Terrier Traits

[Ons]

what are the characteristics and personalities of a terrier? What are they like to live with? now I know that is liking comparing bananas with apples and expecting all to be the same but just generally.

it's just every time I say to a friend that I like a certain dog she always replies with "that's a terrier, don't get a terrier". I can't get a straight answer from her about why not to get a terrier. They are an extremely popular group so they must have good things going for them. And some of them are just so gorgeous looking, I saw at the show last weekend the most beautiful wire haired fox terrier, it was the most glorious looking dog - but I learnt later that they can take 12 hours to get their coats ready for showing

thank you, looking forward to the replies

[Esky the husky]

I had two jack russell/ miniature fox terrier mixes.

My parents decided against getting me a big dog because small dogs are less work..

Ah how wrong they were.

They were full of beans, and when I couldn't occupy them they would find ways out of the yard.

Oh and the ways the found, my god it was like living with Houdini.

I think they get a bad rap for this reason. People buy them thinking they because they are small they will be easy keepers. Not so. They need to be stimulated or they will get bored and beat their boredom by barking, breaking stuff or escaping (All the reasons I've heard against terriers)

I think they're great dogs, but far too often in the wrong homes. I don't know HOW many times I've seen a JRT being homed with an elderly person.

[Loraine]

what are the characteristics and personalities of a terrier? What are they like to live with? now I know that is liking comparing bananas with apples and expecting all to be the same but just generally.

it's just every time I say to a friend that I like a certain dog she always replies with "that's a terrier, don't get a terrier". I can't get a straight answer from her about why not to get a terrier. They are an extremely popular group so they must have good things going for them. And some of them are just so gorgeous looking, I saw at the show last weekend the most beautiful wire haired fox terrier, it was the most glorious looking dog - but I learnt later that they can take 12 hours to get their coats ready for showing

thank you, looking forward to the replies

I have a Wire Haired Fox Terrier (used to breed them many years ago). If you are going to show they do take a fair time in preparation - hand stripping is hard. As I don't show my boy (he is the best pet) I clip him myself. Between his bathing and clipping I would guess about 2 hours once every couple of months. They are a faithfull dog, most of them do not acknowledge that they know what recall is , they perform great in the garden, but run like hell in the park. Mine comes back when he is good and ready, but I fear for him finding a road to run across.

ETA they like to have a really good walk or run as often as you can manage it. Mine loves all other dogs and can outrun my son's Wei

Edited May 1, 2010 by Loraine

[Ons]

i've heard this about jack russells, but aren't they the most beautiful dogs! My dream is when I live on acres to have a wire coated (not sure this is the right expression) jack russell but adopt when about 8 years old so hopefully a bit quieter

are all terriers as lively as jack russells?

Esky did the dogs have an "off" button? or were just full on on the time?

[Earthdog]

I had a JRT. She was the most wonderful dog. Never had trouble with her escaping. She was quick to learn, friendly with everybody and just a delight. I have a Mini Foxie and she is the same Totally devoted, never more than a few inches away.

In the past I have had a Silky and a Skye. The Skye was the most difficult but I got her when she was 8 months old and had been returned to her breeder. Her original owners did not give her the best start in life and she had several behavioural issues.

[Esky the husky]

i've heard this about jack russells, but aren't they the most beautiful dogs! My dream is when I live on acres to have a wire coated (not sure this is the right expression) jack russell but adopt when about 8 years old so hopefully a bit quieter

are all terriers as lively as jack russells?

Esky did the dogs have an "off" button? or were just full on on the time?

They were actually fairly quiet and reserved compared to most of the terriers I met.

They spend most of their time lying around in the sun.

[Dogsfevr]

Temps can vary dramactically in that grp.

For example some breeds in the ring can be sparred ,others aren't include as they shouldnt react in that matter.

You have the King of terriers to the gentle souls .

There are terriers who dont display what can be considered terrier traits keeping in mind there job as vermin hunters

[Monah]

I''ve had patterdales and Lakelands, both marvellous in every way, clever, loving, cuddly, very very easy care, healthy, comical, great fun, fantastic kids dogs and 'watch' dogs. I adore terriers I also had a little min foxie who belonged to a neighbour, she (tammy) spent every day with me as a child, we bonded big time and I have wonderful memories of our times together, plenty of pics too, she would sit on the swing with me!!! see saw!! did everything together.

