parks, teach them calm behavior. But there are no guarantees.

The best option for a terrier is to be the only pet at home. Then all the owner's love goes to him, and he is happy.

How to raise a terrier so you don't regret it

Rule number one: socialization from 2 months. Take the puppy to crowded places, get to know other dogs, accustom him to noise, cars, the vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, he will grow up into a cowardly aggressor.

Second: no physical force. A terrier will break down psychologically or defend itself in response to a blow. Only positive reinforcement. Praise, give a treat, pet.

Third: short but frequent workouts. 5-10 minutes several times a day. A terrier quickly gets tired of monotony.

Fourth: mentally exhaust him. Hide treats in toys, teach tricks, go through an obstacle course. An exhausted mind is the key to a calm dog.

Fifth: physical exercise. Walk at least twice a day for 1 hour in an active mode. Running, games, fetching. Without an outlet for energy, the terrier will start destroying the apartment.

Sixth: don't get a terrier if you're not ready for 15 years of active life. They live long (12-16 years) and keep a "puppy" character until old age.

If you manage, you will get a companion dog with a big heart, loyal and funny. If not — you will turn your life into a nightmare.

Who should not get a terrier

Retirees with a sedentary lifestyle (they need a Yorkie, but not a Jack Russell). Office workers who spend 10 hours at work (the terrier will howl, chew, the neighbors will call the police). Families with children under 5 years old (risk of bites). People who love perfect cleanliness (the terrier sheds, digs, throws toys). People who are squeamish (the terrier loves to lie in the trash and rotten fish). Beginners without experience (the terrier is a difficult breed, a dog trainer's help will be needed).

People who live in a one-room apartment and cannot provide walks. A terrier needs at least a small yard or a park nearby. Otherwise, he will wither.

But if you have a private house with a plot, you are active, you love nature, and you have a sense of humor — a terrier will become the best friend. He will always be there, always ready for a hike, always stick out a bearded face from under the blanket and lick your nose. You won't get bored with him. And that's the main thing.

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