Terrier Group
Breeds developed to hunt vermin — rats, foxes, badgers, and anything else that lives underground. The name comes from 'terra' (earth) because these dogs go to ground after their quarry. They're tenacious, feisty, and utterly convinced they're invincible. They're not, but try telling them that.
Common Characteristics
- • Feisty and determined
- • High prey drive
- • Independent thinkers
- • Can be dog-aggressive
- • Diggers (goes with the territory)
- • Big personalities in variable packages
What to Expect
Terriers are not pushovers. They were bred to fight badgers underground, alone, in the dark. That takes a specific temperament: fearless, independent, and stubborn. Modern terriers retain that fire. They can be dog-selective, they'll chase anything that runs, and they'll dig up your yard if given the chance. But a well-trained terrier is funny, loyal, and entertaining as hell. Just don't expect a pushover.