The friendly Border Terrier

The Border terrier got its name from the area called Cheviot Hills, which is actually near the border of England and Scotland. The original purpose of this dog was to bolt foxes which had gone to ground. They were also used to kill rodents, but they have been used to hunt otters and badgers in the past too.

Although loved by many people, the Border Terrier could never be called a glamour dog. They have fairly wiry coats which makes them appear somewhat scruffy and a head 'like an otter', the Border is said to resemble a junkyard dog and is built for work rather than show.

Longer legged than some of the other small terriers, the Border stands around 25-28cm (10-11') and is lightly framed with a racy, athletic appearance. Colors range from red, tan, grizzle (salt and pepper), wheaten, or tan and blue. The water-repelling double coat is designed to protect the dog from the cold, harsh climate of its homeland.

The Border Terrier is an alert, bold little hunter. It is agile and is willing to squeeze through narrow spaces to chase down any small animal that may be on the other side. They enjoy playing with children and are very lively little dogs overall. They are affectionate and mild-mannered dogs that aim to please their owners, so this makes them easy to train. If well trained, they are obedient and will do very well in agility classes. Border terriers are not as belligerent as some other terrier breeds towards other dogs, so may do well with other dogs in the family.

A day in the life of a modern border terrier.

As with other terrier breeds, the Border may become distracted if walking off the leash. The hunting instinct is still strong so he may well chase any small animal he spots. Border Terriers like to dig so it is a good idea to sink fencing at least 50 cm into the ground and be sure to check for dig holes regularly.

This tough, scruffy, little terrier is a good watchdog, and may bark, but is not an aggressive dog. Make sure you socialize your puppy well. He will be very active, but his personality and energy level will mellow as he matures, as long as he gets plenty of exercise. 

They do make very cute puppies.....

The coat of the Border terrier is another one that does not shed, so is good for allergy sufferers. It requires grooming weekly and should be bathed only when necessary.

A Border Terrier can make a great little pet for the all family and has something to offer for everyone in the family. They are even used as therapy dogs sometimes, and to aid the blind and the deaf. The kids will love its playful and energetic nature, they are intelligent dogs and easy to please. 

All about the Norfolk Terrier

If you are planning to get a Norfolk terrier for a pet, here's a little information for you:

The Norfolk terrier is a British breed of dog. It is very affectionate and fearless and does not exhibit any particularly disagreeable behavior traits. Because of this, they make popular pets. But the Norfolk is not very common in the United States. Less than 300 puppies are born per year in America and litters are small. So if you want a Norfolk, you can expect to wait up to one year.

Norfolk terrier puppy. Isn't he cute?

Photo credit Flickr

These terriers are quite small dogs, males and females are 9 to 10 inches tall, and weigh 11 to 12 pounds.
They have a weather-resistant double coat that is made up of a soft, downy undercoat and a wiry top coat. The coat does not shed, but will need hand-stripping a couple of times a year at the very least. You can groom your terrier every day though, this may be enough for a house pet, rather than a show dog and will  help get rid of tangles and prevent matting. These little dogs come in different colors - shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle.

Ideally, a Norfolk terrier should be kept in a place with a fenced yard so that it can have a large space to romp around. These dogs are very keen on digging though, so sink your fencing underground by about 50 cm and check it for escape holes regularly. These cute little terriers thrive on activity and boredom for this breed usually leads to destruction so provide it with plenty of toys and regular vigorous exercise.

Like all terriers, the Norfolk loves to chase, as they were originally bred as barn dogs to rid the barn of vermin. So when you walk your dog, be sure to keep him on a lead as he won't be able to resist tearing off after any other small animal. Subsequently, this terrier is not the best if you have other small pets in your house...hamsters, guinea pigs etc, as it WILL chase them.

The Norfolk is a good breed for children, and makes a good family pet. He is best suited to families with children age 10 and older though because they're less likely to accidentally step on or be rough with him, which most small terriers won't put up with. He is an endlessly energetic yet devoted dog, and will happily co-exist with other dogs in the family, unlike some other terrier breeds.

Full grown Norfolk terrier.

Photo credit Flickr

The Norfolk is actually an easy-care dog. Because of his diminutive size, he's well-suited to apartment living, though he will start barking if bored. Your little dog needs at least one 20 to 30 minute vigorous walk or play session, or two 10 to 15 minute sessions every day. This dog is intelligent and enjoys learning, but the terrier's natural independence and occasional stubbornness can make training him challenging at times. They are purported to be difficult to house train and crate training them is recommended. Make sure you bring your puppy to obedience training and follow up with practice every day.

