The Glen of Imaal Terrier was bred as a general farm dog and to get rid of vermin, however they were also put to work as “turnspit dogs”. These unique bow-legged dogs would run inside of a wheel-like turnspit and turn the spit over a hearth! Like many of their Irish cousins, they are hardy and resilient, and not always likely to let their owners know if they are in pain or discomfort. The Kennel Club breed standard describes him as having “a mixture of game and gentle about him.” In the right home, these dogs can make wonderful companions.

Glens aren’t prone to barking very frequently, although if they are in a home with other barking dogs they might pick up the bad habit. When they do bark (such as if someone were at the door), they sound much bigger than they really are. Neither do these dogs tend to be either hyper or demanding. Instead they have a low energy around the house and are often content to sleep much of the day. With the exception of when they are in “game mode”, they tend to be fairly laid back and patient. Glens don’t do well as kennel dogs and instead need to live inside with their owners. They are quite easy to live with indoors, so this isn’t usually a problem for most people. One of the biggest things to watch out for in a growing Glen is to keep him from leaping off couches or racing down stairs until the growth plates in his legs have closed.

The Glen of Imaal – by nature of his short legs – doesn’t make a good jogging companion. This said, he should be given 20 minutes of walking a day, minimum. More is even better, and he is capable of walking a couple of miles a day if he has been gradually built up to it. This inquisitive fellow loves to go outside of walks or other adventures, including car rides! Many Glens don’t get carsick easily, making them good traveling cohorts. One destination that an owner must exercise caution around is the pool – the short legs and heavy body of the Glen means that he is not a natural swimmer.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is not only brave, but can have a very high prey drive and often desires to chase and kill small animals. He also will never back down from a fight with another dog, and while he is not often one to start a fight… he will likely finish it! He is able to live with other dogs (or even cats) but must be raised from puppyhood with these other animals. Many Glens are fine with their own “packmates”, however are not reliable with strange dogs or outdoor cats. Still others are never ok living with cats or small dogs who behave like prey. It all just depends. Keeping him in a securely fenced (dig-proof) yard and on leash when out walking will stop him from chasing other animals into the road.

Glens tend to be very independent as well as stubborn. When it comes to training, patience is often required! This said, they are intelligent and with plenty of praise and motivation, they are quite capable of learning. Be aware that Glens can have a particularly silly personality and sense of humor, and might try to turn a training session into an oddball game for their own amusement! They tend to do better with performance or work-based tasks than super strict obedience (which many simply don’t see the point in). They do better with versatile tasks than strict repetition.

The Glen of Imaal is a loving dog that usually gets along great with children. Although they are very short in stature, they do have a lot of “heft” to them and they can knock down very young kids accidentally, so care must be taken in that respect. With slightly older kids, they are very trustworthy but the kids must be taught to never tease the dog (it’s just not fair to the dog). In a family setting, Glens tend to “choose” one special person with whom they spend most of their time, but are friendly and engaging to everyone who interacts with them.

Glen of Imaal Terriers don’t require a ton of grooming, and in fact rarely requires either brushing or baths. This said, a weekly brushing will keep the dog feeling his best as it will strip out the dead coat. When the coat starts to get long, it will require an actual stripping session with specialized tools. This is a skill that can be learned, or it can be done by a groomer experienced in working with “the art of stripping”. The weather-resistant coat of the Glen is hypoallergenic for some people, while others find that their allergies are still a problem.

Photo by Scoo

The Cairn Terrier was created in the Scottish Highlands, bred to flush rodents out of rock piles (called cairns) and exterminate them. They were prized for their tenaciousness and courage, as well as their rugged coats and bodies. These intelligent terriers survived harsh climates and demanding work to become the dogs they are today. They retain this confidence, independence and self-assuredness today, and although are friendly and good-natured with people, may need some help rescuing them from themselves as they tend to get into trouble!

