The Lakeland Terrier is a hardy little breed with a disposition as wiry as his coat. Athletic and agile, the Lakie (as he is affectionately called) was bred to withstand hard work on the farm, including hunting and killing foxes in their den. Despite his rugged ways, this small terrier is fun-loving and social! As long as he has been socialized well, he loves meeting new people and will not back down from any threat. Like most terriers, he can be cocky and independent but he also possesses a sense of humor and a strong sense of curiosity. Some have so much vigor and general excitement that they will visibly tremble – this is not nervousness, but what is known as “terrier dither”.

Many Lakies take to obedience training very well but do not appreciate being handled roughly. This is a breed that will not hesitate to “fight back” if they are being treated unfairly! On the opposite side of the spectrum, owners or trainers who give them no rules whatsoever will end up with a dog who tries to take over the household (by their nature, these dogs are rarely subordinate). Therefore, a firm yet fair treatment is the only way to go. Many are not particularly food motivated and may need another source of motivation. As many Lakies are good with their noses, they can find great enjoyment in nosework or tracking – this can be one way of getting them interested in working! Remember, also, to keep training sessions short and as non-repetitive as possible with this breed.

Lakeland Terriers are skillful at problem solving and appreciate training games that enrich their minds. If life is too boring for them… they will find their own problems to solve, which might not be something that their owners appreciate… They do best when living with an active person or family who is able to provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Despite their small size, many are able to go on very long daily walks – although they are also adaptable. If it is raining and the walk needs to be put off for that day, they will be content to sit inside and watch tv with their owners instead.

Lakelands make great lap dogs and enjoy spending time close to their owners. This makes them an ideal choice for Emotional Support Dogs, provided their needs are met. Many are very gentle when their owners are feeling down (physically or emotionally) and can make great “nurses”. This is also true for children, which they are also generally good around (provided the kids are respectful). They will not tolerate rough treatment from kids and will defend themselves if they need to. Another job that they excel at – is that of watch dog. They will definitely let you know when someone is prowling around the house, although they may also alert to every other little sound they hear while they’re at it.

The coat of the Lakeland Terrier is harsh and double-coated. It needs regular stripping in order for the dog to really resemble the classic “Lakeland look”. Dogs that are not stripped will instead develop a soft, sometimes curly coat which will give them a completely different appearance. Whether stripped or not, this breed is often touted as being hypoallergenic as the hair doesn’t naturally fall out without help, therefore reducing the dander to a minimum. This said, it is highly recommended that an allergic individual should spend some time around the breed to make sure their allergies don’t act up.

Some owners find that housebreaking a Lakeland can take longer than with other breeds. Furthermore, they have small bladders and cannot be expected to “hold it” all day long while their owners are at work. Either installing a dog door or simply making sure that someone comes home to let the dog out in the middle of the day is important. Some people are lucky enough to be able to let their dog come to work with them, and this also works out well since the Lakeland is a great traveler! His small size makes it easy for him to ride in the car as well as to keep out-of-the-way while in public places.

The Lakeland Terrier can be quite territorial, and many consider their territory to be further reaching than the owner’s actual property. Keeping him in a securely fenced yard is very important so that he doesn’t go wandering and defending “his land” from everyone he sees. The breed is also known for being escape artists – so the fence must be dig-proof, jump-proof, squeeze-proof and chew-proof! A wandering Lakie can quickly become the neighborhood bully, so it is the job of the responsible owner to keep this from happening! The breed is not always known for getting along well with other dogs of the same sex, especially if the other dog is a terrier as well. This makes him a nuisance when wandering the neighborhood, and also may make it difficult for owners who enjoy keeping multiple dogs.

These little terriers love water and enjoy playing, swimming, and even just dunking themselves in bodies of water. Supervised trips to the beach can be a fun way to spend time with a Lakeland – preferably with the dog in a life vest (not all of them are the greatest of swimmers). Even buying a kiddie pool and letting the dog play in it can be a rewarding experience for both owner and dog! Playing ball is another favorite activity, although most Lakelands have a blast with just about anything as long as their owner is willing to play it with them. Owners must be able to commit to entertaining the dog for many years to come – Lakelands are a healthy breed that aren’t plagued with a vast number of health problems, and can live long lives.