Small terriers often are inclined to bark and the Norfolk is no exception. While he's not overly noisy, a "Quiet" command should be part of his basic training. They are more inclined to bark if they are bored or left alone for long periods of time, but these small dogs also make good watch dogs because they will bark if they feel something is amiss.

 A Norfolk's typical temperament is happy, spirited, and self-confident. They can be a devoted and involved family pet, just be sure to give your wee dog plenty of exercise, toys, obedience training and love, and let him be involved in family life. You will be rewarded with a lovely friendly, energetic dog, who is happy to be by your side wherever you go. Especially if you're going to the local park.

Learn about the Cairn Terrier

 Cairn Terriers 

If you are thinking of getting a Cairn terrier for a pet, you'll want to do some research first. As we're finding out, terriers have some very distinct differences between the different types and you want to pick one that's right for you. Here are some of the basics:

Originally bred in the Scottish highlands, the Cairn terrier is one of the smallest of all terrier breeds. But don't let it's size deceive you though, as the Cairn terrier was first bred because of its working ability. Translate that to our modern day pets, and that means a small dog with loads of energy.

These dogs are highly energetic
A Cairn terrier needs an active owner. They need a couple of brisk walks daily and of course a fenced-in yard to play in. Their high energy level also means that they aren't really suitable for apartment or condo living. So if  you live in such places, then consider choosing a different dog to be your companion.

They're brave and stubborn too
Their energy and inquisitive nature can put them in danger, as their natural instincts tell them to dig and run. They will take on larger dogs, often to their own detriment. When exercising your terrier, be sure to keep him/her on a lead, because of the irresistible urge to chase and hunt.

This particular terrier makes a fun dog to play with. They can adapt well to children and can make a good family pet, but they will not tolerate mistreatment. They are naturally inquisitive and while always willing to participate in a new adventure, if left lonely or bored they may bark.  A Cairn terrier can be easily taught to do tricks, they learn fast and do very well in obedience training.

But make sure they're well trained
You do need to make sure that your new puppy is trained properly. These dogs are mischievous and bold and because they are such cute puppies, some people will let them get away with anything while they are young. But don't do this, unless you want them doing it when they're older too.

Cairn Terriers don't shed
The coat of a Cairn terrier is weather resistant if handled correctly and sheds little to no fur. Because of this, it is a great dog for allergy sufferers. But to maintain the weather proof-ness of the coat, it needs to be hand-stripped, rather than clipped or shaved. This needs to be done regularly, from a young age so the dog gets used to it.

These terriers have few health problems and are expected to live from 12 -15 years old. Provide them with plenty of exercise and proper training and you'll have a lovely, energetic, family pet.

All about the Kerry Blue Terrier

What I know about the Kerry Blue Terrier.

The Blue Kerry terrier is one of the most unusual breeds of terriers. They have a distinctive shape and coat and are sometimes called the Irish Blue terrier. They originated in Irish, in the district of Kerry, hence their name and are use as a working farm in that country.

The Kerry Blue legend
Various legends are told in order to explain the unusual appearance of the Kerry Blue terrier breed. Some say that the peasants bred them for hunting purposes since noblemen monopolized the use of wolfhounds. Thus, noblemen hunted with their wolfhounds while peasants poached with their Kerries.

Another legend speaks of a wrecked Russian ship that contained a blue dog. This dog swam to Irish shores and there, was mated with the female wheaten terriers in Kerry. And thus was produced the Kerry Blue terrier.

A classic example of this dog.

Photo credit Eponimm

Whatever the case, this unusual looking blue dog has an interesting history. It started as a working dog, helping hunters bring down vermin and herding sheep and cattle. It would has also been trained as a police dog by the English. Today, it is considered to be a companion and a working dog, one of the more unusual terriers you could own.

This terrier does not shed
The coat of this terrier does not shed, it just continues to grow like human hair. It needs weekly grooming and will require coat clipping about every 6 weeks.These dogs are considered good for allergy sufferers and have a low odour, even when wet.

Characteristics
There are some terrier characteristics of course which may cause a bit of trouble for your dog. Kerry Blues are known to be strong-headed and highly spirited, though they are gentle with children and can be down-right 'mean' to other dogs. Hence the long-legged dog can get itself into fights with other dogs. In order to prevent this, you need to make sure that your terrier is properly socialized and has gone through obedience training.

The Blue Kerry terrier is a smart dog that is easily house trained. It has a very high level of energy and needs daily exercise and will require an active owner. They are always eager to learn and do well in agility and tracking and as a working dog. This bearded dog is also known to have an amazing sense of humour.

