The Kerry Blue Terrier, as his name might imply, has a very distinctive blue color to his coat. While Kerry puppies are black, as this terrier matures his coat will take on the characteristic blue shade that he is known for. Friendly and outgoing with people, he loves adults and children alike although he has a decidedly different view of other dogs. Like many of his terrier cousins, this breed does not prefer the company of other dogs and can be quick to fight, particularly if both are male. Many Kerrys also do not get along with cats or small animals. In both instances it is possible for them to live harmoniously with other pets (including other dogs) however it is necessary for them to be raised around them when they are puppies.

With children, he takes his role of guardian very seriously and will not hesitate to defend them if danger arises. In fact, the protective instinct of the Kerry is fairly high. He will also serve as a great watchdog, alerting his owners to people who come to the door. Once the owner gives the ok, however, the dog will most likely treat the stranger as a treasured guest. After all, this breed does love meeting new people – after he is certain his own family is safe.

The Kerry is an intelligent dog who needs a job to do in order to keep his mischievousness to a minimum. In his native country of Ireland, not only was he expected to “go to ground” (burrow into animal dens and hunt the inhabitants) he also had several other jobs. Kerrys would herd and protect livestock, retrieve birds, hunt large game and guard the home! This breed has also been used as assistant dogs for the disabled, in search and rescue operations, and even as police dogs! It’s no wonder that these “jack of all trades” need a job… they were bred to be hard-working multi-taskers.

The Kerry Blue Terrier also needs to receive obedience training from a young age, which should continue throughout his life. In a home without structure or rules he will quickly rule the household! For this reason, the Kerry should not be owned by novices. A Kerry owner must be very familiar with how to structure their dog’s home and life. Although intelligent and fast-learning, many Kerrys will only obey when they feel like it. Because they test their limits frequently, an owner must remain calm but persistent while training – being even more stubborn than the dog!

This medium-sized breed can fit into either a house or an apartment as long as his exercise requirements are met. Most can be housebroken easily which is an additional perk for apartment-dwellers worried about their cleaning deposits. As far as exercise requirements, the Kerry has a medium activity level and will need to be walked or jogged on a daily basis. By no means should someone buy a Kerry and expect it to be an outside-only dog, this breed is social and must be inside with the family. Besides, these terriers are diggers and can quickly create caverns in the backyard.

The coat of the Kerry is soft and non-shedding, as well as being hypoallergenic for many allergy sufferers. In addition, as long as the coat is taken care of he shouldn’t have a strong dog odor. This said, taking care of this high maintenance coat will take a lot of work. He will need to be brushed and groomed on a regular basis, include a monthly scissoring. As well as brushing the coat out several times a week, an owner must inspect it for burrs, twigs and other fragments – the curly coat will grab anything and everything.

Photo By Pleple2000

The Wire Fox Terrier is an active, feisty little dog originally bred to hunt foxes in the British Isles. Although he is happy in the home and a great companion and lap-dog, he definitely needs to be given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. With a mischievous temperament, he enjoys making up his own games which may or may not please his owners. The more bored he gets, the more he will try to make his own fun, which usually results in destructive behaviors. With a low threshold for boredom, it is important that his owners see to it that his mental needs are met!

Friendly with people of all ages, the Wire Fox certainly exudes a cheerful demeanor most of the time. He is loyal and devoted to his family, as well as being affectionate. Good with kids, he loves to be “in the middle of the action”, and enjoys active children who will play ball with him. A caveat should be made for young children, such as toddlers… the Wire Fox may be too energetic for them. As with all dogs and children, supervision is absolutely recommended.

The Wire Fox is a very bold little terrier, ready to rush into any situation at a moment’s notice. Sometimes this courageous streak can lead him into dangerous encounters, which means that would-be owners need to keep him out of harm’s way! Some examples of his misplaced enthusiasm can include chasing bikes or cars, running after dangerous animals, and trying to start fights with dogs much bigger than himself.

The Wire is not a needlessly yappy dog although they will bark if they hear a strange sound. People that live in apartments or other areas where there is a lot of activity may find that their Wire Fox makes a lot of noise. This said, other members of the breed will become accustomed to the constant sounds around them and will remain fairly quiet dogs. It really does depend, although the majority of Wire Fox Terriers are not considered nuisance barkers.

