The terrier is a group of dog breeds initially bred for hunting and killing vermin. While usually small, these dogs are brave and tough with a lively, energetic, and almost hyperactive personality. The largest breed in this family is the Airedale Terrier.
Most terrier breeds were developed in the British Isles. They were used to control rats, rabbits, and foxes both over and under the ground. Some larger terriers were also used to hunt badgers. In fact, the word terrier comes from the Middle French terrier and before that the Latin terra, meaning earth. The Kerry Blue Terrier and Airedale, however, are particularly noted for tackling river rats and otter in deep water.
The gameness of terriers was exploited by using them in so-called sporting contests. Initially, terriers competed in events such as clearing a pit of rats. The dog that was fastest in killing all the rats won. Bull Terriers, in particular, were developed as fighting dogs.
Terrier Group is also an official breed grouping for most of the major kennel clubs, including the AKC, ANKC, CKC, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, KC(UK), NZKC, and UKC. There is some confusion as to the position of terrier-like dogs developed outside the British Isles. For example, the Miniature Schnauzer is in the Terrier group in the American Kennel Club but not a Terrier according to the United Kingdom Kennel Club. Boston Terriers are true terriers although not put in the terrier group, while the Tibetan Terrier and Black Russian Terrier are terriers in name only and not true terriers at all.