Terriers are known for their energetic and feisty personalities. They were bred to eliminate vermin such as rats and snakes, and they instinctively guard their families’ homes and territory. Terrier breeds come in different shapes and sizes, but they all share certain personality traits.
If you are considering one of the many terrier breed types, be prepared to provide them with love, attention, exercise, and training. In return they will be your very best friend.
These dogs are loving and loyal, but they have a lot of energy and some may even say, stubbornness. Most breeds are healthy, active, and have minimal to average grooming requirements. While some are more suited to be happy go lucky family dogs, others make loyal companions for individuals.
Terrier dog breeds are highly intelligent and need to be stimulated. If you are looking to leave a dog alone for many hours in the day, this probably isn’t the breed for you.
If you think a Terrier might be a fit for your family, you should learn about the specifics of each breed. Each type has unique personalities and features so read on to explore all about the variety of terrier breeds.
Below are 31 different AKC registered terrier breeds to get a better understanding of each different character so you can educate yourself while you embark on this journey.
Airedale Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★☆☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★★ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★★☆ |
The Airedale Terrier is known to be friendly, clever and courageous. This dog is the largest of the terrier breeds, standing at 23 inches. They can weigh between 50 and 70 pounds fully grown, and their average lifespan is between 11 and 14 years.
The Airedale is known as “The King of Terriers” because of his size, strength, and spirit. This is one of the more versatile breeds because he makes a great hunter, companion, and athlete.
They have a thick wiry coat that is tan with black markings and long muscular legs. They are loyal companions that will play well with your family as well as protect your home.
Airedales were bred in Northern England as farm dogs to hunt ducks and rats. In World War I, the British Armed Forces used them as messengers, sentries, and guard dogs.
They have been used as hunting dogs throughout history as well. Today, they serve many roles, including hunter, ratter, herder, actor, athlete, K-9 cop, babysitter, guardian, and warrior.
They are great with children and they love their families making them an ideal breed for most anyone.
Airdale Terrier Tip:
Airedales are the largest of the terrier breeds, and they need to be socialized and trained from an early age especially if there will be other pets in the home.
They are wonderfully loyal dogs, but you should be prepared to give your Airedale enough attention and exercise to make him happy.
American Hairless Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★★☆ |
The American Hairless Terrier is known to be energetic, alert, and curious. He is a smaller terrier, at 12 to 16 inches tall, and weighs between 12 and 16 pounds fully grown. This breeds average lifespan is between 14 and 16 years.
This unique hairless dog is a native of Louisiana and can come completely devoid of hair or have a very light coat. He is smart, curious, and playful with a broadhead. This is the only hairless dog breed that hails from the United States and was an accidentally developed breed from Rat Terriers.
Rat Terriers were originally bred in England to eliminate rats both in cities and in the countryside. They were called “Feists,” which is indicative of their feisty personalities. They were brought to North America in the 1800s
In 1972, a puppy from a litter of Rat Terriers was born without hair. This dog was bred, and in 1983, a litter of hairless pups was born, giving birth to the new breed, the American Hairless Rat Terrier. While these guys have the same personality and demeanor, they solely lack the dog hair but retain the cute rat terrier color markings.
American Hairless Terrier Tip:
While being hairless makes this breed very hypoallergenic, it has its drawbacks. You will need to buy doggie clothing to protect its skin from the sun and cold. These dogs get cold very easily and can sunburn if outside.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★☆☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★★☆ |
The American Staffordshire Terrier is known to be smart, good-natured, and confident. These dogs are on the larger end of the terrier spectrum, and they stand between 17 and 19 inches at the shoulder. Weighing between 40 and 70 pounds, mostly muscle mass, they can live to be 12 to 16 years old.
Sometimes called AmStaffs, this breed is stocky and muscular giving them an intimidating look but they are quite friendly to people. They come in many different colors and patterns. American Staffordshire terriers are lovable dogs that want to be part of the family. They are intelligent and can easily be trained.
