Terrier
Breed Profile
Height
Airedale : 23
Yorkshire: 7 - 8
Weight
Airedale : 50 - 70
Yorkshire: 7
Life Span
Average: 15
Health
health
Hypothyroidism
What is it?
Hypothyroidism is when your pup’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce a normal amount of the thyroid hormone.
Clinical signs:
Sleepiness, reproductive issues, obesity, heat-seeking (get cold easily), coat and skin problems.
Treatment:
Lifelong medication
health
Hip Dysplasia
What is it?
Hip dysplasia is a genetic issue that occurs in the hips and elbows when the ball and socket of the joint are malformed, causing the joint to grate.
Clinical signs:
Avoids climbing stairs or jumping, lameness, pain, loss of muscle mass in the thighs and gaining more muscle in the shoulders, limping/stiffness, swaying gait, smaller range of motion and activity, grating in the affected joint.
Treatment:
Surgery, joint fluid modifiers supplements, weight loss, restricting exercise, glucosamine, and anti-inflammatory medication.
Other risks:
Complications during surgery. Loss of function in joint due to deterioration.
Personality
Playful
They love to run around and play, so they need plenty of exercise.
Active
Many terriers are also very intelligent, so they have active minds that need to be stimulated.
Social
Many breeds are generally friendly with strangers, but they do need to be socialized properly.
Spirited
They are also very spirited and can be stubborn, so you need to have a firm hand and plenty of patience when training them.
Cocky
They can also have a tendency to bully animals that are smaller than they are.
Lifetime Care
Coat
Coats are usually wiry and coarse. Some have short and smooth coats; others can be hairless.
Colors
White, black, and tan.
Hypoallergenic
It varies, but mostly no.
Grooming
Teeth cleaning, ear cleaning, and nail clipping. Some need more regular brushing than others.
Training
Socialization is also a necessary part of training, so your dog knows how to interact with new people and dogs.
Terrier: Dog Breed Information Guide
Terriers come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They are born hunters with lots of energy and drive. If you’re interested in adopting a terrier, there are a lot of breeds to choose from. But before you read up on every terrier breed out there, we have gathered some general information.
Most terriers originate in England, Scotland or Ireland. They were popular dogs that would generally be used for hunting. Each breed was intended to hunt certain prey.
After terriers began to come over to America with British immigrants, new breeds appeared, like the rat terrier or American hairless terrier. As time went on, this breed group became more popular as household pets. Their personalities developed to be more sweet and loving.
Here at Spot Pet Insurance, we understand how important it is for you and your pet to suit each other. Terriers are fun dogs to have around, but they require that you or your family have a lot of time to provide them with the care they need. Let’s talk about it.
What are some terrier breeds?
There are many terrier breeds, from large dogs to small dogs. There are some with smooth hair and others with rough hair. Some terriers have short hair; others can have really long hair.
Regardless of the kind of terrier you choose, family pets in this dog breed tend to have somewhat similar dispositions. Some may be more laid back than others. Here are a few of the most notable terrier breeds:
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
What is the personality of terriers like?
Terriers may have a wide range of looks, but their personalities tend to be similar across the breed. Of course, every dog is individual. They might be more or less like a typical terrier, but most terriers have some similar qualities.
Do terriers get along with their owners?
Terriers love being around their family, although some can be more clingy than others. They love playing and prefer to lead an active life. They also need plenty of attention. If they lack enough exercise or attention, you can expect to find chewed-up shoes or holes in the yard.
How calm and cooperative are terriers?
Terriers tend to be energetic breeds. After all, chasing rats and mice requires a high energy level. They are also very spirited and can be stubborn, so you need to have a firm hand and plenty of patience when training them.
Because of their instinct to hunt, terriers tend to be pretty confrontational. They can bark quite a bit. However difficult they may be at times, terriers make up for it by being loyal and loving.
How are terriers around kids?
If you have kids or nieces and nephew coconut should I pop over ass, you are probably concerned about how well your future pup will do around kids.
