Terriers come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. These little dogs love being around their family, although some can be more clingy than others. They love playing and prefer to lead an active life. They also need plenty of attention.
What is it?
Hypothyroidism is when your pup’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce a normal amount of the thyroid hormone.
% Dogs affected:
Unknown
Clinical signs:
Sleepiness, reproductive issues, obesity, heat-seeking (get cold easily), coat and skin problems.
Treatment:
Lifelong medication
Other risks:
Unknown
Amount a Spot accident & illness plan would cover*
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been met.
$25 p/m
90% = $270/yr
80% = $240/yr
70% = $210/yr
What is it?
Hip dysplasia is a genetic issue that occurs in the hips and elbows when the ball and socket of the joint are malformed, causing the joint to grate.
% Dogs affected:
Varies depending on breed.
Clinical signs:
Avoids climbing stairs or jumping, lameness, pain, loss of muscle mass in the thighs and gaining more muscle in the shoulders, limping/stiffness, swaying gait, smaller range of motion and activity, grating in the affected joint.
Treatment:
Surgery, joint fluid modifiers supplements, weight loss, restricting exercise, glucosamine, and anti-inflammatory medication.
Other risks:
Complications during surgery. Loss of function in joint due to deterioration.
$2400
90% = $2160
80% = $2160
70% = $1680
Playful
They love to run around and play, so they need plenty of exercise.
Active
Many terriers are also very intelligent, so they have active minds that need to be stimulated.
Social
Many breeds are generally friendly with strangers, but they do need to be socialized properly.
Spirited
They are also very spirited and can be stubborn, so you need to have a firm hand and plenty of patience when training them.
Cocky
They can also have a tendency to bully animals that are smaller than they are.
Coat
Coats are usually wiry and coarse. Some have short and smooth coats; others can be hairless.
Colors
White, black, and tan.
Hypoallergenic
It varies, but mostly no.
Grooming
Teeth cleaning, ear cleaning, and nail clipping. Some need more regular brushing than others.
Training
Socialization is also a necessary part of training, so your dog knows how to interact with new people and dogs.
Lifetime Care Cost:
Terriers come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They are born hunters with lots of energy and drive. If you’re interested in adopting a terrier, there are a lot of breeds to choose from. But before you read up on every terrier breed out there, we have gathered some general information.
Most terriers originate in England, Scotland or Ireland. They were popular dogs that would generally be used for hunting. Each breed was intended to hunt certain prey.
After terriers began to come over to America with British immigrants, new breeds appeared, like the rat terrier or American hairless terrier. As time went on, this breed group became more popular as household pets. Their personalities developed to be more sweet and loving.
Here at Spot Pet Insurance, we understand how important it is for you and your pet to suit each other. Terriers are fun dogs to have around, but they require that you or your family have a lot of time to provide them with the care they need. Let’s talk about it.
There are many terrier breeds, from large dogs to small dogs. There are some with smooth hair and others with rough hair. Some terriers have short hair; others can have really long hair.
Regardless of the kind of terrier you choose, family pets in this breed of dog tend to have somewhat similar dispositions. Some may be more laid back than others. Here are a few of the most notable terrier breeds:
Terriers may have a wide range of looks, but their personalities tend to be similar across the breed. Of course, every dog is individual. They might be more or less like a typical terrier, but most terriers have some similar qualities.
Terriers love being around their family, although some can be more clingy than others. They love playing and prefer to lead an active life. They also need plenty of attention. If they lack enough exercise or attention, you can expect to find chewed-up shoes or holes in the yard.
Terriers tend to be energetic breeds. After all, chasing rats and mice requires a high energy level. They are also very spirited and can be stubborn, so you need to have a firm hand and plenty of patience when training them.
Because of their instinct to hunt, terriers tend to be pretty confrontational. They can bark quite a bit. However difficult they may be at times, terriers make up for it by being loyal and loving.
If you have kids or nieces and nephews, you are probably concerned about how well your future pup will do around kids.
Although it depends on the breed, terriers usually enjoy playing with children. They have the energy to keep up with your kids if they need to. However, some breeds are better at playing with children than others, like the rat terrier.
Maybe you’re already a pet parent with a bunch of lovable pups at home or know of a fantastic dog park nearby that you can’t wait to take your pup to. Either way, you’ll be wondering how well terriers do with other dogs.
As a general rule, it’s always best to socialize your pup by introducing them to other dogs, people and places. If you decide to adopt a small terrier, it’s better to take them to a dog park specifically for small dogs.
Because terriers are a bit cocky, they may not get along well with other dogs, at least at first. They can also have a tendency to bully animals that are smaller than they are. If you are a pet parent to a rat or mouse, another breed would be better due to the terrier’s history.
A terrier’s reaction to strangers will depend on the breed. Many breeds are generally friendly with strangers, but they do need to be socialized properly.
It’s varied, but their coats are usually wiry and coarse. Some have short and smooth coats; others can be hairless. They are usually low shedding.
One of the most important parts of being a good pet parent is being committed to taking care of your pup or kitty for life. You and your pet need to be a good fit for each other. Otherwise, your pup might get into trouble if they’re lacking something they need.
Every terrier will be a big commitment of time and money, although where your time and money goes depends on the breed.
Because there are so many breeds of terriers, the cost to adopt or care for one will vary depending on the breed. Bigger dogs may cost more than smaller dogs; pooches with longer hair can cost more than those with shorter hair.
Even though we can’t tell you the exact price of the terrier breed you’ll choose in this article, we can provide some of the average prices to provide for a pup.
Adoption fee: Varies from breed to breed
[Expense: first year, following years]
Food: $900
Water/food bowls: $20
Treats and toys: $250
Collars: $40
Leashes: $20
Dog bed and crate: Varies depending on size
Vaccines and routine care: $1500
Heartworm and flea prevention: Varies depending on size of dog
Total (minus costs that depend on size): $2730
If you’re hoping to cook food for your pup, or if the terrier you decide on has a tendency to steal things off the kitchen counter, you probably have some concerns about safe foods for your pup. Although some breeds will have more sensitivities than others, all terriers can not eat the foods listed below.
Terriers tend to be very active breeds. They love to run around and play, so they need plenty of exercise. Smaller breeds may not be able to keep up with you if you’re riding a bike or skateboard, but they would love to join you for a walk or play fetch in the backyard.
Larger breeds may be able to join you if you’re on wheels, as long as it’s not car wheels. Both small and large terriers enjoy games or long walks, though.
Age ranges for these pups will vary from breed to breed, but there are some things you should be aware of as your pups grow up.
Puppies: Age range depends on breed. Terrier puppies may be cute, but don’t let their cuteness get in the way of establishing rules for them to follow as they get older. They may have those puppy dog eyes, but they also need to learn to behave.
Adults: Age range depends on breed. Adults are active dogs and loads of fun. Just make sure they get enough exercise, and you and your pup should be okay.
Seniors: Age range depends on breed. As your dog gets older, they’ll probably slow down and take it a bit easier than before. They still need exercise but maybe not as much as when they were younger.