This canine was originally bred for fighting and baiting purposes way back in the 1800s. Mainly they would have sporting events in which they would fight one another or attack bears or bulls.
In the mid-1800s, the Staffordshire Terrier arrived in the United States, and Americans created a larger version of the breed. They did use the breed for these unfortunate spectacle events for some time until dog-fighting became outlawed.
Fortunately many owners realized this pleasant dog was more of a pet to enjoy and became a family favorite very quickly.
American Staffordshire Terrier Tip:
Some local governments have ordinances that prevent people from owning this breed, so be sure to check before you bring one home. Training is necessary because this dog is strong and energetic.
The possibility of aggression toward other dogs can develop, so this dog is better suited to be an only child.
Australian Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Australian Terrier is known to be courageous, spirited, and affectionate. It stands 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and fully grown it will weigh 15 to 20 pounds. They live anywhere from 11 to 15 years.
The Australian Terrier, sometimes called an Aussie, is smart and lively. Don’t be fooled by their small size; they are as confident as they come, and are alert watchdogs.
The British brought several terrier breeds to Australia in the 19th century, and they were interbred to produce the Aussie. Aussies were bred to be fearless and to get rid of small animals including snakes.
They are fierce despite their small size, and are very loyal to their families. The Australian Terrier will want to be the center of attention and can be a bit bossy if need be, especially to other dogs. These dogs require exercise and stimulation regularly. This breed is the first dog breed native to Australia.
The Aussie sheds minimally despite its long hair and is easy to groom. Brush him once a week, trim his toenails once a month, and bathe as needed.
Australian Terrier Tip:
This terrier breed is known for being devoted and loyal to its family, especially the children. It can be hard to find a breeder, but they are out there if this is the terrier for you.
Bedlington Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Bedlington Terrier is known to be charming, loyal, and playful. They stand between 15 and 17.5 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 17 and 23 pounds fully grown. They have a life span that ranges from 11 to 16 years.
Bedlington Terriers are great watchdogs and loyal pets. They are athletic and love to snuggle. The curvy body suggests that the Whippet is in its lineage, and they have a bouncy step allowing them to run very fast.
They are playful and very protective of their families. They do not shed, and make great companions to all.
This breed originated in the Northumberland mining shire of Bedlington and was used to hunt rats in the coal mines, kill vermin, and even fight. It was thought to be one of the smartest and quickest of the terrier breeds.
These dogs caught the eyes of the British elites and soon rose from coal mine ratters to fancy pets. After this, the National Bedlington Terrier Club was formed in 1877.
They were registered with the AKC in 1886, and have been a popular breed in every sense due to its good nature.
Bedlington Terrier Tips:
These dogs look like a lamb when they are groomed for a dog show, but how you groom them is optional when they are pets. They are loyal family dogs and make ideal pets for anyone from 1 to 101.
Border Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★★ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★★★ |
The Border Terrier is known to be happy, affectionate, and highly trainable. These dogs stand 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder, and they weigh between 11.5 and 15.5 pounds. They can live to be 12 to 15 years old.
Border Terriers are on the smaller side of the Terrier breeds but with big giant personalities. They have long legs and a wiry body because of their original need to be able to dig under fences to chase foxes.
This breed often comes in a variety of colors such as brown, tan, red, black and have an otter shaped head. The Border Terrier makes a great pet for all types of homes.
These dogs are easy to train, and get along well with other dogs if introduced early on, but they have strong instincts to chase wild animals and cats. The instinct is so strong that a Border Terrier may run into the street in pursuit. You should be very cautious about allowing this type of breed off-leash- even if near their home turf for this reason.
The Border terrier was bred on the English Scottish border, where shepherds needed dogs that could help protect their sheep from foxes.
They are fairly low maintenance because they have a wiry coat that only needs to be brushed once a week. They do need to be shed a few times a year however.
Border Terrier Tip:
These are great all-around pets, but you should probably not leave your dog alone outside. They love to dig, and have been known to be escape artists.
