By Riley Santoso
Copyright 2009

Terriers come in several different shapes, sizes and colors but one thing they all have in common is their feisty and energetic personality.

This group of dogs makes for great but challenging pets. They aren’t afraid to mix it up, even with their owner, and they don’t take kindly to other critters. Terriers demand a commitment from their master as daily walks and special grooming are necessary for their welfare and happiness.

The word terrier stems from the Latin word <em>terra</em> which means Earth. The dogs were breed in Great Britain and Ireland to control small game and varmints. They’re associated with Earth because they would root out quarry by entering their holes or underground dens.

As the breed matured, owners used them in various sporting contests. One such contest tested how fast terriers could clear a pit full of rats. Later, terriers were bred with bulldogs to create the Bull and Terrier which were used for dog fighting, hunting and baiting.

Today, terriers have their own breed group. A breed group is a non-scientific grouping of dogs conceived by a kennel club. In the United States, the American Kennel Club has classified 27 dogs in its Terrier Group.

Not all of the 27 dogs are terriers and not all terriers are in the group. For instance, the miniature schnauzer is included in the Terrier Group while the Yorkshire terrier is in the Toy Group and the Boston terrier is in the Non-sporting Group.

Some of the dogs within the Terrier Group include the bull terrier, the Scottish terrier, and the Welsh terrier. You get a real sense of where these dogs came from by the various names of the breeds—most are named after places located in the U.K.

The most famous terrier of all, the Jack Russell, is not including in the AKC. Instead there’s a variant called Parson Russell Terrier. The name “Jack Russell Terrier” is trademarked by a group that does not want to be associated with an all-breed kennel club. Both breeds are named after the same person, Reverend John “Jack” Russell.

The dog in the television sitcom Frasier, Eddie, was a Jack Russell Terrier. While Eddie lived in a plush apartment that type of dwelling is not recommended for this breed. Despite their rather petite stature, JRT’s act more like big dogs than small dogs. So unless you’re willing to take the Jack Russell on several walks a day you’re better served with a different dog.

They have lots of energy. They are very intelligent, athletic and vocal. However they bore easily. Without proper stimulation they may entertain themselves and that’s never a good idea for furniture and shoes.

While the JRT is the breed’s most well-known dog, the Airedale terrier is generally regarded as the “King of the Terriers.”

The Airedale terrier is the largest of all the terriers and one of the most versatile dogs in the group. It’s been used as a guard dog, police dog, messenger, hunting companion, and for rodent control.

Three U.S. Presidents have own an Airedale: Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge.

While the Airedale’s beautiful coat comes in tan and black, it’s cousin, the Irish terrier, has a striking red coat.

One of the oldest breeds of terriers, the Irish is a great family dog (if raised with kids) as they love to guard. He or she is loyal, alert, and well tempered.

Due to the demands they place on their owners, Irish terriers are not a good choice for first time dog owners.

Both the Airedale and the Irish terrier sport a goat-like beard. This is of course the terrier’s distinct characteristic. It’s found in several breeds within the group.

In size, an Airedale will grow between 50 to 70 pounds while the Irish is a compact pup maxing out at around 30 pounds.

One of the most unique terriers in the group is the Sealyham. The name comes from the estate of its original breeder, Captain John Edwards.

The rather diminutive Sealyham terrier has two coats and both are mostly white. You’ll often see them with hair down to the ground giving the impression that they’re wearing a table cloth.

These small but powerful terriers were once used for hunting but are now a popular show and companion dog. Some describe this terrier as a couch potato because of their laid back, easy-going attitude. Basically the Sealyham likes to “chillax.”

Even so, this pooch is alert and can snap out of “relax mode” at the slightest sign of trouble (in other words when it hears some random harmless noise).

Terriers are energetic and sporting pets that need a like-minded owner. From the tiny Ciarn Terrier to instantly recognizable Wire Fox Terrier, these intelligent and friendly dogs need lots of “walkies” to keep active and lots of “brushers” to keep their coats handsome and clean.

Terriers may not be the dog for everyone but experience pet owners who are up to the challenge are never disappointed.