As with many terriers, the Wire does not shed however he will still need to have his coat taken care of regularly. People with show dogs will have their coats “stripped” several times a year, which is a painless process for the dog but time-consuming for the owner. If preferred, a pet owner can simply keep the coat clippered, although the color and texture of the coat will become soft and dull compared to a coat which has been stripped. The coat of the Wire is unique in that, if one tries to part the coat, the skin underneath cannot be seen! This is due to the density of the coat and gives indication to the importance of keeping it combed out and/or stripped or clippered.

Many Wire Fox Terriers do not get along with other dogs, whether living with them or not. This aggression can also extend to other animals such as cats or even critters living outdoors. The trait is not surprising considering that they were bred to be hunting dogs – and many take their jobs very seriously! This said, it is possible (and recommended) to socialize them as puppies among other dogs. With the right amount of socialization (plus the right genetics), some Wires will live amiably with other dogs – although cats and small creatures are usually still fair game.

While a big yard can provide a lot of space for a Wire to run and play in, be aware that most love to dig! Some people find it helpful to designate a “digging spot” such as in a sandbox, although this may or may not work with this breed. Supervising them while they are outside generally yields the best results for eliminating problem digging behaviors, and can also be helpful in other areas as well – the Wire is known to be an escape artist and can jump, climb, and dig under fences. Keeping an eye on them is often key to having them be well-behaved in the yard.

The Wire Fox is an intelligent dog with an independent nature. They are very trainable, but would-be owners should be aware that they cannot be trained in the same way as a Border Collie or a Lab. Rather than anticipating what the trainer might want, many Wire Fox Terriers are interested in “what’s in it for me?” With a dominant streak and an occasional reactive nature, this breed needs to be taught with the right mix of “fun but firm”. Wires that are not taught any obedience, and who live with owners who don’t set down house rules, often end up with nasty behavior issues.

Photo By State Farm

The Parson Russell Terrier is known to many as the Jack Russell Terrier. Same breed, although with a somewhat-recent name change! These high-energy dogs will keep most people on their toes and are only recommended for those who have the time (and energy) to devote to them. With a high prey drive and sharp instinct to hunt, they tend to thrive with the “outdoorsy types” who can offer them physical and mental stimulation in the form of regular outings. A fenced yard is very much recommended, as these little guys will be off their properties the second they see a squirrel or rabbit to chase!

Perhaps the number one adjective to describe the Parson is “active”. Some people purchase one of these terriers thinking that it is a small dog and therefore won’t require very much work. Nothing could be further from the truth! It is best to think of this breed as a large dog in a small body… having the same exercise needs as many athletic large breeds do. It takes a lot to wear out a Parson Russell! Furthermore, many remain active even when reaching older ages. As this breed can live to 15 years or longer, that is a long commitment to make for many people. The unfortunate side effect is that many Parson Russells end up in shelters or rescue groups because their owners had no idea what they were getting themselves into.

The Parson also requires a job (or several jobs) to do so that he doesn’t get bored and subsequently destructive. Obedience training is a great outlet, as are other dog sports such as agility and flyball. To satisfy their hunting instincts, many owners compete with their dogs in earthdog and barnhunt events. This breed will always have a desire to hunt but providing them with healthy outlets (like earthdog) will help to keep them mentally stable and fulfilled.

Affectionate with their owners, the Parson especially loves to play… and play… and play! The majority of these dogs don’t seem to come with an “off switch” and particularly enjoy spending all of this active time with those they know and love. This means that if a Parson had the choice between playing with a ball on their own or playing fetch with their owner they would choose their owner every single time. This can occasionally be an inconvenience for someone trying to get work done at home! As long as someone is at home most of the time, however, this should at least satisfy the Parson’s need for companionship. This breed absolutely cannot be left at home for very long periods of time. If not crated, many can become very destructive when bored – separation anxiety can be a major issue with this breed!

The Parson is also outgoing with new people, and many act as though they’ve never met a stranger in their life! They also love children, although will not tolerate any rough handling. A household with very young children or toddlers should wait until the child grows up a few years before introducing a Parson Russell into their home.