Photo By David_Burton_2011

The Miniature Schnauzer’s huge personality has endeared him to owners all around the world, making him the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds. These clever dogs know just which buttons to push to make people fall in love with them! Curious, brave and ever-alert, these little terriers are protective of their owners and often show no fear. This is not a timid breed, they are extroverts through and through! In fact, they are so devoted that they will often go to the ends of the earth to show their affection for their owners.

The breed can live happily in both an apartment or a house and they tend to adapt their energy level to their surroundings. If they live on a farm, for example, they will probably find much to do and will spend a lot of time racing around. If living in the city, however, they can become easygoing companions indoors (as long as they are given moderate exercise). They only ask to be near “their people” often! Mini Schnauzers do not do well in kennel environments – either a backyard kennel, a boarding kennel or animal shelter. They rely on being close to familiar people who they know and love – wanting to be as close as possible and for as much of the day as possible!

Mini Schnauzers can be obedient as they are very willing to please. Quite intelligent, the breed also tends to learn new commands quickly. Being a terrier, however… they do have a stubborn streak. Nonetheless, training is a must for this breed – without it, they can become super mischievous and frustrating to live with. Many will find the “chinks in your armor” and try to take advantage of whatever they can! This is why solid rules and obedience training is so important for this breed. When trained, they do great at obedience, agility, earthdog and trick training… among many other things. The difference between living with a trained Mini vs. an un-trained one is huge.

Some Mini Schnauzers do have high prey drives and will try to catch small scampering animals. For this reason, a fence is highly recommended for the yard, lest they chase their prey right out into the street! For the same reason, they should be walked on-leash when out in public if they have not had a formal education in off-leash training. When it comes to other animals – namely, other dogs – this breed tends to get themselves into trouble. Despite their small size, they sometimes pick fights and therefore need to be supervised until it is certain the two dogs are ok around each other. Well-socialized Minis can get along with (and live with) other dogs as long as everyone is easygoing.

The Miniature Schnauzer is very hardy and not easily hurt. This, combined with their playful nature and clown-like sense of humor makes them great companions for children. As long as there is amusement going on, they want to be in the center of it all! It is highly recommended, however, that the dog is raised with kids from the time they are a young puppy, and supervision is absolutely necessary whenever with a young child.

Miniature Schnauzers can be vocal and therefore make great watchdogs. For those who prefer their dogs to be always silent… this is probably not the breed for you, especially considering that most Minis have very piercing barks! Suspicious of strangers, these terriers will need the ok from their owners before they trust someone entering their house. While they can’t do too much damage to a potential threat… they are nonetheless very protective and will make an intruder think twice before breaking in.

Mini Schnauzers don’t shed, and therefore can work out great as pets for allergic people (provided the people are allergic to dog dander and not dog saliva). Their wiry double coat protects them in all climates and environments, but must be given regular grooming. This is a breed that requires a fair amount of care in order for the dog to look and feel his best. Because he doesn’t shed… he is counting on you to get the dead hair out of his coat! The coat needs to be brushed a couple of times a week, especially the beard and hair on the legs. The dog also will need regular trimming or stripping in order to have the signature “Miniature Schnauzer look”. Most owners choose to have their dog professionally groomed every 6 weeks. Show dogs will need even more work.

As with most terrier breeds, the Mini Schnauzer loves to dig almost as much as he loves catching and killing rodents! Killing vermin on the farm was this breed’s primary occupation. As such, finding dead mice on the porch is one possible downfall to owning a Schnauzer, as well as finding craters (large and small) in the garden. Owners of pocket pets such as hamsters or birds may also find it difficult to own this breed, as the dog will have no problem devouring it!

