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Hardy, courageous, and self-sufficient, ancient terrier breeds were expected to hunt, eradicate vermin, guard the home, and serve as entertaining companions. Although they were developed as working dogs, terriers function primarily as companions today. Thanks to their compact sizes, smart appearances, and vivacious personalities, terriers are popular. They can be the perfect choice for owners who have small living spaces, and they make great playmates for active children. Attentive and fearless, they can be brilliant watchdogs. However, a bored or neglected terrier may resort to compulsive barking, digging, or destructive chewing. Without early comprehensive socialization to other dogs, some terriers have the potential to become dog aggressive. Due to their strong predatory instinct, terriers generally cannot be trusted with other small animals in your home.

Earthdog Trials

EARTHDOG TRIALS ARE SPECIALIZED EVENTS FOR dachshunds and terrier breeds that “go to ground” in pursuit of game. The trial involves testing the dog’s hunting aptitude, in this case tracking prey, usually a rabbit or rat safely secured in a cage, through a series of prefabricated tunnels. Dogs become eligible for a series of titles—Junior Earthdog, Senior Earthdog, Master Earthdog—as they complete increasingly complex tests. To learn more about these events, visit http://www.akc.org/events/earthdog/index.cfm or http://www.dirt-dog.com (GTG Tunnels).