Generally easier to live with than some of the other terrier breeds, the Cairn Terrier can be a good dog to start with for a novice owner as long as the person is able to give them what they need. This includes dedicating enough time for training, exercise and grooming – in addition to plenty of family time (the breed doesn’t do well when left alone all day). In return, the Cairn is affectionate with people and gets along well with friendly dogs (although may have issues with dominant dogs).

Cairn Terriers also get along well with children. Despite their tiny size, they are sturdy and strong and not prone to getting hurt easily. For the dog’s own sake, very young children should be supervised when with the dog to make sure there is no teasing or bullying. These rough and tumble dogs are happy to race around with the kids outside and then come indoors to sit on a lap (at least for a few minutes – before they are off on another adventure)! Cheerful, active and busy are three terms often used to describe the breed.

Cairns tend to be healthy and long-lived, and often continue to be active and energetic well into their old age (14 or 15 is average, with many living longer). This includes digging – an activity that many never grow out of! They make excellent pets in just about any setting, including apartments. That said, they don’t thrive when kept outside all day, especially if they are kept tied out (a psychological and physical danger). If living in an apartment, make sure to walk the dog regularly and keep him on leash. Cairns have a high prey drive and are apt to chase small animals that move.

The shaggy, rugged coat of the Cairn often changes color as he ages – making it a bit of a guess what his final color may end up becoming! The coat is not difficult to care for although may take about 30-45 minutes a week to maintain, which also includes occasional stripping away of dead hair. These terriers don’t shed very much, especially as long as they are brushed regularly and bathed occasionally. Because many Cairns are allergic to flea bites, it is important to keep these parasites away.

Cairn Terriers are surprisingly sensitive, a trait that must be considered when it comes to obedience training. This said, while they should never be treated harshly, an owner must still be firm. Like most terrier breeds, a Cairn will tend to walk all over an owner who never establishes rules or boundaries. Untrained Cairns are also likely to become destructive or turn into problem barkers. It is recommended to appeal to the dog’s sense of curiosity when training and make the commands fun and exciting! Remember to be consistent but not too repetitive as these dogs may tend toward getting bored.

Cairns are super alert and tend to make great watchdogs! Some can be louder than others, with individuals on both the “quiet” as well as the “loud” spectrum. As these little dogs are filled with persistence, if they think that you really need to know that someone/something is outside, they will usually voice their opinion quite freely until you go to see what it is! Known for their independence, Cairn Terriers are not clingy dogs however they will enlist your attention if they think it is warranted!

Photo By Ketterechts

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only breed of dog named after a fictional character. These proud, yet friendly terriers love being around people – including children. They are also able to live peacefully with other pets provided they are raised with them. This includes other dogs – a trait that not all terriers possess. Their affectionate nature doesn’t extend to rodents or small animals when they are in hunting mode though – they will quickly show their tough and tenacious side when it comes to ratting! They were originally bred to hunt everything from rats, rabbit and otters to foxes and badgers. They would also “go to ground”, meaning they would dig their way into rodent holes and exterminate whatever they found. This said, many Dandies are still able to live with indoor cats as long as they are raised with them.

The Dandie is very versatile and able to live in many different types of home setting as long as he receives a moderate amount of exercise. He is not known for being hyper or spastic in the house like many other dogs of his size. Two short walks a day is usually sufficient to keep him exercised, although he may appreciate a game of fetch in between as well! As might be surmised by his size and his long, low body, this is not a jogging companion and is better suited to someone who prefers slower-paced walks. Additionally, because of his high prey drive, he should be kept on leash or in a secure fenced yard. After coming back home, many Dandies love some good “couch potato time”.

Dandies are a healthy breed that often lives to be about 14 years old, with some living even longer. There are no very common health issues with the breed although responsible breeders usually screen for glaucoma as it occasionally shows up in some lines. One of the biggest reasons that the breed is healthy is because they are not very common, which means that the vast majority of breeders are in it because they love the breed and not because they are trying to make a quick buck breeding whatever Dandie they can find regardless of health (common in the more popular breeds). The only issue with the breed being less popular is that a potential owner may have to wait longer in order to get a puppy.