The Irish Terrier is one of the lesser-known breeds of the terrier group, and his fanciers know him as their best-kept-secret. He has been referred to as “perhaps the finest dog on Earth.” Once a person owns an Irish, they rarely want to live without one again! This merry breed is versatile, loyal and hardworking – also possessing a certain grace and politeness when out in public. Their size makes them easy to transport, as well as take up little space in the house – although their personality is huge and their bodies are very hardy.  Athletic, these are great swimming dogs! They also have been used by some as gun dogs (they aren’t gun-shy and many have “soft mouths” for retrieval), as rodent exterminators and in a vast array of other dog sports and activities.

Loyal and affectionate to his family (including children), the Irish Terrier will even exercise his duty as guard dog if it become necessary. Don’t let his size fool you, this dog has a ton of attitude and won’t back down if he feels his owner is in danger! In fact, members of this breed were used during World War 1 as war dogs, both as sentries and guards. They were also used to transfer messages back and forth across the trenches – so bravery runs in their veins! Aside from actual danger, the Irish may also take it upon himself to defend the house from postal workers, delivery men and your friends – this is a territorial breed.

Scrappy is one term used to describe the Irish Terrier’s temperament when it comes to other dogs. While the Irish may or may not start a fight, this breed will never back down once confronted. When it comes to fighting (whether canine or other), these dogs will never take their own safety into account and may rush into situations that might even be dangerous. When hurt, they aren’t apt to show they are in pain. It is important for owners of this breed to never allow them to get in this type of dangerous circumstance.

This is a very healthy breed in general and most Irish Terriers do not suffer from hereditary problems. This said, no breed (or mix) is 100% free of health issues, nor is any dog guaranteed not to have an emergency accident. There is a very rare condition in the breed called Cystinuria which can occur, but very few dogs inherit this disease. Prospective owners should know that their chances of spending a lot of money at the vet are lower with an Irish, but flukes do occur. But for those wanting a breed with a statistically low chance of congenital disease, the Irish Terrier is a good choice.

The Irish Terrier is intelligent, although when it comes to training he can be stubborn! This goes back to his roots as a farm dog, bred to work his jobs independently of humans. A good trainer will find what motivates the dog and use it to their advantage. As most Irish are food motivated, treats often help! Once the dog begins to understand the rules of the game, he may (or may not) decide he really enjoys pleasing his owner. Even Irish Terriers that enjoy obedience suffer from occasional “selective memory”. It’s important to note that despite their terrier demeanor, this breed has a sensitive side and needs to be treated fairly.

Irish Terriers are always solid red in color, although the shade may be anywhere from light wheaten to radiantly deep red. Their wiry coats (hypoallergenic to some people, not to others) shed very little and require only occasional brushing, and even less frequent bathing. Like most wire-haired terriers, however, they will need to be hand-stripped a couple of times a year in order to keep the correct texture of coat. This is a method that can be learned (if the owner is so inclined), or the dog can be taken to a groomer to have it done. Note, however, that not every groomer knows how to do this technique and may naively just want to shave the dog. This is a sign to go elsewhere! The texture of the coat protects the dog from brambles and other types of terrain, in addition to it being a key feature of the breed. Shaving will ruin this texture.

The activity level of the Irish is moderate. They need regular exercise but – as long as it is provided to them, they will not be hyperactive in the house. Many Irish Terriers love to romp and play in a safely fenced backyard, although taking them out for consistent walks is best. It should be noted that terriers like to dig and the Irish is no exception! These “red daredevils” will dig holes all over the yard, and may also try to dig under the fence to crawl out. Some dogs need to be supervised to be certain they can’t escape (either by digging under or crawling over). Invisible fencing is not recommended for this breed.

Most Irish Terriers don’t mind loud noises or active households and some even seem to revel in “a bit of chaos”. This might be because of their mischievous side – they can be excellent food thieves and have an easier time stealing when everyone is already distracted! The breed also excels at grabbing objects with their paws… and then running off with the prize.

The Smooth Fox Terrier, together with his wire cousin, has been around for a very long time. Bred in England as a gamey, working terrier, they still retain the courage and tenacity to do their original job. Smooths are fearless and hardy – and can just as easily run a household as they can hunt! Don’t let their small size fool you – their attitude is very large. It’s important that they are owned by people who will establish rules from day one.

