For a lot of folks, the decision to buy a small dog is driven 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 characteristics of larger dogs. For the latter group, who like the temperament of larger dogs but cannot have one, small terrier dogs may be the answer. Small terrier dogs were bred down from regular terriers, so they retain the temperament of their original, vermin-hunting ancestors. They are not at all submissive like a lap dog.
Small terriers are, actually, quite the opposite of submissive. You’ll find them confident, outgoing, willful, and fearless. Because of this they need strong leadership from their owners, so they always know their place in the ‘pack’. Don’t get a terrier if you can’t be firm and assertive when it’s necessary. And you can’t let any situation develop, even in play, when your dog gets to win, even for a moment. – Because most terriers will challenge their owner at some point anyway, even if you do everything right. But if you don’t, you set up some potentially disruptive behaviour in your terrier.
Terriers are lovely dogs. They are affectionate and happy. As long as they’re socialized properly they should be fine with the household cat, although all other cats will be prey. Terriers have a high prey drive, a leftover from the ratting days, so if you have young children and you have or want a terrier, they should not be left alone with each other.
There are a lot of terriers that come in a small size. The breeds are:
- 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 different breeds have their own particular qualities. And the differences extend beyond how they look, to their personality Some breeds require more grooming than others, even within the terrier group. That can be an important consideration when choosing a dog.
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