Dandie Dinmonts are a fairly quiet breed and aren’t normally nuisance barkers. They will bark when someone comes to the door, however, and their deep voices make them sound bigger than they actually are. This makes them ideal watchdogs because many would-be intruders are inclined to skip houses that sounds like a big dog resides within (although in this case the dog is actually quite small). Despite being sturdy, courageous and tough, their size keeps them from being too useful as a full-on guard dog.

The coat of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier does not shed, making them great possibilities for those allergic to dog dander. The weather-resistant topcoat also doesn’t hold on to dirt very easily, meaning that they can often be cleaned with a quick brushing after any mud has dried out. This is not a wash-and-wear breed, however. They need to be professionally groomed three or four times a year in order to keep their unique appearance and they do need regular brushing in-between grooming sessions. The dead coat needs to be stripped out during the big grooming sessions since it doesn’t shed out naturally.

The Dandie is smart, however like most terriers he is also independent and willful when it comes to training. He requires a lot of motivation to work but once that motivation is given he can become eager to please. Obedience training is highly recommended for all dogs, but some breeds may need it a little bit more so that they don’t become too stubborn and hard to handle. This definitely holds true for the Dandie.

By user:Sannse

The Bedlington Terrier is said to have “the head of a lamb and the heart of a lion”. These whimsical-looking terriers love a good game of fetch in the morning, a quiet evening of tv and lots of social time with their owners in between. Bedlingtons are playful and athletic and make great jogging companions. Mostly, they just love sharing time with the people they adore the most, entertaining them with their clown-like antics or just resting on a lap affectionately. The breed is alert, curious and perceptive to their surroundings but don’t tend to be as scrappy as other terriers.

Most Bedlingtons love people of all ages, including children. They tend to be graceful and gentle when interacting, and less likely to accidentally hurt a kid than a bigger or rowdier dog might. This said, if a rowdy or young child hurts the dog they may react with teeth. An honest evaluation of the individual kid should be required before obtaining a Bedlington. When it comes to meeting a stranger, many are extroverts while others are a bit aloof. Many love it when people come over to the house, although are excellent judges of character and will discriminate against people who seem “off” to them. The breed makes an excellent watch dog as they will bark to alert when someone is at the door. These loyal dogs also have a protective streak if they feel like their owner is in danger.

Bedlington Terriers are intelligent and easily trained, however they have an opinionated streak. If not given rules and structure they are glad to take over the role! They also tend to be somewhat sensitive and can get moody if they feel they aren’t being treated without dignity. When trained with plenty of praise (and often food), they are eager to please. In addition to mental stimulation, they also need physical stimulation. Although small, these dogs are active and do require daily exercise. Even though the breed isn’t known for being outright rambunctious, they must have outlets for their energy.

Bedlingtons are quite calm and low-key when nothing is going on, however they will quickly become animated when something catches their interest. They were bred to “go to ground” after game – meaning that they will dig and crawl into holes in order to spring or catch rodents. If the animal runs, they are often fast enough to catch it! For this reason they must always stay in a fenced yard or on leash. Although not often used today for hunting, they are very capable of doing so. Many Bedlingtons will even point! This said, these terriers are very adaptable and will also make great companions in a non-hunting home. As might be expected, these dogs are apt to chase cats so they may or may not be ok in a cat household. Many are alright around other dogs and, although there can be exceptions, most will not go looking to start a fight with a housemate.

The Bedlington’s incredibly soft, almost no-shed coat, is dark at birth and gradually changes color as they age. The colors eventually lighten to either blue, liver or sandy (with or without tan), with most dogs looking almost white with only a slight shade of color. Caring for the curly coat means combing them at least once a week to keep it from matting. Additionally, while their coat may look natural it is actually trimmed into the characteristic shape. Trimming must be done at least every two months. Doing so will keep the coat in good shape and keep it from getting too long and pulling on the sensitive skin. The unique coat makes them ok for some allergy sufferers, however many people find that they must get a groomer to work on the dog rather than themselves to keep from inhaling all the dislodged hair. Bedlingtons also need regular groooming attention to their ears.