This photo shows the distinct beard on the Kerry Blue.

Photo credit Pleple2000

Good with children
This terrier can become an excellent playmate for children, and it enjoys rough housing. They have an excellent memory and can also be taught to perform tricks. The Blue Kerry terrier is also one of the more hardy types of terriers as it has few genetic problems. Before buying one, however, you need to ask for eye certifications and hip x-rays. These are the most commonly afflicted parts of the Blue Kerry terrier.

This is the perfect way to exercise your high energy terrier!

A Blue Kerry terrier is not the pet for everyone as some people may find it a bit too playful and it's exercise requirements too high.  They require a skilled owner who can provide them with early socialization and obedience training.

Does the Jack Russell terrier make a good pet?

The Jack Russell Terrier 

The Jack Russell terrier is the perfect pet for anyone who wants a small, loyal dog with boundless energy. They come in two types, smooth coated and rough coated.

The Jack Russell is a hunter
With a terrier's basic nature to go to ground (terrier by the way came from the Latin term "terra" which means earth), Jack Russell terriers have a strong instinct to hunt.
An excellent ratter, the Jack Russell  is a good 'housekeeper', quickly dealing with rats and also sometimes snakes. The dog can fit down burrows and in small nooks and crannies to find it's prey. They were originally used to chase foxes out of their dens.

Photo credit morgueFile

A Jack Russell terrier doing agility sports. 

This type of activity will a keep a Jack Russell out of mischief.

Jack Russells are protective
One characteristic of this dog is it's attitude towards strangers. They are very protective of their people and can be somewhat aggressive to strangers if they are not properly trained. This attitude also makes them good  little watchdogs. They were designed specifically to be aggressive to smaller prey animals, so will not do well with smaller pets in the family. Jack Russells are very vocal dogs and are not really suited to apartment or condominium life.

They are not vicious dogs however. But if they perceive a threat, perhaps a stranger coming up to the front door, they will bark and have no problem addressing the  threat. However, once the threat is proved to be no longer, (a friend of the family, perhaps?) the Jack Russell can readily relax and become a companion again.

Be careful around children
This terrier is also a family dog and loves to spend time with it's people. They can be fine with children, however, they do not appreciate rough handling, whether it be intentional or or not, and can react with aggressive behavior. Their aggressiveness is further manifested with their lack of fear towards larger dogs which can unfortunately lead to injuries.

These dogs are noted for their intelligence and high spirits. These characteristics are shown through the terrier's curiosity regarding it's environment. They require plenty of daily exercise and strong obedience training, or they tend to develop destructive behaviors due to boredom. The Jack Russell will enjoy training and do very well with it. Their high energy is very well suited to a number of dog sports, such as flyball or agility and they never tire.

Have a look at Dexter, a Jack Russell living in a big city. Lots of energy......

Jack Russell hits Hollywood!
Hollywood has also recognized the disposition of these little dogs too. Coupled with their feisty nature and compact physical characteristics, this little terrier has already made a name for itself on the big and small screens. If you recognize Wishbone (the tv series), Milo (from The Mask with Jim Carey) and Eddie (from the tv show Frasier) then you'll see why and how this little dog can make a fabulous pet for the right family.

Just be prepared to keep your Jack Russell well stimulated and well exercised.

And yes, contrary to the common belief,

Jack Russells do shed.

A bit about training your terrier

Training your new terrier pup: the basics

It is essential to have a dog that knows how to follow commands and how to behave around other dogs and people. Obedience training is essential.

Many people are under the impression that training a dog is hard work. Hard work for who, you may ask? The owner or the dog? Dog training requires a lot of patience and concentration from your dog. Dogs are intelligent but they are also pack animals, who respond to authority and a hierarchical system. Lets go over some of the basic ideas and methods that come into play when training your terrier.

This mixed breed dog has a harness on, the dog is being trained to walk correctly on a lead.

Photo credit morgeFile.

What is the difference between a submissive dog and a dominant dog?

A submissive will dog normally:

• avoid eye contact.
• roll on it's back, exposing it's belly.
• crouch down, ears back and tail lowered.
• is comfortable on it's back in your arms.


On the other hand, a dominant dog:

• maintains eye contact.
• is unwilling to move from his place on the couch.
• may dislike grooming and petting.
• is possessive of objects, spaces and sometimes people.

Training your terrier requires consistency and for you to maintain an air of authority. You are establishing who is in charge. Terriers, like most dogs, respond actively to praise and to food rewards. Positive reinforcement is the popular way of obedience training dogs.

