People familiar with this Group invariably comment on the distinctive terrier personality. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters.
[...terriere er en gruppe hunder viss morfologi og anatomi har en rekke fellestrekk, men der størrelsen varierer mye. de fleste rasene er populære og kjær...]
Vokst fram som jakthund (hihund) i grensetraktene mellom England og Skottland på 1800 tallet. Ble brukt til å jage rever ut av hiene. Ble godkjent som egen rase i 1921.