Bedlington Terriers are usually healthy and long-lived (13-16 years is not uncommon). One condition called Copper Toxicosis, in which copper builds up in the liver, is an inherited disease that is sometimes seen. There is a DNA test that breeders (and owners) can use to see if a dog has the condition. Otherwise these are hardy dogs that are far less delicate than they might otherwise look. They tend to not mind the cold, having been developed in England and can even adapt to live in an outside kennel run as long as they have plenty of human interaction. Because they are so social however, living in the house is much preferred. Bedlingtons prefer to be the center of attention, after all.

Photo By David Owsiany

The Airedale Terrier is known as “the king of terriers” not only for his size (the largest breed in the terrier group), but also because of his fearless demeanor and ability to do almost anything asked of him. This is truly a versatile breed that has excelled in almost every type of dog sport and activity, from barn hunt to obedience trials to tracking… and a myriad of things in between!

An Airedale with an unkempt coat looks very different from a well-groomed and maintained dog. When the coat is taken care of, it gives the overall picture of a stylish, easily managed dog. Appearances can be deceiving, however, and when that short-ish coat begins to grow it can turn into a fairly long wild mop of hair. Although Airedales are groomed to have a short beard but otherwise short-coated face, when left alone that hair will cover almost the entire face. As there is a lot of work that goes into sculpting the sleek appearance out of the naturally rugged coat, it could be said that the Airedale is not a low maintenance dog. Additionally, Airedales do not shed regularly but they do blow their coat seasonally if the coat is allowed to grow long.

Airedale Terriers love to have fun and they will make a game out of whatever they can find! In untrained individuals, they may resort to destructive behaviors in order to satisfy this urge – such as shredding toys, bedding, papers, etc. It is for this reason that they must be given plenty of outlets to exercise their minds and bodies in a more acceptable fashion. Airedales particularly want to engage in games involving their owners, as they are incredibly loyal and want to be near “their people” as much as possible. Not only do they tend to try to communicate often, but they have great senses of humor and spend a lot of time making their owners laugh.

Airedale Terriers are active dogs and they do require a fair bit of exercise. Not only should they be given, at minimum, a daily walk but ideally they should also be provided with a large fenced area to run around. They do not do well cooped up in apartments. Despite their higher-than-average exercise requirements, this is not a hyper breed and often have calm temperaments when mature (as long as their needs are met). Like most other terriers, however, the Airedale loves to dig and will probably do so regardless of how much exercise they are given.

Airedales normally get along very well with older kids but might not be the best match for young toddler-age children, unless the parent is there to supervise. As with all dog-kid households, children should be taught how to interact politely with the dog. They also get along with other dogs although will not back down if the other dog starts a fight. Although this is generally a friendly and gentle breed, they will absolutely defend the home if someone were to break in. These medium-sized dogs are strong and courageous and are well-known as first-class protectors.

Airedale Terriers are intelligent dogs that thrive on training although an owner should be prepared to have a sense of humor while training this breed. Because of their clownish personalities and tendency to bore easily, they may be inclined to put their own spin on obedience commands! The breed doesn’t respond well to harsh training methods and needs a sense of fairness when it comes to corrections. Although highly trainable for many tasks, Airedales will think about what you are teaching them rather than blindly following through – they have a different learning and working style than breeds bred to work alongside people. This said, of all of the terriers, the Airedale is probably the most eager-to-please and easiest to train.

Photo By Havenkennels

The Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest terrier breeds but is by no means a delicate dog. These working terriers are tough and hardy, willing to go after vermin just as eagerly as their larger cousins. Their small compact frame, short legs and weatherproof wiry coat means that they are well-built to handle almost anything. Besides going after rats and other vermin, they have even been used to bolt foxes! Although these dogs are very loving, prospective owners should be aware that they are also feisty and fearless.

Norfolks are said to have no road sense and as such, should always be walked on leash, particularly when near a road. Having a high prey drive means that they are also extra prone to chasing after small critters that may cross their path – one more reason for keeping them on a leash or in a securely fenced yard! The prey drive comes across in other areas as well, particularly when it comes to digging. Yes, these tiny dogs are more than happy to dig craters in your garden that are far bigger than they are!