This breed is undoubtably clever, often seen in performance competition events of all types. This said, they are also independent, bold and assertive. If they don’t want to do something, they’ll certainly let you know about it! They will often continuously test their limits throughout their lives, whether in training or just day-to-day life. They must be given rules and those rules must be consistently reinforced so that they don’t end up ruling the household! In extreme cases, the Parson can show aggressive behavior to their owners if never given structure and boundaries.

Some Parsons can become overly possessive of people, places and things that they consider to be “theirs”. This behavior must be stopped at the first sign of it happening. A dog who is trained is less likely to show this behavior, but if they do it is easier to halt it if rules have already been put in place.

Many Parsons do not get along well with other dogs, nor do they live amiably with cats, birds or other small animals. Their exceptionally strong hunting instincts mean that they see small animals as prey, and can injure or possibly end up killing a beloved family pet. When it comes to other dogs, Parsons are fearless and love to fight, especially if the other dog is the same sex as they are. Many will pick fights with much larger dogs “just because”. They therefore do best living as the only pet in the household, although may fare better if the other dog is of the opposite sex. A person thinking about adding a second Parson to the family would do best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist first in order to determine how to go about the process safely.

The Cesky Terrier is a short-legged, soft-coated terrier breed designed to hunt in the fields as well as fulfill the role of family pet. With an unwavering loyalty to his owners, he does possess certain traits which make him an “easier keep” than other terriers. Intuitive to the moods of his owner, he is more sensitive than many of his terrier cousins. The Cesky is also a playful, fun-loving breed in the home without the intensity or feistiness that terriers are often known for.

Although people-loving (and occasionally attention-seeking), the Cesky can be shy and reserved around strangers and may take a while to warm up to them. Early socialization is key to make sure that they don’t become overly fearful of strangers or new situations. Most are good dogs in homes with children. Many also live quite amiably with other dogs as long as they were raised with them. Some Ceskys are less trustworthy with canine companions and need to be supervised. As far as small pets, the breed may be ok with cats (if raised with them) but will always consider hamsters and mice as snacks!

Very intelligent and possessing an excellent memory,  the Cesky is certainly trainable – especially if the trainer has food! Most are of the opinion that they will work as long as there is something in it for them – and food is a great motivator! This said… the amount of food given during training must be watched as this breed does have a tendency to gain weight. As trainers, we believe that food treats should be gradually reduced as training goes on anyway, and eventually given on a random schedule. Despite being relatively obedient, many Cheskys have a stubborn streak and will need firm (not harsh) handling.

This breed does have a medium amount of energy and will need daily exercise. With his sense of adventure, he is usually up for anything! Once bred as a multi-purpose hunter – retrieving small game, going to ground, as well as blood-trailing – this is a courageous dog who really needs to be outside and participate in activities. Any type of exercise that can mimic his original purpose would be ideal, although Ceskys will also settle for a game of fetch or a short hike with their owner. Once back at home, however, the Cesky possesses a fairly calm nature. This makes him an ideal companion for many households! He can even live quite comfortably in an apartment as long as his exercise needs are provided for.

Grooming is an important aspect to owning a Cesky Terrier. Their coat will need to be shaved into the particular Cesky pattern in order for them to look like the dogs in the show ring. The longer hair should be brushed out regularly 3 or 4 times a week to keep from matting. This breed does not shed, which is not to say that they never lose their coat. Instead, the hair comes out and gets caught in other hair, which then causes mats. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that this breed is brushed on a regular basis!

Not a breed to be left at home alone for long periods of time, the Cesky may become destructive if bored. Some will become nuisance barkers. This breed needs companionship throughout the day and many can’t take the 8-hour workday if they are left home alone the entire time. An alternative option – take your Cesky with you! This breed is excellent in the car and loves traveling to new places, assuming that you take him to dog-friendly establishments.

Some Cesky Terriers are known for counter-surfing (they are small, yet their long bodies certainly afford them a high reach when standing on hind legs)! Others have issues with consuming non-food items such as the stuffing from toys. Both of these habits can be dangerous and training is recommended to stop or limit these behaviors. Supervision is necessary while the dog is still learning. Do you own a Cesky Terrier? Are you looking for a dog trainer in the Austin, TX area? Call us today and tell us about your dog!

Photo By Pleple2000

The Border Terrier is an unassuming dog in appearance, but what he lacks in pizzazz he makes up for in personality. Loving and affectionate with adults and children alike, he generally loves to please. With strangers he is bouncy and enthusiastic. In contrast, when he is working (hunting), he is courageous and without fear. This duality in temperament is prized by those who own the breed.

