A Very Brief History & Development of the Domestic Dog

Most people forget too often forget that all breeds of dogs are interrleated. The ancient canine that is believed to be the ancestor of all dogs is known as Tomarctus. The below diagram shows one commonly accepted theory of the domesticated dogs development.

A brief history of the terrier

Most terrier breeds are vermin hunters with a high percentage of them having originated in Great Britain. As long ago as 1677 Nicholas Cox divided the terriers into two groups, those who he called "...the short-haired and crook-legged type which would take to earth well, and the long-legged, shaggy sort which would hunt above ground but would also enter the earth with much fury".

Different breeds of terrier evolved for many different reasons. Some were used by working men who created sport from hunting rats around industrial buildings, other terriers worked in conjunction with hound packs with the purpose of driving the fox from the ground or to hold him until the huntsmen could dig him out. Other have been used to assist in the hunting of otters and badgers. Some terriers were crossed with Bulldogs to create fighting dogs.

Thankfully, laws have changed since these days yet the breeds originally bred for these purposes have retained their popularity.

Terriers are full of self-confidence and character and although many will not actively look for a fight, most will retaliate if provoked.