The word Terrier derives from the Latin Terre, which means earth. Thus Terriers are dogs bred to root out and kill vermin such as badgers, woodchucks, foxes, weasels, rats, etc. There are 26 breeds in the Terrier Group, ranging in size from the Australian, Miniature Schnauzer, and Cairn which are the smallest, to the Airedale, the largest in this group.
All terriers must be strong-boned, well-muscled and robust, regardless of size and, contrary to popular belief, they should NOT have straight shoulders! The chief characteristics of all the terrier breeds are their indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to home and family.