Smooths are intelligent and very crafty. They can also remember things for a very long time, which can either be good (in the case of retaining obedience commands) or bad (they’ll remember things you wish they’d forget). Being bred to think independently, they can be trained but they will often want to “put their own spin on it”. These dogs love learning tricks because deep down, they love to entertain! It is best to give the dogs a mixture of both trick-training and basic obedience training. You want training to be a lot of fun, but there must also be rules and order.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an active little dog and can seem to be perpetually underfoot! His activity level also means he eats a lot for his size. Dashing around the house, these guys are often always on the lookout for a game to play – particularly if that game involves chasing or shredding something. A long walk at least once a day is highly recommended, preferably in a large field or other rural area where he can use his nose and engage his brain. If a field isn’t available, however… it’s not the end of the world. These guys are fairly adaptable to city life as well. Because of their high prey drive, a leash is absolutely necessary to keep them from running after a mouse, rabbit or cat. 

Smooths are very affectionate and tend to get quite attached to their owners. They are also good with children as long as they aren’t poked or prodded at. This makes them a good breed for a family who is able to provide them the attention they need. Because they become so bonded with their people, they prefer to go along on trips and outings rather than be left at home. Although their small size affords them the luxury of traveling easily, it isn’t always possible for them to go everywhere so they must be crate trained and taught how to spend time alone.

The Smooth makes a great watch dog. His bark often sounds bigger than he is, and he will use his voice freely whenever anyone comes to the door. Like most terriers, he is ready to defend if need be (although his small frame isn’t big enough to do much damage). While he’s not a gladiator when it comes to home protection… he is a force to be reckoned with in the matter of extinguishing vermin! Hunting is this dogs forte! Because they can be so prey-driven, Smooths don’t always get along with cats. Depending on the individual dog, they may be able to live with a calm indoor cat but will probably chase any that roam outside. Getting a low-drive dog as a puppy and raising it with strict rules is recommended for best results.

Smooths are diggers and will happily destroy your garden if given the chance. Searching for gophers and other ground-dwelling animals is a favorite activity – and if there are critters living underneath the dirt, a Smooth will find it (even if that means digging up half your yard in the process)! This tenacity and lust for life is what makes him endearing (for those who can handle him).

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a happy-go-lucky breed, originally bred as an all-purpose farm dog. Today he thrives equally well with farm-life as well as city-life (including apartments). He loves people and enjoys showing his affection by jumping up and giving kisses. His soft coat differentiates him from many other terrier breeds, as well as the fact that he is not as confrontational towards other dogs. He makes a good family pet as well as watch dog (without being overly noisy).

The coat of the Wheaten needs regular care. Without regular grooming it can become tangled and matted up. Debris such as leaves, grass and sticks seem to stick to the coat like velcro, and later become deposited all over the house. He will need to be brushed and combed out 2-4 times a week, and more often when he is transitioning to his adult coat from his adolescent coat. Bathing every 1-2 weeks, plus use of a conditioner, will help keep the coat silky and clean. The beard may need to be bathed more often, as he tends to get dog food and other such grossness stuck in his facial furnishings. Finally, the dog will need to be scissor-trimmed in order to get the “show look”. This is definitely a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming! The good news is that this single coated terrier only sheds minimally.

Because he was bred for many purposes, the Wheaten has a true working personality combined with the tenacity (and sometimes stubbornness) of the terrier. While he can take well to training, extra work will need to be devoted to stopping his jumping and leash-pulling behaviors. These are common behavior problems in the breed. Wheatens are also prone to exercising dominant behavior, and regular obedience training is one of the best ways to manage this so that it doesn’t get out of hand. Once owner and dog get the hang of “this training thing”, Wheatens are very trainable and even enjoy competing in dog events. This intelligent breed is capable of doing well in all manner of dog sports including flyball, tracking, agility… and even herding!