Also, they have strong instincts to chase and hunt, and they will chase any wild animal or cat that passes by.
Boston Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★☆☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★★☆ |
The Boston Terrier is known to be friendly, smart, and funny. This dog stands between 15 and 17 inches at the shoulder, and it weighs 12 to 25 pounds fully grown. It has a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years.
Boston Terriers have a compact athletic body and a tuxedo pattern coat. They have friendly round eyes, and they are well balanced.
They have been called “The American Gentleman” because they are known for their manners.
This dog was developed as another cross between terriers and bull breeds to create fighting dogs in the 19th century. A dog named Judge was sold to an American in Boston, and thus the Boston Terrier breed began in the US.
These dogs are smaller and more well-mannered than their fighting ancestors, and they make wonderful, loyal pets.
The Boston Terrier makes the perfect city dog for those apartment dwellers. They are sturdy and love people, as well as other pets. They make fabulous companions and enjoy nice long walks but don’t require the same exercise needs as many other terrier breeds.
This dog is the mascot for Boston University and the official dog of Massachusetts- as well as the Go Terrier logo!
Boston Terrier Tip:
This is one of the most popular dog breeds overall. Be sure that you educate yourself about its tendency to have eye and snout related health concerns.
Bull Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★☆☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Bull Terrier is known to be charming, playful, and mischievous. This dog stands 21 to 22 inches at the shoulder, and it weighs between 50 and 70 pounds. It has a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years.
These dogs are wonderful companions, and they need a lot of exercise. Bull Terriers have power and agility, and they are big-boned and strong.
Bull Terriers need to be trained early on and socialization with other dogs is a must. They need plenty of attention and exercise as well. These guys are smart, but can be stubborn.
These dogs’ ancestors, bulldogs, were bred for bull-baiting. When this was outlawed in the 1830s, people turned to dog fighting. They needed a faster breed, so they crossed the Bulldog with a terrier and the Bull Terrier was born.
These dogs quickly became pets and great companion dogs. The look was refined and standardized, and they eventually came to the United States in 1885.
Bull Terrier Tip:
Twenty percent of all white Bull Terriers are born deaf. You should check for deafness as a puppy carefully if you are getting this breed.
Cairn Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Cairn Terrier is known to be busy, cheerful, and alert. This Terrier dog breed can grow to be 9.5 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder, and it weighs 13 or 14 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. She was bred to chase out foxes and other small animals in the Scottish countryside, and they remain busy dogs to this day.
Cairn Terriers have short legs and are strong, but light. They have a wiry topcoat with a soft furry undercoat. Cairns are alert and intelligent, playful dogs. They are loyal family dogs that love to be the center of attention, embodying the characteristics that people love in terriers most.
This breed originally patrolled the farms in Scotland for rodents beneath the rock piles. They would dig them out and hunt them down. They are courageous and tough little dogs. The famous dog from “The Wizard of Oz,” Toto was a Cairn Terrier.
Cairn Terrier Tip:
This breed has a furry undercoat that needs to be shed a few times a year. They are wonderful pets, and despite their size, they are courageous and confident.
Cesky Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★★☆ |
The Cesky Terrier is known to be clever, family-oriented, and adventurous. This breed stands at 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs between 14 and 24 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and are wonderful family dogs. This breed is the national dog of the Czech Republic.
Cesky Terriers are muscular dogs with short legs and excel at hunting small creatures. They are good watchdogs because they are very loyal and fairly easy to train. This breed was developed by a mid-20th century Czech sportsman, breeder, and geneticist.
He wanted to create a dog that could catch rats as a true terrier could, but chase after larger game in packs. At the same time, he wanted the dog to be gentle and obedient at home. He created the Cesky to fulfill his desires. This breed first came to the United States in the 1980s.
