Small, bearded, with fiery eyes. He doesn't know he's small. He charges 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 to all terriers

The word "terrier" comes from 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 (climb into a den to a predator), persistent (not come out until it's finished), vocal (barking to tell the owner where the animal is), and sharp (instant reaction). All terriers are descendants of these working dogs, and selection has preserved their character.

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

Minus — loudness. Terriers bark a lot and loudly. From joy, from fear, from boredom, from the wind not blowing in the right 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 do not get along well with small children who do not understand that a dog is not a plush rabbit.

Medium terriers (fox terrier, Jack Russell, Parson Russell, Welsh terrier) are the classic "burrowing" type. Energy is off the charts. They can run for hours, dig in the ground (and the lawn, and the flower bed, and the floor in the house), hunt everything that moves. The 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 tear the apartment apart.

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

There are also fighting terriers (such as the Bull Terrier). That's a separate story. The Bull Terrier is a mix of terrier and Bulldog. From the terrier, it took persistence and courage, from the Bulldog — power and a distinctive 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's risky to keep such a dog in an apartment with children.

Jack Russell: a whirlwind in miniature

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

The character of the 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 are no tasks, he will make one up: chew shoes, tear apart the sofa, start a hunt for the neighborhood cat.

The Jack Russell 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.

The Jack Russell does not get along with other animals. Rabbits, hamsters, birds — all prey. Cats are an irritant. He will chase the cat until he loses his breath. The exception is if he grew up with a cat since puppyhood, but even then, occasional scuffles are inevitable.

The Jack Russell is the champion of stubbornness. He hears the command, understands, but may 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 a Bulldog's character

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

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

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

Minus the York — the difficult care for the fur. If not trimmed, not combed, it will mat. Some owners prefer a short haircut "under a puppy." The character does not change with this.

Fox Terrier: a smooth-coated aristocrat

The 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). The Fox Terrier is energetic, cheerful, curious. He sticks his nose into every crevice. 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 warily, but not aggressively without cause.

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 do it happily. Pressure and shouting will cause the opposite reaction.

Smooth-coated Fox Terriers need to be trimmed (combed the fur), not trimmed. 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 on the fur 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. Do not touch during meals, do not wake up, do not pull by the tail, do not put your hand in the mouth. And teach the terrier patience. If the puppy grew up with children, he will get used to it.

The most friendly to children among terriers are Jack Russells and Welsh terriers. The most nervous are Yorkies and Corgis (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 do. If there are three, it will be noisy, restless — the terrier may become irritable and start barking without stop.

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 issue. 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 persecution. 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 do not retreat, 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, introduce him to other dogs, accustom him to noise, to cars, to the vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, he will grow up into a cowardly aggressor.

Second: no physical force. A terrier will break down mentally or defend itself if struck. Only positive reinforcement. Praise, give a treat, pet.

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

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

Fifth: physical exercise. Walk at least 2 times a day for 1 hour in an active mode. Running, games, retrieving. 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 a long time (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

Seniors with a sedentary lifestyle (they need a Yorkie, but not a Jack Russell). Office workers who are gone for 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 around). People who are squeamish (the terrier loves to lie in the garbage and rotting fish). Beginners without experience (terriers are a difficult breed, you will need the help of a dog trainer).

People who live in a one-room apartment and cannot provide a walk. 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 is always there, always ready for a hike, always sticks out his bearded face from under the blanket and licks your nose. You won't get bored with him. And that's the main thing.

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