Daily exercise is essential for this breed. Without a physical outlet for their energy, Wheatens can become a lot to handle. They have a medium to high level of activity level around the house even without exercise, so it is easy to imagine how one might act if his physical needs weren’t being fulfilled. Prospective owners must be aware that Wheatens retain this high energy level throughout most of their life, and parents of very young children are sometimes cautioned to wait until their kids are older – lest they be completely overwhelmed. Owning a Wheaten can be akin to having a toddler.

A high fence is recommended for this breed, as Wheatens are prone to wandering and fence-jumping. They are also prone to chasing things that move, especially small animals (while usually ok with indoor cats, outdoor cats are often a different story). Although one of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s favorite activities is digging holes, they normally aren’t trying to escape – rather, digging is in their blood. Although yard time is ok, Wheatens prefer to be inside the house as much as possible, especially on days which are exceptionally hot. An indoor Wheaten is a happy Wheaten… especially if his owners are home. He doesn’t like to be left home alone for long periods of time and can suffer from separation anxiety if that is the case.

Wheatens tend to get along well with other dogs for the most part, although same-sex aggression is not unheard of in the breed. They also love people – whether family, people who they’ve met before, or perfect strangers! They are incredibly affectionate dogs that enjoy the company of almost everyone.

Photo By Flickr user Srinayan Puppala (TigerPuppala)

Australian Terriers are feisty and fun! Equal at both working (hunting vermin) and being a companion, they do best in homes where they can go out and DO stuff. Although independent, they still crave human attention and need to be around their people – even if the person is just accompanying them while they dig for gophers (digging is their specialty). The breed is suited to owners who want to spend time with an active dog without necessarily being very active themselves. Hardy and always looking for adventure, the Aussie is ever-entertaining!

Aussies are very loyal to their families, and are also sensitive to the emotions of those they love. They do well with the elderly as well as children of all ages (with supervision). Outright aggression is not common in the breed, although they also won’t tolerate being teased or prodded. For the most part, however, Aussies have a good sense of humor and enjoy making people laugh. They have a protective instinct but their size prevents them from being anything other than a watch dog.

Like most terriers, Aussies are incredibly courageous and may often put themselves in less-than-desirable positions. Picking fights with an animal 10 times their size, or chasing after a rattlesnake, are just some of the situations in which they need to be protected from themselves. They are very gamey – meaning that they want to go after animals that they see, especially smaller animals such as mice or rats. Households with small rodents as pets may need to think twice about owning this breed. Larger cats that don’t spook easily can live with an Aussie, but cats that tend to dart around the house and run from dogs are not a good match. Aussies also don’t always get along well with other dogs, particularly when two males get together.

The Australian Terrier is just as happy with city life as he is country life, but he should never be allowed to run amok unsupervised in either setting (unless in a safely fenced area). These terriers do have a fair amount of energy and need to be provided with enough exercise throughout their whole lives. Luckily, they are small enough that their exercise requirements are not daunting! Their tiny frames are also easy to transport to new locations for special outings – and they are great travelers to boot. 

Grooming an Aussie is simpler than many other terriers, but obviously more work than a smooth-coated breed. They do require some plucking in order to enhance their features, but the breed has never been heavily sculpted. Most owners are able to groom their own dogs with little trouble. The Aussie does require a minimal amount of brushing and bathing, but their naturally wiry coat doesn’t tend to tangle easily.

Curious and intelligent, the Australian Terrier learns obedience commands quickly but tends to get bored after a short period of time. Monotonous repetition will almost guarantee boredom. Instead, once you are certain that the Aussie knows a command, introduce new and novel variations of it. Add challenges that he will be able to figure out, without moving too far too fast – lest he get frustrated. Keep it interesting, motivating, and fun! Aussies are also known for being stubborn, however. It’s important to work through his wilfulness and not allow him to get his way (and he will try to get his way). One must keep him motivated to work while not allowing him to run the whole show. The breed is not easy to train, and patience will be required.

