Common terrier breed traits 

We’re big fans of terriers at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. These bouncy wee guys were mainly bred to catch small vermin such as rats, rabbits and weasels, and this is reflected in some of their common breed traits today. 

When we talk about an animal’s breed traits, these can sometimes be seen as problem behaviours when in fact they’re completely natural and normal. Giving a dog safe outlets for their traits as well as plenty of exercise is incredibly important for their health and wellbeing.  

Common terrier breeds  

There are a number of terrier breeds, some of the most common include: 

• Jack Russel Terriers  
• Yorkshire Terriers  
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers 
• Border Terriers  
• West Highland Terriers  

Terrier breed traits  

Of course, every dog has their own personality, but on the whole terriers are known for being energetic and feisty. 

If you’re considering rehoming a terrier, you should consider if these common traits are compatible with your lifestyle. 

Exercise  

They may be small, but don’t be fooled, terriers still need as much exercise and stimulation as a bigger dog would. Although it can vary, terriers generally have moderate to high energy levels and need plenty of exercise and walks.  

They’re likely to enjoy sniffing and exploring out on longer walks as well as short bursts of high-intensity playtime chasing after a ball or toy in the park.  

Grooming 

Short-haired terrier breeds such as Staffordshire bull terriers will require very little grooming however breeds like Yorkshire terriers, their longer-haired cousins, will benefit from regular brushing a few times a week as well as trips to a professional groomer. It’s important to consider the financial aspect of this care when considering rehoming a terrier.   

You may need to work with them to create positive experiences with being groomed as we often see dogs who don’t like it.  

Hand-stripping is a recommended grooming method for wiry-coated terriers like the Border Terrier. This method involves manually pulling out the dead, outer layer of hair and is said to maintain the integrity of their coat. This should be done by a professional groomer no more than twice a year.  

Training 

Because of their breed origins, terriers are smart dogs who need a lot of mental stimulation. Although their strong-minded nature can make them a little tricky to train!  

Because of their origins as hunting dogs, it’s vitally important that you train their recall skills so you can trust them to return to you even if they’ve caught a really interesting scent. 

Terriers love to hunt and chase, so they might enjoy playing with obstacle courses that include tunnels and opportunities to sniff out hidden treats.  

Flirt poles are a toy similar to a cat wand, which you can use to trigger a dog’s prey drive while playing, giving them a chance to chase, stalk and pounce safely.  

Terriers will also likely enjoy joining a local Barn Hunt group. This is a new sport which mimics hunting for rats or vermin in a barn and will provide fantastic stimulation to a feisty terrier! 

Health  

Terriers are generally hardy breeds, but some pedigree breeds can suffer from a range of common health issues, including:  

• Luxating patella – kneecaps slipping out of place 
• Dental problems 
• Bladder stones  
• Dry eye  
• Atopy – hypersensitivity to allergens, causing itching skin 

When rehoming any dog, it’s important to speak to the people who’ve been caring for them to understand the individual dog’s medical history and requirements. 

Ready to rehome a terrier? 

Keep an eye on our rehoming pages for any terrific terriers ready to join your family!