Totally Terriers
If you're looking for a fuzzy-faced canine companion, you can't go wrong with a terrier! Friendly, spirited and lively, terriers come in a variety of sizes and personality types. Take this quiz to find the breed that suits your lifestyle, whether that's just the two of you lounging in a small, metropolitan apartment or an entire brood woofin' it up in a spacious suburban home.
Parson Russell terriers are known for:
their abundant energy
their instinctive hunting nature
their agreeable dispositions
all of the above
They may look cute and innocent, but Parson Russell terriers (also known as Jack Russells) are always on the hunt. They'll go after just about anything, from small woodland creatures to inner-city rodents. Of course, they also make sweet and loving pets — just don't expect them to live life lying down. They're energetic little dogs who require frequent exercise.
True/False: All terriers have thick, wiry coats that need frequent brushing and maintenance.
true
false
While many breeds have coarse, wiry coats that need frequent grooming, some terriers, like the miniature bull and smooth fox terrier, have short coasts that hardly require any maintenance.
When it comes to hunting, terriers typically:
would rather play with a ball
don't really have the instinct for it
will relentlessly pursue their backyard prey
give up the chase easily
If it's one thing terriers like to do, it's hunt! While Norfolk and Scottish terriers are more likely to chase than other breeds, most terriers are always on the lookout for prospective prey. Whether you live in the city or your dog prowls a large farm, if you have a terrier, odds are that he'll relentlessly pursue (and catch) almost any running, hopping or burrowing varmint he sees.
Miniature bull terriers are known for their:
goofy personalities
independence
laziness
all of the above
Miniature bull terriers are the dog version of clowns. Although their stocky bodies and muscular frames might make them seem unfriendly, these lovable pooches just want to goof off all the time. The breed is great with kids, but they become so attached to their families that they don't do well when left alone. Every clown needs an audience, right?
True/False. Most terriers require daily exercise.
true
false
Most terriers have a lot of energy, which means they need plenty of exercise to remain happy and healthy. They have to get out the energy somehow, so unless you want your shoes to get some custom-designed teeth marks, you should walk (or run) with your terrier daily.
Terriers often don't get along well with small, non-canine pets because:
they get jealous
they mistake the other pets as prey
they dislike other animals
they don't like sharing space
Terriers have strong hunting instincts, so many breeds don't get along very well with other pets that aren't dogs, especially fully grown, mature terriers. Rodents such as pet mice, guinea pigs and hamsters are often mistaken as game, and some terriers, like the Kerry blue, have even been known to seek out cat-snacks, and yes, we're talking about cats themselves, not manufactured feline treats.
Besides being friendly and intelligent, miniature schnauzers are:
known for their unique, distinguished appearance
are often timid
are mischievous
all of the above
If this member of the terrier group is known for anything, it's the schnauzer's respectable looks. These dapper doggies sport an outer coat of course, wiry hair and an undercoat of soft fur, which, when combined with the breed's noble face, grant these pooches a regal, but still cuddly, appearance.
When left outside for the afternoon, most terriers will:
curl up and go to sleep
dig
chase their tails
wait by the door until you let them in
Yes, terriers are doggy diggers! Since several types of terriers' prey burrow, your dog will gladly excavate your backyard if given the opportunity. Basic training and preventive measures will work for most breeds. However, the instinct is especially strong in wire fox, Lakeland and smooth fox terriers, so there's a good chance your flower garden may be sacrificed by the time you get these pups' dirty paws under control.
Norfolk terriers:
do well in spacious rural environments with lots of children and other animals
are well-suited for smaller urban environments with a single owner
thrive in suburban homes with one or two children
all of the above
If the Norfolk terrier is anything, it's versatile. This small, sturdy dog can be happy just about anywhere, and he enjoys spending time alone with his master as much as playing with a group of children or other dogs. Of course, like all terriers, frequent exercise is important, and he probably won't make nice with your hamster, but as long as this little dog is loved and cared for, he can adapt to almost any environment.
True/False: Terriers generally make good watchdogs
true
false
If it's one characteristic that all terriers share, it's loyalty. Terriers love their owners, and they're always on the lookout for potential threats. You can always count on terriers to let you know when something — or someone — isn't right.
Correct
Litter Runt: Your heart's in the right place, but you've still got a lot to learn about terriers. You may want to consider practicing your animal-owning skills with a pet rock before bringing a new puppy home.
Correct
Average Pup: You know something about terriers, but you shouldn't expect your new dog to follow your lead just yet.
Correct
Pick of the Litter: You sure know your terriers! You're knowledgeable enough that any and every terrier breed will roll over for you.
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