Um, they can all be a little stubborn

[Lily123]

I have a JRT and have had a Silky Terrier and my mother had an Australian Terrier. All have been fantastic dogs. No escape artists and great with everyone (the Silky was wary of males and was a very good guard dog). My Silky and JRT are/were fantastic ratters. The are such vibrant, full of life and joy little dogs (not that they think they are little dogs LOL).

[Earthdog]

I have a JRT and have had a Silky Terrier and my mother had an Australian Terrier. All have been fantastic dogs. No escape artists and great with everyone (the Silky was wary of males and was a very good guard dog). My Silky and JRT are/were fantastic ratters. The are such vibrant, full of life and joy little dogs (not that they think they are little dogs LOL).

Agree 100%. Everything my Mini does she does with a smile!

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

Terriers are my weakness, especially tri-colour foxy types!

I sometimes find JRT types are too much having fostered a few but a JRT/Westie cross was one of the best dogs I've ever had (he was a foster then I adopted him), he loved cuddles, he smiled and he was the best ever ratter. I've just adopted a JRT/foxy cross. She can be naughty and is pretty feisty but I love her all the same.

In the UK we owned a rescued Lakeland and I worshipped the ground he walked on, he was one hell of a character and ruled the house - not the best dog for first time dog owners, it was a baptism of fire!

Young terriers definitely need daily walking and loads of interaction, they are super intelligent, can be very active and are very loving!

[Drumbeat]

We now own our second Lakeland Terrier. Neither of them have been diggers so perhaps it's only a trait of some terriers. They've both been full of fun, always ready for a game and always entertaining. On the down side they can be stubborn and not hugely food motivated making them hard to train with distractions around.

I suspect most people who dislike terriers have never actually owned one!

[PRADA68]

Wonderful dogs I have terriers I love mine to bits the best guard dogs, the best mousers, great company you can always get a giggle from terriers. They require training and interaction with humans. Great doona dogs, great companions champion dogs. The down falls I have found them hard to toilet train, escapologists if they want to get out they will get out. These really are the only two problems I have had with terriers. Mine are my constant companions, go absolutely everywhere with me and make me smile and laugh every day. Wonderful dogs. I have owned terriers for near on 20 years and would never be without one. Oh and ball and toy crazy my boy will chase a ball into the fires of hell retrieve it and bring it back, then go for more. Put the time and energy into a terrier and you will not regret it as with all dogs they require plenty of socialisation, excercise, training etc. Oh and they must be allowed inside and part of the family a must for a terrier and under doonas is their favourite place. Do I love my terriers you bet I do.

[PebsnMe]

I've had three jack russells and all have had their differences, my first boy was always by my side,

thought he was a rotti, would protect me from anything, he was a digger but once we got that sorted he didn't get out, my first girl was the most gentle, quiet lap dog, my current female has springs in her legs good at escaping but have now heightened all the fences and she's put on a bit to much weight so thats slowing her down a touch!! and I have just adopted a mini foxie so still working him out lol..

but all have been the most loyal, loving dogs that I wouldn't be without one.. they keep me on my toes and I love every minute of it!!

Edited May 1, 2010 by PebsnMe

[ChristineX]

I've currently got irish terriers, and I guess terrier traits would be:

- need interation from you

- lots of training

- compared to working dogs, a very short bordom span. A working dog can spend ages practising one move, my guys do it twice and "whats next?"

- a pretty large component of 'whats in it for me'.

- tenacity - the ability to not give up, regardless of your feelings and wishes in the matter

- tendancy to high prey drive - neighbours don't always appreciate their deceased cat, nevermind that it should not have been in your backyard in the first place!

- not always happy with strange dogs

- protective of their place

- what seems like a permanent link to an everlasting everready battery

I guess terriers are more work than working dogs when it comes to training, (based on the clubs I've been to), and it is sometimes hard to find instructors that appreciate the difference in learning styles.