While medium-active, the Norfolk’s size means that he doesn’t need long jogs… but he should get regular exercise. Daily walks are best, although most tend to be adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle. As long as they are kept mentally stimulated they may be able to thrive with backyard romps and frequent games. This said, regular walks and outings are highly recommended in order to give the dog the best life – and unlike some breeds, Norfolks are up to going out in any weather! Keeping them active also helps to keep them trim, which can be an issue with under-exercised dogs.

Possessing a double coat, the Norfolk Terrier does shed somewhat. Never shave this breed – it will change the appearance and texture of the coat and won’t really solve the shedding issue anyway. Instead, the coat should be brushed and groomed regularly, and the coat is traditionally hand-stripped twice a year in order to keep it in the best condition. Hand-stripping is a skill that can be learned, although some owners prefer to have groomers do it instead. Keeping the dog in good condition is one of the many important steps towards ensuring the Norfolk lives a long and healthy life (14-16 years is normal).

Norfolk Terriers don’t tend to have the bouncing-off-the-walls energy of some other breeds, and they will calm down inside… to an extent. Many enjoy lounging on their owners laps while resting, only to pop up when they hear the doorbell (they make great watchdogs). Alert and constantly curious, they will rest but not always for long. People who live in more quiet households tend to have calmer Norfolks. Once the dog goes back outside though, they will be looking for adventure again! Don’t be nervous about bringing a Norfolk with you while on a vacation or short trip – not only are they great travelers but they are always happy to see new things!

Although not good around small pets such as hamsters or pet mice, Norfolks were often bred to work in packs and therefore get along with other dogs better than other terrier breeds. They also bond very closely to their human counterparts as well (including children), often becoming very loyal little dogs. Some can become a little too close, however, and end up with jealousy issues when other dogs or people are around their owner. Healthy structure, rules and obedience training are all necessary to keep this possessive behavior from developing. When raised right, these are incredibly friendly dogs who love to be around people!

Despite his sociable nature, the Norfolk Terrier is known for challenging his owner – another reason why obedience training is vital for this breed. Beginning training before he goes through his teenager-stage will help him to understand his place in the “pack”. While he is independent and has a hefty dose of stubbornness, he is also quite capable of learning and has the potential to learn quickly. He can be owned by a first-time dog owner as long as they understand the importance of training. New owners should be prepared to utilize a professional trainer who can show them how to work with this breed that is both stubborn yet sensitive.

The Norfolk can live happily in an apartment, and tends to be fairly quiet with the exception of alerting to people at the door. Dogs that are left alone all day are more likely to be loud, however. The best apartment scenario is one in which the dog is given enough exercise and play to satisfy his needs, as well as providing canine entertainment and/or a companion if the owner is away for long stretches. These dogs live for playing and exploring, so a life of solitude and/or dullness will end up creating a dog with behavior issues. For those thinking about getting a Norfolk puppy in an apartment – be aware he can take extra long to housebreak and plan accordingly.

Photo By tanakawho

The Rat Terrier is a purely American breed. Curious and tenacious while still playful and friendly, this breed is adored by his followers. While he is starting to gain in popularity, he is not yet well-known by the general population. There are two sizes of Rat Terrier – miniatures stand between 10 and 13 inches and standards can be anywhere from 13 to 18 inches. Partially because of their smaller size, many live to 15 or even 18 years old! Don’t let their size fool you though… these little dogs are super tough – they had to be in order to hunt and eradicate vermin!

Rat Terriers greatly benefit from a daily walk, although some dogs will exercise themselves in a big house or a large yard. In general they are a medium-energy dog, with puppies and young dogs needing more exercise than more mature individuals. Exercise requirements will depend as much on the size of their “domain” (house and yard) as it will on the individual energy of the dog. It is important that the yard be fenced whenever they are outside as they do have high prey drives and will chase most anything that moves right off the property! Non-secure fences are no match for these escape artists, so make sure it’s done right. Despite their tendencies to romp, run and play with great abandon, the Rat Terrier is actually one of the calmer terrier breeds when compared to the rest of the group.

