Terrier breeds are notoriously aggressive with other dogs; they were bred to hunt solo and thus had little need for sociability. Terriers are bred to dig out burrowed animals, which can translate into unwanted digging in your yard or garden. A simple solution to this problem is to create a digging pit for your terrier.
Terrier (from the French word terrier, meaning burrow) is a type of dog originally bred to hunt vermin. A terrier is a dog of any one of many breeds or landraces of the terrier type, which are typically small, wiry, game, and fearless. Terrier breeds vary greatly in size from just 1 kg (2 lb) to over 32 kg (71 lb) and are usually categorized by size or function.
Are all terriers aggressive dogs?
Almost all terriers are aggressive towards other animals (many smaller animals) and mostly hyperactive. Despite the small sizes, terriers can be pretty aggressive and display fearlessness while challenging other animals.
How do I stop my terrier from being aggressive?
These are some tried and true tips that can help prevent the development of aggression in dogs:
Discourage dominant behaviors.
Watch out for signs of resource guarding.
Pay attention to socialization – both with other pets and strangers.
Use positive reinforcement training.
Which terrier is most aggressive?
Bull Terriers and other bull terrier type breeds.
The Bull Terriers (American Pitbull APBT, other Pitbull type dogs) are mostly aggressive. But this is the final result of dog + owner’s handling combination. It would be unfair to classify them as aggressive by birth. Many people own pitbull terriers and raise them that way because they want an aggressive dog.
As a result, over the years terriers have been loyal family companions for a long time, but they’re also one for the most aggressive dog breeds on the planet, and probably, on an average, smallest aggressive dogs too. They’re not the best choice for first time owners who want cuddly pets, but can be fantastic companions for more experienced dog handlers.
Some terrier breeds are not so aggressive. For example, the Rat Terrier: Rat Terriers are not generally aggressive, but aggression can be directed at strangers and animals if they are not properly socialized from a young age. Factors that increase aggressive tendencies include mistreatment, ineffective training methods and subjecting your Rat Terrier to uncomfortable situations.
Generally, if your Terrier is showing aggression, there is a reason for it. In most cases, it’s because they feel threatened or provoked. Like any breed of dog who feels this way, aggression is likely to follow. With that being said, there are other reasons that Terrier breeds may become aggressive as well.
Some terrier breeds are more prone to Rage Syndrome than others. The more appropriate term for Rage Syndrome is Idiopathic aggression, which relates to a condition that has no known cause. As mentioned previously, the condition can be very serious, often leading to aggression in the form of biting or attacking without warning.