One reason I don't let my dogs corner snakes, a very good friend of mine, her yorkie was in her backyard and yes you got it was struck just under the eye by the snake and THANK GOD it wasn't poisonious because if it was he would have been dead in minutes...and they do have copper heads in her area. While yes, they need and do have the terrier attitude it is OUR responsiblity to protect them from harm and that includes from other animals. I would HATE for my dogs to get bitten by a rabid animal. Yes, my dogs chase squirrels up a tree and if I didn't have a fenced in yard and lived in the country I'm sure they'd chase rabbits along with other dogs, cars, kids but I keep them a fenced yard and my house for their protection. They may be your typical terrier but we as responsible pet and show dog owners need to make sure when doing what they are made for it is done in a repsonsible manner and a controlled environment to ensure their protection.
This is all I'm going to say on the subject...my dogs are typical yorkshire terriers with the terrier attitude but also my lap dogs and pets
Donna