Cesky Terrier Tip:
The Cesky Terrier is uncommon in the United States; there are only about 600 of these dogs living in the entire country. If you are lucky enough to find one, they will make excellent lifelong companions.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is known to be smart, proud, and independent. This breed grows to between eight and eleven inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 18 and 24 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. The Dandies are built to chase vermin on the farms, but they also do well in the city. They make great companions for both individuals and families.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a fierce watchdog with a deep sounding bark. They love to play and exercise, but are not as energetic as many of the other terrier breeds. This breed responds well to positive training and should be socialized from a young age.
The Dandie Dinmont came from the hills on the Scottish – English border. The breed is named for a character in a book, “Guy Mannering” by Sir Walter Scott. His name was Dandie Dinmont, and he had a pack of mustard and pepper colored terriers. They are the only breed of dog named for a fictitious character.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Tip:
This little dog has a deep bark, which is surprising when you hear it.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★★☆ |
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is known to be spirited, bold, and gentle. He stands 12.5 to 14 inches at the shoulder and weighs 32 to 40 pounds. This breed has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. They are gentler than many other terrier breeds and named for a remote location in Ireland.
This breed is sturdy and scruffy with a wiry coat. They were created to hunt badgers, but they had other jobs including running on a wheel in the kitchen to turn the meat.
A few of these dogs made it to America in the 1930s, but the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club wasn’t founded until 1986. They make great family dogs, but they should be socialized and trained early on. They still have instincts to hunt small animals.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Tip:
This breed was created in a very remote location in Ireland, and it is still very rare in the US today.
Irish Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Irish Terrier is known to be bold, daring, and courageous. This breed stands 18 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs 25 to 27 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. The Irish Terriers are known as Daredevils of the Emerald Isle with a fire-red coat. They are a hard-working diligent breed.
The Irish Terrier has long legs, and they are sturdy and graceful. These dogs were bred to be all-purpose farm dogs in the Irish countryside, where they hunted rats, guarded flocks, and acted as respected watchdogs.
They were brought to America in the 1870s and have been a favorite ever since. The Irish Terriers were used as messengers in World War I. They used to come in a variety of colors, but only the dominant red color that has come to characterize this breed came to be at the end of the 19th century.
Irish Terrier Tip:
This breed is true to its roots. The red dog with the lush green countryside as a backdrop is picture perfect.
Jack Russell Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★★ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★★☆ |
The Jack Russell Terrier is known to be lively, charming, and independent. These dogs stand 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 13 and 17 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. They are clever and independent little dogs.
The Jack Russell Terrier was developed in England by a man named Parson John Russell as a working dog. This terrier would go hunting and chase the fox out for the hounds. It is officially recognized as a Parson Russell Terrier by the AKC, even though it is known as a Jack Russell to most.
These dogs are lively and energetic, and they need a lot of exercise. The Jack Russell Terriers are strong-willed and can be challenging to train. They love to dig and bark. This breed can also be aggressive with other dogs, so they should be socialized early on.
Jack Russell Terrier Tip:
The Jack Russell is one of the most intense of the terrier breeds, and they can be a challenge. This is not a great dog for someone who doesn’t have the time to train it.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★☆☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy To Train | ★★★★☆ |
The Kerry Blue Terrier is known to be alert, loyal, and smart. This breed stands 17.5 to 19.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 30 and 40 pounds fully grown. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. They are most well-known for their stunning blue coat.
The Kerry Blue Terrier was bred to be a farm dog in Ireland, and they used to hunt vermin on the farms and act as watchdogs. They have a soft dense coat that does not shed, and the color ranges from light gray to slate blue.
Kerry Blue Terriers are gorgeous pups and also make great family dogs. They are playful and alert, and they love their families. They will protect them by barking to alert the family when an intruder is present.
Kerry Blue Terriers Tip:
Kerry Blue Terriers can be aggressive with other dogs. They need to be socialized early on to curb this instinct.
Lakeland Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to Train | ★★☆☆☆ |
The Lakeland Terrier is known to be confident, bold, and friendly. They stand 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 16 or 17 pounds fully grown. This breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. The Lakeland Terrier is named for the Lake District in England where this breed worked in packs to protect sheep from foxes.