Easy to care for, the Rattie has a short, slick coat that takes barely any time to groom. A monthly bath is usually only necessary if the dog has been getting dirty outside, and takes practically no time at all. They require only a quick weekly brushing (another fast chore) – perhaps a little more during shedding season. Make sure to keep nails trimmed, teeth brushed, and ears cleaned and that’s all there is to it!

Many Ratties are fine with other dogs, cats and pets as well as being tolerant and gentle around children. With strangers, some are reserved while others are more outgoing. With home intruders, they are brave and protective – guard dogs at heart, despite their size. With rodents and vermin, they are brutal and unapologetic. With their family, they are incredibly loyal, loving, and sensitive. Many love snuggling on the couch or on a lap just as much as they love racing around the yard. To understand a Rat Terrier means that you understand that they have a very complex personality which may change from situation to situation. While their default disposition is happy, they are quite sensitive to their environment and will change their mood based on your own mood, on the situation at hand, and to their surrounding environment.

Like many terriers, the Rat Terrier will take it upon himself to rule the household if he thinks your rules are too lax. Thus, obedience training is necessary! Also like many terriers, he can be stubborn when it comes to training. This said, he is intelligent and absolutely can be trained as long as he is treated with respect and given a lot of encouragement. Many owners enjoy competing with their Ratties in various performance and working competitions and most Ratties love to please their owners! The breed can also be unusually intuitive and might pick up on small unintentional cues, so be aware of what you are doing when you are training this smart little cookie! Rat Terriers are also usually easy to housebreak.

Extremely adaptable, a Rattie is able to live in almost any type of house or setting. An apartment is just as fine as a large house, as long as the dog’s needs are met (including exercise). Unlike many other terriers, this isn’t usually a “yappy” breed, which makes them more welcome in an apartment lifestyle. Weather and climate doesn’t matter either, although obviously the dog will need extra protection in very cold weather. Finally, Rat Terriers are great pets for not only active single people, but also the elderly, the disabled and the large family – as long as their needs are met.

Rat Terriers are a fairly diverse-looking bunch. Besides coming in two acceptable sizes, they are also allowed to come in a rainbow of colors as long as at least one color is white – “any variation of pied patterning is acceptable”. This includes a variation of patterns, markings and the presence or absence of tan points, sabling or mottling. To further their individuality, ears are allowed to exist in 3 different sets (erect, semi-erect or button) and tails are allowed to be 1 of 3 variations as well (docked, bobtail or naturally long). There also exists a strain of Rat Terriers called Decker Giants which are often very large specimens (up to 40 pounds), although they aren’t considered the norm by AKC standards. One is more likely to find a Decker by going through an alternate registry such as the NRTA.

Photo By Flickr user tiarescott

The American Hairless Terrier came into existence in the 1970’s as a mutation of the Rat Terrier. These intelligent and active little dogs are now considered a separate breed of their own and are often recommended for those suffering from allergies. As with every hairless breed, they do also have a coated variety as well – “coated carriers” have a short, smooth jacket of fur. The minimal coat (in coated carriers) or outright lack of coat (in the hairless variety) makes them especially easy to care for. Even hairless individuals need regular baths but drying time is practically nothing compared to most dogs.

The breed is a delight to train and compete with in many dog events. While not hyperactive in the house, they definitely have enough energy to do almost anything physical that is asked of them. This makes them great in the agility ring, the obedience ring, or most other dog sports! They have an enthusiastic, willing-to-please attitude which makes them generally easy to train, although some of them can get a little pushy. These feisty terriers definitely require rules, and may walk all over an owner who refuses to train the dog.

The AHT tends to get along very well with children although their small size makes them delicate and better suited to older kids. Affectionate and friendly, they enjoy being playmates just as much as they like being lap-dogs! They also get along great with other dogs, cats and other pets as long as they are socialized to them early on. They consider most small outdoor animals fair game, however – and will chase anything that moves.

