Terriers are a group of dogs commonly originally bred for hunting such animals as rabbits, badgers and foxes, which commonly go underground. The terrier would then have to dig them out or locate the animals so the hunter could dig them out.
Terriers are typically tough, brave, courageous energetic dogs and range from small to medium in size. There are a number of different kinds bred specifically for hunting specific animals or coping with differing types of landscape.
Many of the terrier breeds originate from the United Kingdom and some get there names from the areas they were used.
These days most terriers are used as companion pets. Some of the breeds are wire haired, which makes them a popular choice for people who don't want dogs that moult.
The terrier group itself can be split into more categories as follows:
Fighting Terriers such as the Staffordshire Bull terrier bred from Bulldogs and terriers.
Many of these breeds are popular family pets, although some are still bred for the purpose of fighting. Most common of these would be the Pit Bull Terrier.