Unlike many other terriers, the Border is generally not aggressive to other dogs. This has to do with his history of hunting in packs, particularly with Foxhounds. Hunters needed to be assured that a dog fight would not break loose during a hunt, and so Borders were bred to be amiable with other dogs. This separates the breed from many other terriers, and makes him much easier to own for those with multiple dogs. He also gets along with indoor-only cats (outdoor cats might trigger his prey drive). Smaller pets, like birds or small rodents, will need to be kept clear of the Border Terrier’s reach.

When it comes to ease of training, the Border is considered moderate overall, although easier than most terriers. This has to do with his love of people and his willingness to please. A trainer should realize that the Border is often a sensitive breed and should never use overly harsh corrections – instead, should focus on building him up. Treats work great but watch the calories – Borders can gain weight quickly! When trained properly, this breed is quite smart and very observant. As a trainer, it’s important to watch the cues you are giving to this breed because he might just pick up subtle details – whether you want him to or not – and create his own variation of the commands! Furthermore, he must be trained extensively in distraction-work, as distractions will often get the best of him.

The Border Terrier is an active little dog who needs both regular exercise as well as plenty of interaction with his owner. For a breed that loves people so much, he shouldn’t be owned by those who are never home. Nonetheless, he is not overly needy either, often content just to lay at your side – provided that he is at least 2-3 years old. Puppies and young adolescents have more energy than mature adults and will demand more attention. Mature adults are hardly lethargic, but are able to have calm time interspersed with active time.

A fenced yard is a must for this breed, and since many Borders are escape artists the fence must be secure. Like other terriers, they are fantastic diggers and can be out of their yards in a short period of time. Running fence underground can help with this problem, as can supervising him closely when outside. Similarly, this breed should be kept on leash whenever being taken for a walk – especially if they have not had off-leash training.

Unless he is given little to no stimulation, the Border doesn’t bark constantly and for no reason. However, he might find reason to alert his owner about any change in the environment – from a car driving by to someone at the door. Because of this, his range of barking often depends on the type of home he is living in. A quiet place in the country might elicit less sound from him than if he were living in a busy city environment.

Perhaps more than other dogs, Border Terriers like to chew. Many will tear apart stuffed toys in wild abandon and therefore require one of the more indestructible toys on the market. Some Borders are more destructive than others and will also go after their owner’s furniture and possessions. If you don’t have the time to devote to training, a crate is an almost definite necessity (although training will yield a much happier life with your dog).

This is a healthy and generally long-lived breed, many living upwards of 15 years. If considering owning a Border, make sure you can commit to this long period! Looking for a dog trainer for your Border Terrier? If you are in Travis or Hays county, TX give us a call today!

“Border terrier whiskey” by Multimotyl

The Welsh Terrier is one of the long-legged terrier breeds, always marked with a black and tan coat and always sporting a fiery personality! At first glance he may appear to be a small Airedale Terrier, although his temperament and traits are much different. He usually has less of a “working” personality and more of a hunting persona. Many also have more of an independent nature than the Airedale. That said, they love people and are very outgoing, even with strangers.

Welsh Terriers are known for generally having stable temperaments and are not known for being overly hyper, although they are still terriers and thus should be evaluated as such. They are often considered fearless when compared to other breeds as very little will phase them. Curious and inquisitive, they are often the first to inspect a strange sound or a new object. For this reason, fences are recommended, less they decide to wander right off your property in search of the next interesting thing! They have been known to climb fences and dig out of yards (or even just dig craters in yards), so securing the backyard is a must.

Because they were bred to hunt vermin such as rats (and even larger animals such as badgers), most Welsh Terriers have very high prey drives. Many cannot be trusted around cats for this reason. Additionally, dog-to-dog aggression is not uncommon with this breed. The Welsh Terrier generally does best as the only pet in the household, although they might play and act nice with other dogs outside of their property (as long as they have been socialized extensively). As far as children go, they can make great companions for kids… as long as the kid is not very young. It is best to wait until your child is past the toddler stage before considering adding this breed to your household.