The Lakeland Terrier is a smaller dog with a wiry coat and a big personality. They are often called the “big dog in a small package.” They are one of the oldest breeds of terrier from England. The breed was first registered with the AKC in 1934.
These terriers need to be trained because they have a very independent nature. They are not as aggressive as other terrier breeds, but they should have early socialization and training. They are wonderful pets and love their families.
Lakeland Terrier Tip:
Training this breed can be challenging, but if you can overcome this, they are wonderful family dogs.
Manchester Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★☆☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to Train | ★★☆☆☆ |
The Manchester Terrier is known to be keen, smart, and spirited. This breed stands 15 to 16 inches at the shoulder and weighs 12 to 22 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 15 to 17 years. This Terrier dog breed is named for the city in England where it was developed.
This breed has similar characteristics of hounds and rat dogs and is athletic and spirited. The Manchester Terrier comes in a standard size and a toy size. They are fast when they run and can run long distances. This breed was created to combine rabbit hunting and rat pitting.
The Manchester Terrier is a great family dog as long as you have time to exercise them well. They are loyal and lively. And while they may look like a smaller version of Dobermans, they have no shared lineage.
Manchester Terriers are considered by many to be the oldest of all identifiable terrier breeds.
Manchester Terriers Tip:
This breed is uncommon and can be hard to locate.
Miniature Schnauzer
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★☆☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★★★ |
The Miniature Schnauzer is known to be friendly, obedient, and smart. This dog stands 12 to 14 inches at the shoulder and weighs 11 to 20 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years and is one of the more popular terrier breeds.
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the Schnauzer breeds and is a great family dog. They were made to be ratters on farms in Germany and is the only Terrier breed that has no British blood in its lineage.
Although the Schnauzer was created to do the work of a terrier, it has a different personality because it was made from different breeds, including the poodle, the Affenpinscher, and the Standard Schnauzer. As a result, these dogs are friendly and obedient with less of a feisty personality.
Miniature Schnauzer Tip:
This breed is very intelligent and loves to please its owner. A perfect family dog as well as a true companion for individuals.
Norfolk Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★★★ |
The Norfolk Terrier is known to be playful, alert, and fearless. It stands 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder, and it weighs 11 to 12 pounds. It has a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. This breed is feisty and sturdy, but also cute and loyal.
Norfolk Terriers are one of the smallest terrier breeds. These pups have a wiry coat, and were bred to work in a pack hunting rats. They also were bred to catch foxes. These terrier are fearless and have sporting instincts.
The Norfolk Terrier is distinguished from the Norwich Terrier by its ears, which drop-down (see below). Otherwise, both breeds come from the same area in England.
This dog breed is the perfect family dog even with large animal families. They are pleasant to be around regularly and great for those in apartments as well as homes with large amounts of land for them to run around.
Norfolk Terrier Tip:
Norfolk Terriers get along with other dogs better than some terrier breeds because they were bred to work in packs.
Norwich Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★★☆ |
The Norwich Terrier is known to be alert, curious, and affectionate. This breed stands 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 12 pounds. It has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. The only way this breed is distinguished from the Norfolk Terrier is that the ears are pricked up.
This breed was used as ratters and on fox hunts. They also became pets for students at Cambridge University as dorm room ratters many years back.
Norwich Terriers and Norfolk Terriers were considered to be the same breed until 1979. The only difference is the ears, as Norwich Terriers have pricked up ears and Norfolk Terriers have ears that hang down.
These pups are really an ideal breed for family members with the best of Terrier characteristics.
Norwich Terrier Tip:
These dogs are hard to find if you want one for a pet. They are also very expensive if you are looking for AKC registered breeds because so few are born.
Rat Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★★☆ |
The Rat Terrier is known to be friendly, loving, and curious. This breed stands 10 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 10 to 25 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 18 years. This is one of the hardiest breeds of dog and tends to live a long, healthy life.