Many dog training schools have classes specifically for puppies. Young dogs are taught to tolerate and become accustomed to other dogs and people. However, some dog training centers do not conduct formal obedience training unless the dog is at least half a year old. But a large, exuberant six month old, untrained, can be a danger and a nuisance, so seek out a center that has puppy training available as it's never too early to make a start on training your terrier.


These are the generally recommended ways of training terriers: (And most other dogs.)

1. Repetition

Just like a young child, repetition is the name of the game. Dogs are asked to do a task over and over again to master it. Rewards of praise or food treats are given to encourage the dogs engagement in getting the task right.

2. Persistence

Dog training requires a lot of persistence from the owner. Yes, it might be cold on Saturday morning and you'd rather sleep in, but obedience training your puppy is one of the most important things you can do for him or her. Stick with it!

3. Correction

The dog needs to learn that there will be consequences (an angry voice, "no!", no pats) for any mis-deeds.

4.      Rewards

There are many small, irresistibly tasty treats that can be used as food rewards for dogs. The ultimate aim is to get your dog doing what is required of it without treats, they (and you) will learn how to achieve this by training your dog well.

Terriers are exuberant, energetic and clever dogs and they can make fabulous family pets, but if they are poorly trained, they can be destructive, aggressive and possessive, which is a problematic for you, your family and anyone the dog comes in contact with.

You don't want to have to put this sign up on your front gate....unless it's to discourage people, of course!

Photo credit mourgeFile

Terriers are all different, yet have some strong breed instincts

Looking into the temperament of terriers 

Which terrier is right for you?
From inquisitive little guys to the more aggressive and assertive ones, terrier dogs have a wide spectrum of temperaments and dispositions. Amongst these various characteristics there is a terrier to suit every owner. Take care because as we are seeing, some can be very mischievous while others display distinct hunting abilities. Not all terriers are suitable for all homes.

In times past
In the past, terriers were primarily bred to help hunters catch vermin: otters, foxes, rats and the like. Newer breeds though tend to be bred for softer temperaments, so they are now sometimes included in the companion and toy breeds. The boston terrier, below, makes a lovely companionship dog. This dog was developed in America and is sometimes not considered a true terrier.

A Boston terrier Photocredit morgueFile

As with many other dog breeds, terriers have diverse characteristics that distinguish one type from another. Some owners report terriers to be faithful companions and are always ready to protect their home. Many dogs from this breed are distrustful of strangers...people and dogs.....and can  be somewhat 'assertive' if they think someone is invading their patch.

Attack or protect?
This instinct to attack or protect probably stems from the earlier breeds which were originally used in dog fights. But since the banning of this sport, dog breeders and generally aiming to produce more docile dogs for homes. Some notable terriers in this category this disposition are the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Airedale Terrier and the Bedlington Terrier.

Terriers respond well to training
One of the major features terrier dogs have is their capability to respond well to training. They have a  natural intelligence which makes extremely inquisitive and therefore destructive if left to their own devices.  Many terrier types need lots of activities and exercise to challenge them mentally and use up some of their boundless energy. Obedience training is a must for an energetic terrier.

The most social breeds of terriers, for example the wheaten terrier, should be given lots socialising opportunities as they grow and mature. Other, such as the bull terriers will often try to dominate other dogs when they have come of age.

Bull terrier Photo credit morgueFile

Who's the toughest?
Surprisingly, some of the smallest terriers are among the toughest. Take the case of the Cairn terrier. With it's relatively small size and stocky build, the Cairn terrier is a vermin hunter with strong hunting and chasing instincts. However, they are loyal and protective of their families, and friendly to everyone they meet.

Terriers have strong hunting instincts.
Many dogs of this breed still retain the true terrier instincts of hunting. This means that they may not do so well with other, smaller family pets, rabbits, guinea pigs etc because they see them as prey. While some traits have been softened due to selective breeding, some typical terrier behaviors can manifest whenever the opportunity arises. The neighborhood cat passes by? Off goes the terrier, thanks to it's strong vermin hunting instinct. Yet, they can still make lovely pets for the right family.

There are many things to think about and different aspects to look at when choosing a terrier for your family.

More on different terrier dog breeds

A look into even more types of terriers

Whatever your dog preference is, you are sure to find a terrier dog among your favourites if you're in the market for a loyal companion. You’ll get all the energy you can handle with a little grooming and lots of personality.

Although they were bred for hunting and killing vermin, terrier dogs these days are known to offer their owners plenty of lovable characteristics. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (though there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not always be as super intelligent like a few other  breeds but the many things they do offer make them a very appealing dog.