Although it depends on the breed, terriers usually enjoy playing with children. They have the energy to keep up with your kids if they need to. However, some breeds are better at playing with children than others, like the rat terrier.
Do terriers do well around other dogs?
Maybe you’re already a pet parent with a bunch of lovable pups at home or know of a fantastic dog park nearby that you can’t wait to take your pup to. Either way, you’ll be wondering how well terriers do with other dogs.
As a general rule, it’s always best to socialize your pup by introducing them to other dogs, people and places. If you decide to adopt a small terrier, it’s better to take them to a dog park specifically for small dogs.
Because terriers are a bit cocky, they may not get along well with other dogs, at least at first. They can also have a tendency to bully animals that are smaller than they are. If you are a pet parent to a rat or mouse, another breed would be better due to the terrier’s history.
How are terriers around strangers?
A terrier’s reaction to strangers will depend on the breed. Many breeds are generally friendly with strangers, but they do need to be socialized properly.
How to care for terriers
What is a terrier’s coat like?
It’s varied, but their coats are usually wiry and coarse. Some have short and smooth coats, others can be hairless. They are usually low shedding.
How to be the best pet parent for a terrier
One of the most important parts of being a good pet parent is being committed to taking care of your pup or kitty for life. You and your pet need to be a good fit for each other. Otherwise, your pup might get into trouble if they’re lacking something they need.
Every terrier will be a big commitment of time and money, although where your time and money goes depends on the breed.
Basic training and behavior etiquette for your dog
All terriers require some form of training, especially obedience training. It’s important for you to teach them properly, so they can be good members of the family. Many terriers are also very intelligent, so they have active minds that need to be stimulated. Training helps with that.
Commands like sit, stay, come, and heel are always useful, but your terrier might want to learn more tricks as time goes on.
If your dog gets bored, they are more likely to cause trouble. They can show you how frustrated they are. By teaching them a new trick as soon as they earn a new one, you can help them keep their minds active and help them be happy and healthy.
Socialization is also a key part of the training of a terrier. Beginning when they are puppies, they should be introduced to new people, places, and dogs. It should be done slowly at first. By meeting new people, going new places and interacting with other dogs, your terrier will have chances to learn how to properly interact with the world around them.
What type of foods should a terrier never eat?
If you’re hoping to cook food for your pup, or if the terrier you decide on has a tendency to steal things off the kitchen counter, you probably have some concerns about safe foods for your pup. Although some breeds will have more sensitivities than others, all terriers can not eat the foods listed below.
Grain: Terriers have difficulty digesting grain, so you shouldn’t give your pup any foods like wheat or barley.
Yeast: Although yeast isn’t terrible for your pup, terriers are more likely to develop allergies to it.
Soy: This one only really applies to Boston terriers. If your Boston terrier manages to eat some soy, you might find some unpleasant surprises on the floor.
Acidic foods: Again, this only applies to Boston Terriers. They have pretty sensitive stomachs.
Exercising tips to keep your dog to stay fit and healthy
Terriers tend to be very active breeds. They love to run around and play, so they need plenty of exercise. Smaller breeds may not be able to keep up with you if you’re riding a bike or skateboard, but they would love to join you for a walk or play fetch in the backyard.
Larger breeds may be able to join you if you’re on wheels, as long as it’s not car wheels. Both small and large terriers enjoy games or long walks, though.
Terrier life stages
Age ranges for these pups will vary from breed to breed, but there are some things you should be aware of as your pups grow up.
Puppies: The age range depends on the breed. Terrier puppies may be cute, but don’t let their cuteness get in the way of establishing rules for them to follow as they get older. They may have those puppy dog eyes, but they also need to learn to behave.
Adults: The age range depends on the breed. Adults are active dogs and have loads of fun. Just make sure they get enough exercise, and you and your pup should be okay.
Seniors: The age range depends on the breed. As your dog gets older, it’ll probably slow down and take it a bit easier than before. They still need exercise, but maybe not as much as when they were younger.