American Hairless Terriers are prone to digging in the yard, particularly if they smell the scent of a rodent. Although the hairless variety is at a disadvantage of getting scratched without a protective coat of hair, this doesn’t stop them from trying to eradicate rodents. Their high prey drive also means that they should be kept in a fenced yard, or on a leash when out in public. In addition, they should be supervised around pools or bodies of water because they are not known for their swimming ability…

American Hairless Terriers are easy to keep in an apartment, as they do well in small spaces. They do not make suitable outside-only dogs, however. The lack of hair means that they are susceptible to hot and cold temperatures which means they need to be indoor dogs. This doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be given walks – they definitely should (!) but the owner should be prepared to dress the dog in a coat when it’s cold, or apply sunblock when it’s hot. Luckily, AHTs don’t need a ton of exercise. A short walk every day combined with playtime in the house (even if it’s in the kitchen) is usually sufficient.

The AHT will bark to announce someone at the door but is far too small to be a guard dog. As with most terriers, these little guys are no exception when it comes to courage and feistiness! They think that they are a much bigger dog than they actually are, which can sometimes be problematic as they tend to be territorial. That said, when a new friend is introduced to the dog, the AHT usually accepts them easily.

The AHT is fairly healthy and doesn’t seem to suffer from skin irritations or absence of teeth as much as the other hairless breeds, but they are prone to some issues such as luxating patellas, cardiac issues and allergies. Make sure the breeder does health testing and you’ll be more likely to end up with a healthy dog! When well-taken care of, it is not unusual for them to live to 15 years of age. Do not be alarmed if your AHT starts sweating when hot – this is a normal trait for the breed.

Photo By Nyaah

The Russell Terrier was created in the 1800’s to hunt fox in rugged terrain, and came from bloodlines very similar to the Parson Russell Terrier. In fact, there is a history of crossbreeding the two breeds before the recognition and standard was set for the Russell Terrier, and it’s only been recently that the breed has been considered separate and distinct. The history of the Russell, the Parson Russell, and the Jack Russell has been a long and (occasionally complicated) one, further muddled by the fact that the various breed clubs have different ideas of what constitutes the “perfect Russell”. Despite his complicated history, however, there is no questioning the fact that this is a feisty hunting terrier with a high prey drive!

Russells need to be given lots of socialization when they are young to help them coexist well with people and other dogs. They also require exercise…. and a LOT of it. Many new owners are surprised by the amount of energy that these little dogs have inside them! Not only high energy, but high intensity as well – the Russell is a lot of dog in a tiny package. Lazy lapdogs they most certainly are not! They do best in situation with active, outdoors-y owners and are hardy enough for hiking and other rough-and-tumble activities. Without strenuous activity, it can be difficult to wear this breed out.

The Russell is incredibly intelligent and responds very well to training. When his high drive is channeled into obedience and other dog sports, he really shines! This terrier often gathers top scores in agility, hunting and obedience venues. Because they are very adaptable to all sorts of training, they can often be taught just about anything… and do it in style! This said, like most terriers they do have a stubborn side and owners should expect to establish firm rules from the beginning. Patience and a sense of humor are also necessary tools to have when training a Russell Terrier. This quick-moving and quick-thinking breed must have a job to do in order to stay sane, and obedience training is usually the first step to giving the dog a job.

Russell Terriers are loyal and devoted to their owners, and will curl up on the couch with their favorite person after they have been exercised for the day. They get along well with children, although kids must be taught to treat them nicely. Curious and friendly, they make great companions for young and old alike! They can easily adapt into a single-person home as well as an active family – as long as their needs are met, of course. They also tend to get along well with other dogs.

Most Russells are not overly loud dogs although they will bark to announce people at the door. They can often be trained to be quiet after a short alarm, as long as the owner stays consistent. Their fearless nature makes them willing to take on any threat they deem necessary, which means it is important to establish what is a threat and what is not, while they are young. This is a courageous breed who doesn’t realize the shortcomings of his tiny size.