What's The Most Intelligent Breed Of Terrier?

[Huntermanic 22]

I would say a silent patterdale x bull would be the cleverest terrier

[twobobdog1 76]

I think jackrussell terriers are very intelligent as you can see

This ones driving a car omg

[gonetoearth 5,144]

Most terriers just drive ya mad !!!!!

[Cleanspade 3,322]

 

the most intelligent terriers ive owned are................ . in years gone by. the old nodescript jacks. .........in modern times the plummer. this is just an observation from dogs ive seen and worked with. they also where are hyperactive and volatile. gassy little fcukers that are harder to keep kennel than the steadier natured terriers. i can only liken them to collies. if you dont keep them amused they tend to go wrong.

 

they are however very hard to beat as allround pesters multi taskers. if you get one that takes to fox below ground they can really be very handy bolters. and are usually second to none on top.

 

i'm sure most breeds produce dogs that exell at certain tasks but the old jacks cornered the market. as will the plummer in years to come.

So would you favour the plumber over the Jack?

 

they both have there pluses as far as ive seen. the plummers have a better nose but the russells where easier to keep. if i was doing mostly earthwork i would say russell. but as i do more on top now,. the plummer is better for this type of work . i have one plummer i wouldnt swap for any of my old russells. but i cant judge a breed on one dog.

[northern lad 2,292]

Not an earth dog obviously,but Ive a staffy here and got to say Ive had numerous breeds over the years,shes easily the brightest most tractable dog Ive ever owned very quick to pick things up and not at all what I expected

[GAMEDOG 106]

NA

Edited January 28, 2022 by GAMEDOG

[Cleanspade 3,322]

GAMEDOG. i dont think for one minute they will take over as earthdogs some of them can do this but if i wanted earthdogs i would go to a breed that is bred specifically (spelling)for that task. probably a good strain of russell. most folk that keep terriers keep them as multy taskers. doing a bit of ratting/ferreting. shooting. and bolting the odd fox. a good well bred plummer will do all these tasks and more.

 

edited to add. cracking old type russell that.

Edited October 18, 2013 by Cleanspade

[GAMEDOG 106]

NA

Edited January 28, 2022 by GAMEDOG

[Accip74 7,112]

Like cleanspade has pointed out the most intelligent are the best all rounders above or below ground, the best all rounder I ever worked was also the first terrier I ever saw work & by far the cleverest, in my family for 12 years, she was the most efficient fox killer I've dug to, she learnt a great technique with minimal fuss.....she was clever!!

[mnnewry 35]

Russell

[stormyboy 1,352]

Intelligence in any dog can be down to its owner as well as breed.

[Accip74 7,112]

Hmmm.......so are you saying you can teach a dog intelligence? Surely it has that base intelligence before it can soak up everything you try to get across, as well as it's own initiative....

[jawn 449]

 

Off the back of the thread about terriers being stupid or not got me wondering which terrier breed is the most intelligent. Never owned one myself and torn between a terrier and a cocker for bushing.

For bushing,hunting above or in the ground you will need drive coupled with intelligence and nose. Without good drive and the nose to keep up with that drive you wont get far hunting anything from rabbits to foxes. When you see a dog with the scent of a rabbit not far away and all it does is plod up and down and clings to the scent not quite sure what to do with it and often going back on the heel and pondering some more,then your chances of a catch or flush are low.A good busher would do like a good hound and drive forward on the scent with confidence and hopefully panic the rabbit into indecision. Often the best are the maddest and hardest to control because of there drive.They may not appear to be clever next to the thoughtful plodder but time and plenty of outings will settle them. These attributes can be found in lots of breeds of terrier. I would avoid mute ones unless working singly.

 

 

Good post!

[Cleanspade 3,322]

Hmmm.......so are you saying you can teach a dog intelligence? Surely it has that base intelligence before it can soak up everything you try to get across, as well as it's own initiative....

a clever owner will bring the best out of an intelligent dog. where as a foolish owner will more than likely ruin it.. i think the dogs intelligence works againt itself. in this situation. i feel a lot of terriers work on instinct. whilst others are intelligent and learn the game with guidance from clever owners. . i think there are very intelligent dogs in all types. especially scatterbred dogs and crossbreds . and i feel the best earthdogs work more on instinct. instinct and intelligence are often confused. imo

[Wales1234 5,515]

Same as lurchers most terrier these days are little mongrels dont tink you can say a certain breed is more intelligent than the next just down to the individual dog !! I know what you mean been spelling walk out in my house for the past 10years because my russell dog and soon as suitcases comes little shit goes nutts