Question: How many terrier dogs are there?

Terrier



A terrier is a dog of any one of many breeds or landraces of the terrier type, which are typically small, wiry and fearless. Terrier breeds vary greatly in size from just 1kg (2lb) to over 32kg (70lb) and are usually categorized by size or function. There are five different groups, with each group having several different breeds.
History

Most terrier breeds were de breeds were refined from the older purpose-bred dogs.
The gameness of the early hunting terriers was exploited by using them in sporting contests.  Initially, terriers competed in events such as clearing a pit of rats.  The dog that was fastest in killing all the rats won. In the eighteenth century some terriers were crossed with hounds to improve their hunting, and some with fighting dog breeds to "intensify tenacity and increase courage".[1] Some of the crosses with fighting dogs, Bull and Terrier crosses, were used in the blood sport of dog-fighting.  Modern pet breeds such as the Miniature Bull Terrier are listed by the  Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under Bull type terriers.[2]
Today, most terriers are kept as companion dogs and family pets. They are generally loyal and affectionate to their owners but can be "big characters".
Genetics
Based on a 2006 study, genetic analysis indicates that most terriers fall in the "modern/hunting" cluster of dog breeds developed from the same pool of ancestors in Europe in the 19th century. A few terriers are found in the "mastiff" cluster with Pomeranians, Labrador Retrievers, and other large-headed dogs, and the Tibetan Terrier is found in the older grouping of Asian and African dogs, along with the Pekingese.[3]
Terrier types and groups
In the eighteenth century in Britain, only two types of terriers were recognized, long- and short-legged.[4]  Today, terriers are often informally categorized by size or by function.
Hunting-types are still used to find, track, or trail quarry, especially underground, and sometimes to bolt the quarry.  Modern examples include the Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier.  There are also the short-legged terriers such as the Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier which were also used to kill small vermin.
The original hunting terriers include the fell terrier—breeds developed in northern England to assist in the killing of foxes—and the
hunt terrier—breeds developed in southern England to locate, kill or bolt foxes during a traditional mounted fox hunt.
The various combinations of bulldog and terrier that were used for bull-baiting and dog-fighting in the late nineteenth century, were later refined into separate breeds that combined both terrier and bulldog qualities. Except for the Boston Terrier, they are generally included in kennel clubs' Terrier Group. Breeders have bred modern bull-type terrier breeds, such as the Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, into suitable family dogs and show terriers.
Toy terriers have been bred from larger terriers and are shown in the Toy or Companion group. Included among these breeds are the English Toy Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. While small, they retain true terrier character and are not submissive "lap dogs".
Other descendants of the bull and terrier types, such as the Asian Gull Terrier, are among the dogs still raised for illegal dog-fighting.


Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Short-legged terriers: Scottish Terrier and West Highland White Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Boston Terrier
Airedale Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier

Appearance
Terriers range greatly in appearance from very small, light bodied, smooth coated dogs such as the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan), which weighs as little as 2.7kg (6lb), to the very large rough coated  Airedale Terriers, which can be up to 32kg (70lb) or more.  As of 2004, the United Kennel Club recognized a new hairless breed of terrier derived from the Rat Terrier called the American Hairless Terrier.
Euphamism for pit bull
A pit bull is sometimes referred to as a "terrier" or a "terrier mix" even though a pit bull is far from the size or look of most of the dogs in the terrier group. Although the three predominant breeds of pit bull each have the word "terrier" at the end of their names (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier) an owner usually refers to their own dog as a pit bull, not a terrier. However, in situations where the term "pit bull" may cause a negative response, pit bull owners will sometimes use the term "terrier" when referring to their dog, even if they ordinarily use the term "pit bull" at home or amongst friends. For example, a dog owner seeking a homeowners or rental insurance policy where coverage might be denied because of the dog's breeding, a tenant seeking a lease from a landlord who might not allow pit bulls, or an animal shelter that thinks potential adopters won't choose pit bulls as readily as other breeds. In such cases, the word "terrier" operates as a euphemism for "pit bull".
In media
Dogmatix, the dog that accompanies Asterix and Obelix in the French cartoon of the same name, is a terrier.
See also
Working terriers
Dog type
List of dog types




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