The exercise needs of the Welsh Terrier are generally low, although they are usually up for the challenge if their owner feels like taking them on a long jog or hike! As such, they can do well with all manner of activity levels, as long as they are getting at least some exercise. At home, they are normally happy to lie on the couch or on your bed. Whether or not you want to allow that behavior is up to you, but as dog trainers, we normally advise to curb against letting dogs up on furniture, especially if there are any dominance problems or other behavior issues. In particular, if your Welsh Terrier shows signs of guarding food or toys (another trait of the breed), it is best to establish household rules and boundaries. 

The Welsh Terrier has often been called stubborn, but can also easily be called naturally dominant. Many have a “strong character” that can turn into something more if the dog is allowed to get away with whatever they want. Training is recommended for all dogs, but especially important for strong-willed breeds such as the Welsh Terrier. It is important to be firm, yet fair, when training this breed. Consistency is key, as well as making sure that you are training with a confident demeanor.

The Welsh Terrier, as an adult, does not shed. This makes him a great choice for the fastidiously clean. However, the dead undercoat will need to be pulled out by brush and/or by stripping the coat regularly.

This breed can make a very good watchdog, alerting to the first sign of a person at the door. For some owners, however, they may bark just a little too much… Overall, this breed is a favorite among his followers but most of them will be quick to point out that it takes a certain type of person to own a Welsh Terrier. For those who are up for the challenge, however, they may find that they have stumbled upon the best dog they have ever owned. Looking for a dog trainer for your Welsh Terrier? If you are in Travis or Hays county, TX give us a call today!

The Scottish Terrier, like most terrier breeds, is a strong-willed little dog with a lot of personality! Intelligent with an extremely independent streak, the Scottie knows how to get what he wants.

Obedience training is definitely recommended to teach him the rules of your house… and keep you sane. After all, Scotties without any training can be difficult to live with. That said, the breed can also be challenging to train not only because they are strong-willed, but also sensitive. There is a fine line between giving him too little correction, and giving him too much correction. A skilled trainer should be able to find that line and help him to learn by encouragement and guidance. Scotties do have a great desire to please, however, so once he gets the hang of it he is capable of learning all sorts of new skills! Scottish Terriers all over the country compete in events such as earthdog, agility, conformation, obedience, rally, and cgc.

Scotties are a fairly active breed that need to be walked on a regular basis. Because of their short legs, they do not make good jogging companions, but a daily walk is very beneficial to them. It is highly recommended that Scottie owners have fully-fenced yards, with fencing set up so that the dog cannot dig out. These little hunting dogs have very strong prey drives and will run or dig out of your yard at the first sign of a small animal! A fenced yard will keep him safe and secure.

Pools should also be fully fenced, as a Scottie that leaps into water is not generally a good swimmer. The same goes for leashes. He must be on a leash at all times to curtail his strong hunting drive. It should also be noted that if another dog comes racing up to him to fight, he will definitely accept the challenge and will fight to the death. Therefore, keeping him on a leash allows you to keep him close enough to grab him should a fight break out!

The breed has an aloof temperament with strangers, but are attached and loyal to their families. Not an overly affectionate dog, they show their love by laying at your feet rather than consuming you with kisses. It is for this reason that they are considered to have “dignified” personalities. Although most love to be outside, the breed is not an outside-only dog. He thrives on human companionship and does not do well if left alone. This also includes him being left alone in the house for long periods of time. A lonely Scottie can quickly turn into a destructive Scottie!

Scottish Terriers can live happily alongside children, but only as long as the children are slightly older and fully understand the correct way to treat a dog. Younger kids aren’t generally a good match, as they tend to pull tails and poke at eyes, and Scotties will not put up with that treatment. Most Scotties do well with other pets, however the likelihood of a good relationship often depends on them being raised around other animals from puppyhood.

While they are not guard dogs, they make decent watch dogs. They tend to bark quite freely, especially if they feel like someone or something is trying to come onto their property.

Grooming is an important aspect of care in the Scottish Terrier. He doesn’t shed in the same way that other dogs do and should be kept brushed out, as well as stripped (undercoat pulled out) in order to stay comfortable. This is especially important in Texas’ hot climate! All in all, the Scottish Terrier is an independent, tenacious yet dignified, loving dog. Prospective owners should be aware of his quirks and his needs before choosing to buy. For the right person, however, he can be a great companion and a loyal member of the family.

“A Scottish Terrier” by narujen