Foxes prey on poultry, lambs, piglets and ground-nesting birds. While poisons are commonly used to control rats, they are dangerous to pets, farmyard animals and other wildlife, and must be used with great care. They tend to work slowly, and there is no doubt rats suffer considerably. Mink are difficult to trap and almost impossible to shoot the use of terriers enables them to be controlled more efficiently and humanely. The Working Terrier A working terrier should be willing and able to go to ground to locate its quarry and this will dictate its body size and shape.
Size varies according to the type of work the terrier is required for.
Small terriers are used for drains, whilst longer legged terriers are used for rocky holes. Colour is a personal preference, but a thick dense coat is preferable as it keeps the terrier warm in conditions that may be both cold and damp. A working terrier needs a good scenting nose and a good voice. A terrier that will tackle rats or hunt rabbits above ground also comes under the definition of 'working'. The use of terriers in the control of foxes, rabbits, rats and mink is a natural and necessary activity.