This dog was bred in America and named by Teddy Roosevelt. The Rat Terrier comes in two sizes, miniature and standard. They were originally bred to kill rats, but they were also watchdogs and hen-house guardians. These ratters are loyal members of the family and are very intelligent little dogs.
This breed has strong instincts for chasing prey and should never be let off their leash outdoors. Rat Terriers will often chase any small animal or cat they see. They should be trained and socialized from an early age but can get along with other fury siblings although their chasing instinct is high.
This terrier breed is a great family pet and gets along well with kids and adults. They are incredibly loyal and love to please.
Rat Terrier Tip:
This breed was created by mixing a number of different terriers, and it is one of the healthiest breeds because of the interbreeding.
Scottish Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to Train | ★★☆☆☆ |
The Scottish Terrier is known to be independent, lively, and confident. This breed stands 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 18 and 22 pounds fully grown. He has a life expectancy of around 12 years. The breed has been nicknamed “The Diehard” because it is incredibly persistent.
Scotties are great watchdogs as they will bark at strangers and protect their territory. They have strong hunting instincts, which makes it difficult to have them around other dogs. They love to go for walks and play.
Scotties were bred to hunt rats, foxes, and badgers. It is one of the oldest of the Highland Terrier breeds, having arrived in America in 1883. It was very popular as a pet for celebrities in the 1930s and 1940s but has since lost favor to some of the smaller breeds.
Many people are true “Scottie” or Scottish Terrier fans with them being one of the more popular and well-known terrier breeds in America.
Scottish Terrier Tip:
President Franklin Roosevelt had a Scottie as his constant companion during World War II. Scotties make great family pets and get along with children well. While not the easiest breed to train, they are highly intelligent.
Sealyham Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Sealyham Terrier is known to be outgoing, amusing, and alert. This breed stands 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 22 and 24 pounds. It has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. They are brave dogs and well known for their sense of humor.
Although the Sealyham Terrier is a short dog, it is one of the sturdiest and stockiest out there. They are alert and make great watchdogs for those needed a bit added protection. This breed of Terrier does well living in the city or the country and requires less exercise than some of the larger breeds.
The Sealyham Terrier comes from Wales where it helped hunt otters by digging them out of their lairs. They get along with other dogs, but they should be trained and socialized from an early age.
Sealyham Terrier Tip:
These dogs are good therapy workers in both children’s homes and nursing homes. A gentle and kind breed that is healthy and hearty.
Skye Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Skye Terrier breed is known to be good-natured, courageous, and canny. The breed stands 9.5 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 30 to 45 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. They were bred to hunt rats in Scotland on the remote Isle of Skye.
In the 1600s, Scottish farmers bred this dog to control the population of rats, foxes, and badgers. They are twice as long as they are tall, and they have a tough coat that protects them. In the late 19th century, Queen Victoria was a huge fan of the breed owning a number of them.
This breed requires a more extensive grooming process than other breeds as they have a beautiful long coat that protects it from the elements.
Skye Terrier Tip:
Skye Terriers have upright ears that resemble bat wings, but they can also be drop-eared.
Smooth Fox Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★★ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★★★ |
The Smooth Fox Terrier is known to be independent, amusing, and friendly. It stands 15.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 15 to 18 pounds. He has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. This breed is often called “The Gentleman of the Terrier World” because it is so friendly.
This breed was created for fox hunting in Britain. They would ride in the saddlebags and be released when the foxes went underground. Their job was to dig out the fox from their holes for the hounds to take up the chase.
They are similar to the Wire Fox Terrier, which differs in head shape and coat type. Otherwise, they are very similar breeds with similar personality traits. They are strong and symmetrical with sturdy bodies and unique markings. They often come in multiple coloring, spotted with whites, blacks, and brown.
