Message #246281

[dan]

They are used to hunt any game animal in Europe above or below ground.  This is part of what makes them so "gamey" or "trashy" to us U.S. hunters. 

Yes, they were a commissioned genetic project to produce a versatile terrier. 
Yes, black and tan are considered "the hunt" colors. 

They were culled using a clearly defined list of standards including color, conformation, and ability.  Most of the dogs in Europe are required to pass the same tests before breeding even today.