Terrier - Terrier Types and Groups

Terrier Types and Groups

In the 18th century in Britain, only two types of terriers were recognized, long- and short-legged.

Today, terriers are often informally categorized by size or by function:

• Working terriers (Hunting types): Still used to find, track, or trail quarry, especially underground, and sometimes to bolt the quarry. Modern examples include the Jack Russell Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier. The original types of hunting terriers include
  • Fell terriers: breeds developed in northern England to assist in the killing of foxes, and
  • Hunt terriers: breeds developed in southern England to locate and kill or bolt foxes during a traditional mounted fox hunt.

• Toy terriers: Bred "down" from larger terriers, these terriers are shown in the Toy or Companion group. Included among these breeds are the English Toy Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. While small, they retain true terrier character and are not submissive "lap dogs".

• Bull type Terriers: The Bull and Terrier types were originally combinations of bulldogs and terriers as general mixed breed bull-baiting and pit dogs. In the late 19th century, they were refined into separate breeds that combined terrier and bulldog qualities. Except for Boston Terriers, they are generally included in kennel clubs' Terrier Group. Some breeders have bred modern Bull type terrier breeds, such as the Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, into suitable family dogs and show terriers. These breeds and other descendants of the Bull and Terrier types, such as the Asian Gull Terr, are among the dog breeds still raised for illegal dog fighting.