Aussies are a relatively healthy breed that tend to have a long lifespan. Living into the teenage years is the norm, with some going up into the late teens. Vet visits are often few and far in between, with many dogs just keeping up with the basic care. This is not to say that health problems are impossible, of course, just that the breed is relatively vigorous. There are not too many genetic defects that plague these terriers, and they are very easy-keepers to boot. Most Aussies also have great appetites and are easy to feed and take care of in general.

The West Highland White Terrier has been called “a lot of dog to handle” by many who own them. Indeed, they are spunky, stubborn and have seemingly endless energy! Even those who have experience with other dogs (other terriers included) are often surprised at the difficulty of living with a Westie… yet still find themselves obtaining more. For despite the almost chaotic nature of the breed, they are charming beyond belief and have huge personalities. People who live with this breed either scramble to re-home the dog (leading to an unfortuate number of Westies in rescue), or instead become completely devoted to these little white dogs.

Some Westies get along great with children while others don’t. The likelihood of them getting along is highly dependent upon the situation. For example – older children (over 10) and well-behaved children are much better matches for life with these terriers. Supervision is also always recommended to ensure that the kids are being fair to the dog. Although the breed is fairly hardy for a small breed, no dog should have to deal with its ears or tail being pulled – and Westies aren’t likely to sit by quietly and let it happen. Finally, the breed doesn’t normally like to be included in a large group of children. They may get frustrated being the center of attention at a huge birthday party, for example.

When it comes to other animals, once again it depends on the situation. How much socialization did they get to other dogs (or cats, or other animals) when they were young? How friendly are their parents and other relatives? How skilled is the owner at introducing them to new things/animals? Many live peacefully with other dogs and cats while others have issues in this area. Other breeds may find the Westie’s play style too rough. Male Westies who have not been neutered are more likely to be aggressive to other intact males.

Some Westies are vocal dogs while others are less so, but all will bark to announce visitors. Furthermore, Westies are high energy dogs and don’t tend to calm down until they have gotten much older. There really is no “waiting a couple of years” for them to slow down. A would-be owner needs to be prepared to spend a lot of time exercising and training the dog, so that the energy can at least be channeled into more productive arenas.

The breed has an independent nature and is usually more interested in exploring (or getting into trouble) than sitting quietly on your lap. Not to say that they can’t be occasional lapdogs… it just isn’t their activity of choice. They are much more into adventure – car rides and other such trips are exciting, and they would much rather go and “do stuff” with you than sit around. While they do enjoy the comforts of the home, they will leap at the chance to explore the backyard, even when it’s dark and freezing outside! This is a great hiking buddy… provided they are kept on a leash. Westies have a very high prey drive and tend to wander away in search of animals to chase (or joggers, or other dogs, etc…).

Westies are highly intelligent, which means that they get bored very easily. It is absolutely imperative to keep their minds engaged and one good way of doing that is with obedience training. Most really enjoy learning and then “showing off” their new skills, so obedience can often be fun for both owner and dog! Teaching them new things is easy – the hard part (for many owners) is keeping up with the necessary practice. All dogs need to practice their obedience skills throughout their life, but Westies who don’t get their regular practice time tend to slip back into disobedient behaviors more quickly.

Fastidiously clean, Westies are easy to housebreak. They may, however, muddy themselves up in the backyard if given the chance – the breed loves to dig! These white dogs were bred to hunt for vermin which means digging is in their genes. It can be difficult to cure this bad habit in many individuals, especially if there actually are critters in your yard! Killing gophers and other small rodents are at the very top of the list when it comes to having fun. Owners may find the remains of the small animals around their yard.

The West Highland White Terrier has been said to be hypoallergenic, as they have low dander. This is good news for people who have allergies! Keep in mind, however, that it is still possible to be allergic to the dog’s saliva. If the allergy is related to dander, many people find they are able to live with this low-shedding breed as long as the coat is kept clean and brushed out. Although hypoallergenic, the coat is not as easy-care as some other breeds. In order to keep the correct texture and have the right look, the breed needs to be hand-stripped every couple of weeks.

Photo By Dtom