Smooth Fox Terrier Tip:
This Terrier breed makes a great family pet, and it is low maintenance in comparison. They are loyal and love their exercise.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★★☆ |
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known to be loyal, happy, and friendly. This breed stands 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 30 to 40 pounds. He has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. They are a joyful Irish farm dog with a great personality.
This breed comes from Ireland where it was bred to hunt rats, guard chicken coops, and keep vermin away. They were also companions, and they love to live with families today. They are wonderful versatile dogs, and make loyal companions.
The Wheaten Terrier first came to the United States in the 1940s, and was recognized by the AKC in 1973. They are great family dogs, but should be trained and socialized from an early age. They will gets along with other dogs, but could end up chasing small animals or stray cats it sees in the neighborhood.
Wheaten Terrier Tip:
This breed has a soft silky coat that requires daily brushing to prevent matting. Be cautious when these guys are off leash as they are fast and run off in chase on a moments notice.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to Train | ★★☆☆☆ |
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known to be brave, tenacious, and clever. She stands 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 24 to 38 pounds. She has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a nice companion that loves kids.
This breed is muscular and compact. It is very strong. It was bred to be a fighting dog in England, and the fighting continued underground until it was banned in 1835. This dog first came to America in the 1880s, where it began its transition from fighter to family companion.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Tip:
These dogs are strong and muscular, and they need to be socialized and trained early on. They are not the easiest to train but they are very loyal and sweet and get along well with kids.
Welsh Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★★ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Welsh Terrier is known to be lively, intelligent, and friendly. This breed stands 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs around 20 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Welshies are calmer than some of the other terrier breeds and make great family pets.
The Welsh Terrier has been around since the 1700s and was bred in Northern Wales to hunt fox, otter, and badgers in the mountains. They had to dig them out of their lairs, which was a dangerous job.
This breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1888, and they have become loyal and energetic companions in many families.
They are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming but require lots of exercise or they get bored. These guys can chew your favorite pair of slippers easily if they are not entertained or exercised well enough.
Welsh Terrier Tip:
They make great family pets, but they have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise.
West Highland White Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★★☆ |
The West Highland White Terrier is known to be happy, fun loving, and loyal. They stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 15 to 20 pounds. This breed has a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. Westies have been popular pets for over 300 years and are still very popular today.
This breed comes from Scotland where it was bred to hunt rats. The West Highland White Terrier worked as ratters for 100 years before they appeared at dog shows. They first showed up in America in 1906. This breed is an energetic and loyal family dog that is social and graceful. They get along great with kids and other fur animals. They are relatively easy to train and groom with average exercise requirements.
West Highland White Terrier Tip:
Westies make great pets, but are very independent and do not like to be cuddled all the time.
Wire Fox Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★★★ |
The Wire Fox Terrier is known to be friendly, alert, and confident. They stand 15.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 15 to 18 pounds. Wire Fox Terriers have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. They are very intelligent dogs that were originally bred for fox hunting in Britain.
This breed spent years chasing and digging foxes out of their lairs. They are very similar to the Smooth Fox Terrier, and they were not recognized by the AKC as a separate breed until 1985.
Wire Fox Terrier Tip:
Paintings from long ago show that both Wire Fox Terriers and Smooth Fox Terriers have been around for a long time- pre 1800s.
Yorkshire Terrier
Basic Stats
| General Health | ★★★★☆ |
| Grooming Needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Exercise Needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good With Kids | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to Train | ★★★☆☆ |
The Yorkshire Terrier is known to be brave, affectionate, and bossy. They stand seven to eight inches tall at the shoulder and weigh seven pounds. They have a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years. These dogs were ratters in mines and mills before becoming Americas favorite pocket pet.
In addition to working as ratters, this breed became a fashionable pet for Victorian ladies. These dogs were bred to be small enough to get to the rats in textile factories, but with a fierce personality. They first came to America in the 1870s.
Yorkshire Terrier Tip:
This terrier dog breed is one of the trendiest breeds to own so take care when looking for a registered breeder. Always ask to see the parents in person and check the puppies for signs of good health.