Why I like terriers:

- everything gets done with enthusiasm

- become an integral part of your life - they will share everything, including fixing the car engine

- ability to sort thru what they see as a problem and find a solution

- fun to train - once you figure out what they see as a reward

The pair of 6 month bedlingtons at my current dog club sum it up - they figured out in 10 minutes that rewards are supposed to come when they sit and look at their handler. If handler is listening to instructor, dog is jumping up and swatting the handlers hand "hey, I was good, REWARD ME".

[Ons]

thank you everyone for their replies, lots of interesting reading!

they sound like real characters! lots and lots of fun!

[quickbrownfox]

Anyone here with experience owning Airedale terriers? I'm getting my first one in July. From the sound of things here, I'm going to have a lot of fun with terriers, as I have lived with GSDs my whole life.

[Cat]

I have one. They are very energetic, fun loving and very smart. Lots of personality too.

Enjoy your pup! Be sure to post lots of pics

[Sayly]

Stubborn, full of themselves, prey driven! So much fun though!

We have our 2nd Irish and a Border Terrier. Dad also grew up with an Irish Terrier (lived until she was over 18 years) and grew up with Bull Terriers. Pop is a Bull Terrier cross. Mum has just gotten her prefix to breed Irish and the first litter will hopefully hit the ground late this year!

The Irish are clowns and think the world revolves around them. Some of the sweetest dogs on this planet are Irish Terriers.

All terriers need excellent socialisation with other dogs from a young age or they may become dog aggressive. Great dogs with people though.

Both Irish and Borders require hand stripping for the show ring. Pet Gracie the BT gets a good strip every so often but it's kept down with a coat king.

Comparing the working dog (Holly) to the Terriers I've had, I think the main differences is the prey drive (Terriers will chase, catch and kill before you realise what they are doing), the ability to dig a hole in 2 seconds flat (Gracie), stubborn and if something catches their eye/attention that's their whole world for that period of time, the fire in their bellies (they might not start it but they will finish it), ask Ruby to sit and she will think about it... then if she doesn't have anything better to do, will sit. Holly I ask her to sit and she's already done it before the word leaves my mouth and is asking me what else I want from her. Terriers need alot of training for a good recall too.

Terriers give the BEST dirty looks too.

While I adore my working dogs I will always have a huge soft spot for terriers and will have them in my life in the future. Irish are the best of the terriers though, they are the hidden gem.

[GoldenGirl85]

i've heard this about jack russells, but aren't they the most beautiful dogs! My dream is when I live on acres to have a wire coated (not sure this is the right expression) jack russell but adopt when about 8 years old so hopefully a bit quieter

are all terriers as lively as jack russells?

Esky did the dogs have an "off" button? or were just full on on the time?

Mine didnt develop an "off" button until age 5...and it malfunctions on a frequent basis

Last night both my girls were fast asleep, I rolled a tennis ball and BAM, my girl was up and at em, only got a metre past her before she got it

I've currently got irish terriers, and I guess terrier traits would be:

- need interation from you

- lots of training

- compared to working dogs, a very short bordom span. A working dog can spend ages practising one move, my guys do it twice and "whats next?"

- a pretty large component of 'whats in it for me'.

- tenacity - the ability to not give up, regardless of your feelings and wishes in the matter

- tendancy to high prey drive - neighbours don't always appreciate their deceased cat, nevermind that it should not have been in your backyard in the first place!

- not always happy with strange dogs

- protective of their place

- what seems like a permanent link to an everlasting everready battery

I guess terriers are more work than working dogs when it comes to training, (based on the clubs I've been to), and it is sometimes hard to find instructors that appreciate the difference in learning styles.

Why I like terriers:

- everything gets done with enthusiasm

- become an integral part of your life - they will share everything, including fixing the car engine

- ability to sort thru what they see as a problem and find a solution

- fun to train - once you figure out what they see as a reward

The pair of 6 month bedlingtons at my current dog club sum it up - they figured out in 10 minutes that rewards are supposed to come when they sit and look at their handler. If handler is listening to instructor, dog is jumping up and swatting the handlers hand "hey, I was good, REWARD ME".

So so true, they would be much easier if you have some sort of obedience school to take them to, but I didnt, all her training is my own blood sweat and tears