Choosing A Small Dog – Terriers

Friday, May 8th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

For many people, the decision to buy a small dog is influenced by the fact that they only have a small backyard, or live in a condo. Yet while lap dogs are very popular these days, there are also those that prefer the temperament of larger dogs. For the latter group, who like the temperament of larger dogs but cannot get one, small terrier dogs are an ideal pet. Small terrier dogs were bred down from regular terriers, so they retain the temperament of their ancestors. They are not at all submissive like a lap dog.

Small terriers are, in fact, quite the opposite of submissive. You'll find them confident, outgoing, willful, and fearless. Because of this they need an owner who knows how to be 'top-dog', so they always know their place in the 'pack'. Don't get a small terrier if you can't be firm and assertive when it's necessary. And you can't allow a situation to develop, even when you're playing, when your terrier gets to win, even for a moment. Most terriers will challenge their owner at some point anyway, even if you do keep the structure of the pack. But if you don't, you set up some potentially disruptive behaviour in your terrier.

Terriers are fantastic dogs. They're affectionate and happy. If they're socialized properly the household cat should be okay, although to a terrier, other cats will always be seen as prey. This is because terriers have a high prey drive, so if you have small kids and you have or want a terrier, they should always be supervised when together.

You can see the many small breed terriers below

Welsh Terrier
Irish Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Border Terrier
Cairn Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Norwich Terrier and Norfolk Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Australian Terrier
Toy Manchester Terrier
Manchester Terrier
Miniature Bull Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Boston Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Though terriers share the common characteristics described, the various breeds have their own unique traits. And the differences extend beyond how they look, to their personality Some breeds do need more grooming compared to others, even within the terrier group. That might also be something to think about when choosing a dog.