Terriers
The Terrier group consists of both big and small dogs, but members of this group more than any other share a common ancestry and similar behavioral traits. Terriers were bred to rid barns and stables of vermin, to dig out unwanted burrowing rodents, and to make themselves generally useful around the stable. Terriers were used in the “poor man’s recreation” of rat killing, especially in England where most of these breeds originated. Upper classes used terriers in foxhunting. They also were bred to fight each other in pits—hence the name pit bulls. During the late 1900s, dogfighting was outlawed in most states and countries of the Western world, and these dogs were thereafter bred for a friendly temperament rather than for aggressiveness.
| name | origin | height in inches* dogs (bitches) | weight in pounds* dogs (bitches) | characteristics | comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram | ||||||
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Airedale Terrier | England | 23 (slightly smaller) | 40–50 (same) | black and tan; wiry, dense coat; well-muscled | noted for its intelligence; used in law enforcement |
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American Staffordshire Terrier | England | 18–19 (17–18) | 40–50 (same) | stocky, muscular build; short ears; pronounced cheek muscles | originally bred for fighting; excellent guard dog |
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Bedlington Terrier | England | 17 (15) | 17–23 (same) | curly, lamblike coat; ears have fur-tasseled tips | originally bred for hunting; noted for its endurance |
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Border Terrier | England | 13 (same) | 13–15.5 (11.5–14) | otterlike head; hard, wiry, weather-resistant coat | excellent watchdog |
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Bull Terrier | England | two sizes: 10–14 and 21–22 | 24–33 and 50–60 | long, egg-shaped head; erect ears; coloured or solid white | athletic breed; playful |
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Cairn Terrier | Scotland | 10 (9.5) | 14 (13) | small-sized but well-muscled; short legs; erect ears; wide, furry face | long-lived |
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Fox Terrier (smooth coat) | England | maximum 15 (slightly smaller) | 18 (16) | folded ears; white with black or black-and-tan markings | noted for its remarkable eyesight and keen nose; also wire-coat variety |
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Jack Russell Terrier | England | two sizes: 10–12 and 12–14 | 11–13 and 13–17 | two varieties: smooth or rough; white with brown, black, or red markings; longer legs than other terriers | developed by the Rev. John Russell for foxhunting; courageous and energetic |
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Kerry Blue Terrier | Ireland | 18–19.5 (17.5–19) | 33–40 (proportionately less) | soft, wavy coat; muscular body; born black but matures to gray-blue | long-lived |
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Miniature Schnauzer | Germany | 12–14 (same) | 13–15 (same) | robust build; rectangular head with thick beard, mustache, and brows | excels in obedience competitions |
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Scottish Terrier | Scotland | 10 (same) | 19–22 (18–21) | small, compact body; short legs; erect ears; black, wheaten, or brindle | also called Scottie; excellent watchdog and vermin controller |
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Sealyham Terrier | Wales | 10 (same) | 23–35 (same) | white coat; short and sturdy | bred for courage and stamina |
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Skye Terrier | Scotland | 10 (9.5) | 24 (same) | long, low body; prick or drop ears; long coat veils forehead and eyes | noted for its loyalty |
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Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier | Ireland | 18–19 (17–18) | 35–40 (30–35) | medium-sized; square outline; soft, silky coat | matures late |
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West Highland White Terrier | Scotland | 11 (10) | 13–19 (same) | small, compact body; rough, wiry coat; small erect ears | originally called Roseneath Terrier; bred white after dark-coloured dog was accidentally shot while hunting |
Terriers, because they had to fit in burrows and dig underground, were bred to stay relatively small, although large breeds are not uncommon. Their coats are usually rough and wiry for protection and require minimum maintenance. Unlike hounds or sporting dogs, which only found or chased their quarry, terriers were often required to make the actual kill as well, giving them a more pugnacious temperament than their size might suggest. They are usually lean with long heads, square jaws, and deep-set eyes. However, as with most breeds, form follows function: terriers that work underground have shorter legs, while terriers bred to work aboveground have squarer proportions. All terriers are active and vocal, naturally inclined to chase and confront.
