Terriers developed at a time when people were more dependent upon dogs to help them make a living on their land. They were the ones who were charged with keeping the land free of the unwanted animals that wreaked havoc on the farmer or rancher. They were the hunters who ensured the land would be pest free.

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They were invaluable to the owners of land. They were bred to be untiring in the fight against pests who would devour feed for the owner’s other animals, or to consume the crop meant for the family or for income. They were vicious hunters that would never give up. Their job was unending, but that fact never discouraged them, for that was the fun in it! They are known as tenacious terriers for a reason; they never give up, and when you own land that can easily fall prey to pests, that trait is very important.

Understanding how a particular breed was developed and for what purpose is very important when considering it as a family companion. Terriers can be very loving dogs and are mostly easy to groom. They can be very entertaining, but their prey drive can be too strong for some environments.

Each Terrier breed was born out of a need to control a certain type of vermin. The ratters included the Australian Terrier, the Cairn Terrier, The Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Irish Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, the Norfolk and Norwich Terriers, the Parson Russell Terrier, the Skye Terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier, and the West Highland Terrier. The terrier used to control larger animals, such as the fox, hare and badges included the Bedlington Terrier, The Border Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Glen of Imaal Terrier, the Irish Terrier, The Norfolk and Norwich Terriers, the Parson Russell Terrier, the Scottish Terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, the Welsh Terrier, the West Highland Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier.

The reason for the need to know what the dog breed was originally developed to do is so that you may be better apt at predicting its behavior. Although much of the killing instinct of each terrier breed has been bred out of the line, they still have the instinct to chase other animals. This is the reason why it is so important to socialize this particular group with other dogs and animals early on in its life. This way they begin to see other animals as friends, not as prey. It’s also important to know that they may not be reliable off leash, since they may not heed your calls in the heat of a chase.

This group of breeds can be very loving and faithful companions, but they have high energy needs and are probably not suited for the first time dog owner. They tend to get themselves into trouble if left alone for long periods of time and do best when obedience trained and given a job to do. If you are looking for a companion to lie on the couch with you all day, then a terrier is definitely not for you. But if you are looking for a highly energetic and challenging dog, you will not be let down if you decide to adopt a terrier.

Written by Jennifer Andrade from A Dog for Life, LLC , which is dedicated to helping you choose and find the best dog for your family. My website features many other resources that can help you have a more positive and closer relationship with your canine companion. http://www.adogforlife.com/dog-blog