Some more terrier dog types that you may find interesting:

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. 
They are definitely alert and very spirited, not aggressive but definitely not timid. They are confident dogs with a steady disposition.
This particular type of terrier is very very responsive to obedience training.

Parson Russell Terrier 
This dog exhibits boldness, cleverness, and an exuberant disposition. They are feisty, energetic and may not be suited to children because they do not like rough handling. Lots vigorous of exercise is required to prevent them from becoming bored and therefore desctuctive in the home. Formal obedience training is a must for this breed. This is the terrier for people with  very active lifestyle.

The Norwich Terrier
This terrier is not particularly high maintenance, it is a small dog who is clever and corageous. They have an active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. They are good aound children and will eat anything remotley edible. They would make a lovely addition to a family.

Norfolk Terriers
Much like the Norwich Terriers,  the Norfolk are also strong-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for a game. While both these breeds may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears. These are the smallest of the working terriers.

Kerry Blue Terriers
Kerry Blues are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which is black during puppyhood. They are highly-spirited and affectionate towards their owners and children, but can be nasty to oyther animals. They require daily exercise and obedience training.

Wire Fox Terriers
These dogs are energetic and intelligent and require almost constant attention from their owners. They make great companion dogs. This breed requires lots of exercise and obedience training and most of them enjoy swimming.

Smooth fox terrier.

Smooth Fox Terriers
Fox terriers are excitable, outgoing and playful. They are recommended for active families and older people. They are very intelligent and easily become bored, lots of exercise and stimulation will help them make a lovely pet for the right person.


These are just a few more of the many terrier dog types that can be considered for a pet. In general, this dog type has an affectionate dispositions and some make ideal home pets. Many dog types in this breed are highly energetic and very playful and should be given plenty of attention, exercise and obedience training.

All about terrier dog breeds

Some terrier dog breeds that you might find interesting

The personality of a lively child put into dog- this might be a good way of describing the general personality of terriers. But as it stands, that still would not justify their lovely temperaments.

These dogs came from the British Isles where they were first trained to hunt foxes, rats, otters and similar small animals above and below ground. And as its name suggests, “terrier” came from the word “terra” which means, “earth”.

While terriers may be identified through their particular physical characteristics, they are still divided, like most dog breeds, into various sub-categories under the 'terrier' umbrella.


The sub-categories of terriers are as follows:

Show Terriers- These are basically bred as small dogs and are used for show rings. They include breeds such as the Austrailain silky terrier, the Japanese terrier and the Yorkshire terrier. Toy terriers can also come under this category.

Bull and Terrier Types - these came from breeding between bull dogs and terriers. Includes dogs such as the American pit bull terrier and the Staffordshire Bbull terrier.

Hunting and Working Terriers - The breeds that were primarily bred for hunting. Includes the German hunting terrier.

Toy Terriers - These are the smaller versions of terriers, which are basically categorized into the companion breed. Includes the English toy terrier.

This is a classic Yorkshire terrier. 

Photo credited to www.i-tarif.de.

Within these loose categories are particular breeds. The following is a bit about just a few breeds, to give you an idea of the nature and history of the breeds.

Airedale Terrier- This is known to be the largest dog in the terrier breed. Standing an average of 23 inches from the shoulder, this dog shows off both beauty and elegance that make them popular for both dog obedience trials and show rings.
A cross-breed between Otterhound and Black and Tan Terrier, the Airedale has a good nose for tracking and is a superb swimmer. .

Australian Terrier - A cross breed between the forerunner of Dandie Dinmont and a rough coated terrier is said to have been shipped to England. The offspring of these two was then taken to Australia.With the scarcity of dog breeds in Australia at the time, the cross-breeding that did happen resulted resulted in a smallish type dog, which has the characteristics of terriers while at the same time being a good watchdog and ratter. It stands 10 to 11 inches with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Border Terrier - A true working terrier, this dog is marked by its medium build which gives no indication of it's aptitude for work. Border Terriers are agile and alert and can squeeze into narrow gaps while hunting.
Aside from its affectionate natue and good  response to training, border terriers can also make good family pets.

Bull Terrier- Originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting, this dog has a reputation for being tough and tenacious. Bull terriers originated from fighting dogs combined with Dalmatian and English Terrier to produce all-white breed. This new breed though is very much more reserved in temperament, which earned them the nickname “White Cavalier”.

There are of course a variety of other terrier species. If terriers are of interest to you, some further research may be in order to ascertain exactly which terrier is good for your situation.