PicoPets

Terriers

Bold, Tenacious, and Full of Energy

Terriers are known for their bold personalities, unyielding determination, and strong prey drive. Originally bred to hunt and control vermin, these dogs are energetic, fearless, and always ready for adventure. Whether it’s the Jack Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Bull Terrier, or Yorkshire Terrier, this breed type is highly independent yet fiercely loyal to their families. Terriers are best suited for active households where they can channel their high energy into productive play and activities. Despite their small to medium size, Terriers often exhibit a big-dog attitude, making them confident, spunky companions.

Breed Activity + Play Recommendations

How They Stay Active

Terriers are highly energetic dogs with a natural inclination for chasing, digging, and exploring. They thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Activities that mimic their natural instincts, such as digging, fetching, and problem-solving games, are excellent for keeping them engaged. Long walks, agility training, and interactive playtime will help release their pent-up energy. Given their strong prey drive, care should be taken when letting them off-leash, as they may pursue small animals.


Breed-Suggested Toys + Pet Play Types

  • Tug toys to harness their tenacity and strength
  • Puzzle toys to challenge their sharp minds
  • Fetch toys for long-distance retrieval games
  • Digging boxes to satisfy their natural burrowing instincts
  • Agility courses to enhance physical coordination and stamina
  • Scent-tracking games to engage their strong prey drive

Social Traits + Interaction Patterns

Family Bonds + Socialization Tips

Terriers are often described as bold and fearless, forming strong bonds with their families. They can be independent and occasionally stubborn, requiring consistent training and early socialization to prevent aggression or territorial behavior. Though they can be friendly with other dogs, they may display dominant or protective tendencies, especially toward smaller pets.


Terriers are also known for their loyalty, often acting as watchdogs, alerting their owners to any unfamiliar sounds or intruders.

Fearless + Confident

Loyal + Protective

Dominant + Territorial

Breed-Type General Temperament

Terriers are intelligent, independent, and tenacious. These traits make them great problem-solvers, but also stubborn if not properly exercised or stimulated. When bored or stressed, they may bark, dig, or chew. Positive reinforcement, patience, and structured activities, along with clear boundaries, help keep them well-behaved and content.

Common Stress Indicators:

  • Excessive barking or vocalization
  • Digging or destructive chewing when bored
  • Restlessness or pacing
  • Becoming hyper-focused on movement

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

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Common Breed Health Goals

Terriers are generally robust and healthy, but like all breeds, they have some common health concerns. Many Terrier breeds are prone to dental issues, as their smaller mouths can lead to overcrowding of teeth. They can also develop joint problems such as luxating patellas or hip dysplasia, particularly in older age. Weight management is crucial for maintaining their active lifestyle, as even small fluctuations in weight can lead to strain on their joints and heart. Additionally, many Terriers have sensitive skin, requiring regular grooming and care to prevent irritation.

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Suggested Preventive Care

Regular dental care, including brushing or dental chews, is vital to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Joint supplements are recommended, especially as Terriers age, to support mobility and prevent arthritis. Terriers often have sensitive skin, so regular grooming and skin care routines help prevent issues like dryness or irritation. Providing a balanced diet and ensuring regular exercise are key to preventing obesity and maintaining their overall health.

Maximizing Your Pet's Health Potential

These scales provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s overall well-being by assessing 11 critical health and lifestyle factors. Each factor is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, offering clear insights into your pet's strengths and areas that may need additional care or attention. This in-depth assessment allows pet owners to create a more tailored care plan, including appropriate supplementation, to support optimal health. By addressing each aspect of their pet's well-being, owners can ensure their furry companions maintain peak vitality, promote longevity, and enhance their quality of life, no matter the breed.

3: Hydration + Electrolyte Balance

Moderate hydration needs, but should be monitored during periods of high activity.

Moderate hydration needs, but should be monitored during periods of high activity.

3: Innate Immune Function

Average immune function, but some breeds benefit from immune support due to skin sensitivity.

Average immune function, but some breeds benefit from immune support due to skin sensitivity.

4: Skeletal Strength + Mobility

Prone to joint issues such as luxating patellas, requiring regular joint support as they age.

Prone to joint issues such as luxating patellas, requiring regular joint support as they age.

3: Digestion + Nutrient Absorption

Generally good digestive health, but benefits from high-quality, nutrient-rich diets.od to meet energy demands.

Generally good digestive health, but benefits from high-quality, nutrient-rich diets.od to meet energy demands.

5: Energy Utilization + Metabolism

High energy levels, requiring regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their metabolism.

High energy levels, requiring regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their metabolism.

4: Cognitive Awareness + Clarity

Highly intelligent and responsive, but benefits from mental stimulation through training and problem-solving games.

Highly intelligent and responsive, but benefits from mental stimulation through training and problem-solving games.

3: Respiratory + Lung Health

Generally healthy, but care should be taken to avoid overexertion in smaller breeds.

Generally healthy, but care should be taken to avoid overexertion in smaller breeds.

3: Skin Health + Wound Healing

Sensitive skin in some breeds, requiring regular grooming and skincare to prevent issues.

Sensitive skin in some breeds, requiring regular grooming and skincare to prevent issues.

3: Heart Health + Circulation

Generally healthy, but monitoring for heart health is important, particularly in older Terriers.

Generally healthy, but monitoring for heart health is important, particularly in older Terriers.

3: Infection + Resistance

Average infection resistance, but immune support helps maintain overall health.

Average infection resistance, but immune support helps maintain overall health.

4: Longevity + Aging Gracefully

Terriers often live long lives, but require joint and dental support to age comfortably and maintain mobility.

Terriers often live long lives, but require joint and dental support to age comfortably and maintain mobility.

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

Suggested Diet Supplementation

To support their active and energetic lifestyle, Terriers can benefit from targeted supplementation that promotes joint health, dental care, and overall vitality:

  • PicoMyte: Supports joint health, especially important for smaller breeds prone to issues like luxating patellas or hip dysplasia, ensuring they stay agile and active.
  • ReMag®: Promotes muscle function and reduces tension, helping Terriers recover from strenuous play and maintain flexibility.
  • Pico Silver®: Boosts immune function and helps reduce skin irritation, promoting healthier skin and preventing infections.
  • Pico Selenite®: Provides antioxidant support for long-term cellular health, contributing to overall vitality and longevity.