Terrier dogs

Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin and are typically hardy, bold and small to medium in size — the Airedale is the group's large exception. Coat, exercise and known health themes vary a lot breed to breed within the group.

Example breeds in this group: Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Airedale Terrier.

• Puppy and junior

  Early socialisation and slow, gentle exercise matter here as much as for any breed — plus an early look at an eye condition that turns up more often in terriers than in dogs generally.

• Adult

  Exercise needs are generally modest for this group (often up to an hour a day), but coat care ranges from a weekly brush to regular hand-stripping, and eye and skin conditions are the two published health themes that recur most.

• Senior

  Smaller terriers are typically considered senior a little later than larger breeds, and a twice-yearly check plus a look at teeth, joints and weight are the published starting points.