The small terriers, which were often carried on horseback during foxhunts, were bred to be put to the ground. These dogs have very specific origins. In general, their names reflect the locale where the breed first took shape under the guidance of a small group of dedicated breeders. They are the Australian, Bedlington, border, cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Lakeland, Manchester, miniature schnauzer (of German origin), Norwich, Norfolk, Scottish, Sealyham, Skye, Welsh, and West Highland white. The larger terriers include the Airedale, Irish, Kerry blue, and soft-coated wheaten. In Canada, Lhasa apsos are part of this group. Britain claims the Parson Jack Russell and the Glen of Imaal terriers, both of which are found in the United States but are not registerable with the AKC.
Working dogs
This group of dogs was bred to serve humans in very practical and specific ways. They are the dogs most often associated with guarding, leading, guiding, protecting, pulling, or saving lives. Working dogs range in size from medium to large, but all are robust with sturdy and muscular builds. Working dogs are characterized by strength and alertness, intelligence and loyalty.
| name | origin | height in inches* dogs (bitches) | weight in pounds* dogs (bitches) | characteristics | comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram | ||||||
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Akita | Japan | 26–28 (24–26) | 75–110 or more (same) | large-sized; massive, triangular head; curved tail | originally bred to hunt bears |
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Alaskan Malamute | U.S. | 25 (23) | 85 (75) | strong, well-muscled body; thick, coarse coat; broad head with triangular ears | one of the oldest sled dogs |
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Bernese Mountain Dog | Switzerland | 25–27.5 (23–26) | 88 (same) | large-sized; thick, moderately long coat; black with rust and white markings | originally bred to pull carts and drive cows |
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Boxer | Germany | 22.5–25 (21–23.5) | 60–70 (same) | medium-sized; square body; blunt muzzle; cropped ears, long and tapered | bred from several breeds, including the Great Dane and Bulldog |
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Bullmastiff | England | 25–27 (24–26) | 110–130 (100–120) | well-muscled body; short, dense coat; large, wrinkled head | 60% Mastiff, 40% Bulldog |
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Doberman Pinscher | Germany | 26–28 (24–26) | 60–88 (same) | medium-sized; sleek, muscular body; typically erect ears | intelligent breed; quick learner |
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Great Dane | Germany | not less than 30, 32+ preferred (not less than 28, 30+ preferred) | 120+ (same) | regal appearance; large, powerful body; massive, expressive head | tallest Mastiff breed |
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Great Pyrenees | Asia | 25–32 (same) | 90–125 (same) | massive, rugged build; white coat | bred to be a cattle and sheep guardian; loyal and protective |
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Newfoundland | Canada | 28 (26) | 130–150 (100–120) | large-sized; water-resistant coat; rudderlike tail; webbed feet | noted for its lifesaving abilities, particularly in water |
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Rottweiler | Germany | 24–27 (22–25) | 90–110 (same) | compact, powerful body; black with rust markings | used as a guard dog and police dog |
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Saint Bernard | Switzerland | minimum 27.5 (minimum 25) | 110–200 (same) | large-sized; red and white coat; powerful head | pathfinder and rescue dog |
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Samoyed | Siberia | 21–24 (19–21) | 50–65 (same) | Husky-like; double-coated; white, white and biscuit, cream, or all biscuit in colour | people-oriented breed |
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Siberian Husky | northeastern Asia | 21–24 (20–22) | 45–60 (35–50) | medium-sized; brush tail; small, erect ears | originally called Chukchi |
Among the breeds most often associated with guarding home, person, or property are the Akita, boxer, bullmastiff, Doberman pinscher, giant schnauzer, Great Dane, mastiff, Rottweiler, and standard schnauzer. Dogs bred to guard livestock are the Great Pyrenees, komondor, and kuvasz. In England, Pyrenean mountain dogs are recognized in this group, as are all the herding dogs, and, in Canada, Eskimo dogs are included. Also in the Working group are those dogs bred to pull, haul, and rescue. These include the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian husky, the Samoyed, the Bernese mountain dog, the Portuguese water dog, the Newfoundland, and the St. Bernard. Poodles of the three varieties (standard, miniature, and toy) are part of this group in England, as are several other breeds found in the Non-Sporting group in the United States.