Terriers are lively, loyal, and intelligent dogs with a history as fearless hunters and tireless workers. Known for their tenacity and distinctive personalities, terrier breeds vary widely—from small, feisty companions to robust working dogs, each with a unique charm.
In this guide, we’ll explore 19 distinct terrier breeds, each suited to different lifestyles and environments. Whether you’re looking for an energetic family companion, a reliable watchdog, or a friendly playmate, there’s likely a terrier that fits your needs.
Terrier Breed Summary Table
| Breed | Size (Weight) | Key Traits | Coat Type |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 7 lbs (3 kg) | Feisty, Elegant | Long, Silky |
| Australian Terrier | 15-20 lbs (7-9 kg) | Fearless, Loyal | Harsh, Straight |
| Bedlington Terrier | 17-23 lbs (8-10 kg) | Gentle, Playful | Curly, Soft |
| Rat Terrier | 10-25 lbs (5-11 kg) | Agile, Intelligent | Smooth, Short |
| Border Terrier | 11-15 lbs (5-7 kg) | Friendly, Spirited | Wiry, Dense |
| Cairn Terrier | 13-14 lbs (5-6 kg) | Brave, Cheerful | Rough, Double |
| Scottish Terrier | 18-22 lbs (8-10 kg) | Dignified, Independent | Harsh, Dense |
| West Highland White | 15-20 lbs (7-9 kg) | Happy, Bold | Dense, Harsh |
| Norfolk Terrier | 11-12 lbs (5 kg) | Playful, Confident | Hard, Straight |
| Miniature Bull | 18-28 lbs (8-13 kg) | Playful, Mischievous | Short, Smooth |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11-20 lbs (5-9 kg) | Friendly, Alert | Wiry, Double |
Toy and Small Terrier Breeds
1. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie,” is known for its charming personality and long, silky coat, which sets it apart from other terrier breeds. Originating in England in the 19th century, Yorkies were initially bred to catch rats in textile mills. Despite their small stature, Yorkies are known for their bravery and fierce loyalty to their families. They make excellent city dogs, as they adapt well to apartment living and thrive on attention from their human companions.
2. Australian Terrier
With its rugged coat and lively spirit, the Australian Terrier is a little dog with a big personality. Originally bred to help British settlers in Australia control vermin, this breed is tough and independent, yet deeply affectionate toward its family. Weighing under 20 pounds, Australian Terriers are excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners to any unusual activity. Their coat requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance choice for active families.
3. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier stands out with its lamb-like appearance and pear-shaped head. Despite its gentle and calm demeanor, this breed retains the tenacity typical of terriers. Bedlingtons were bred in the coal mining town of Bedlington, England, for hunting vermin and small game. They are known for their hypoallergenic coat, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. While generally calm, Bedlingtons have bursts of energy and enjoy playtime with their families.
4. Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are versatile and highly intelligent, originally bred for farm work and pest control in the United States. With their agile bodies and quick reflexes, they excel in hunting and are known for their strong prey drive. Rat Terriers come in both standard and miniature sizes, typically weighing between 10 and 25 pounds. They are loyal family dogs that bond closely with their owners and are particularly well-suited for active households.
5. Border Terrier
Border Terriers have a distinctive “otter-like” face and a wiry, low-shedding coat, which makes them popular among people with pet allergies. Originally bred along the England-Scotland border, this breed was designed to be tough enough to keep up with fox hunts. Today, Border Terriers are beloved family pets known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They require regular exercise to stay happy and are known to be excellent with children.
6. Cairn Terrier
Best known for its role as Toto in The Wizard of Oz, the Cairn Terrier is spirited and adventurous. Originally bred in the Scottish Highlands to hunt foxes and other small animals, Cairns are independent yet loving, making them well-suited for families. Their wiry coat is weather-resistant, and they have a double-layer coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health. Cairn Terriers are ideal for active owners who can keep up with their lively nature.
7. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier, or “Scottie,” is famous for its dignified appearance and fearless personality. Originally bred to hunt rats, foxes, and badgers in Scotland, the Scottie is known for its independence and confidence. With their distinctive, wiry coats and expressive eyes, Scotties are easily recognizable. They are loyal to their families but can be reserved around strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.
8. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, or “Westie,” is a small, sturdy dog with a cheerful disposition. Known for its striking white coat, the Westie is a friendly and outgoing breed that was originally bred in Scotland for hunting small game. Westies are intelligent, confident, and require moderate exercise to stay healthy. They are a popular choice for families due to their gentle and affectionate nature with children.
9. Norfolk Terrier
Norfolk Terriers are small yet fearless, originally bred to control vermin on farms. This breed is known for its folded ears and charming personality. Weighing around 11 pounds, Norfolk Terriers are well-suited to both city and country living, adapting easily to different environments. They are affectionate, loyal, and enjoy being around people, making them excellent family pets.
10. Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature Bull Terrier is a smaller version of the Bull Terrier, with the same egg-shaped head and playful disposition. Despite their small size, Miniature Bull Terriers are strong and muscular, making them excellent companions for active individuals. Known as the “clown prince of dogdom,” this breed has a unique sense of humor and is often seen performing playful antics.
11. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are known for their intelligence and loyalty. Originally bred in Germany for farm work, this breed is adaptable, making it a good choice for both city and country living. Miniature Schnauzers are alert and friendly, with a distinct, wiry coat and bushy eyebrows. They are relatively low-shedding, which is ideal for people with allergies, and their friendly nature makes them excellent family pets.
Medium and Large Terrier Breeds
12. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier, often called the “King of Terriers,” is the largest terrier breed, reaching up to 70 pounds. With their distinctive black-and-tan coat, Airedales are known for their versatility, having been used historically as both working dogs and loyal companions. Originally bred in England for hunting large game and retrieving, Airedales are intelligent, independent, and protective, making them ideal for experienced dog owners.
13. American Staffordshire Terrier
Also known as the AmStaff, this breed is muscular and confident, originally bred for bull-baiting and farm work in the United States. Today, American Staffordshire Terriers are known for their loyalty and gentle disposition with family members. They require socialization from an early age to be well-rounded, friendly pets. With proper training, AmStaffs make excellent companions and are especially affectionate with children.
14. Bull Terrier
Recognized by its unique egg-shaped head, the Bull Terrier is both strong and playful. Originally bred for bull-baiting, this breed has evolved into a loving and devoted companion known for its quirky personality. Bull Terriers are highly active and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Their short, smooth coat is low-maintenance, making them a good choice for those looking for a hardy, fun-loving pet.
15. Irish Terrier
With its fiery red coat and bold personality, the Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, dating back over 2,000 years. Known for their loyalty and tenacity, Irish Terriers were bred to guard farms and hunt vermin. They are highly active dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Irish Terriers are known for their affectionate nature, making them great companions for families who can keep up with their energy levels.
16. Kerry Blue Terrier
Named after its unique, blue-gray coat, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a highly intelligent breed that was originally bred in Ireland for hunting and herding. Kerry Blues are known for their affectionate and adaptable nature, making them excellent family pets. Their hypoallergenic coat is an added benefit for allergy sufferers. Kerry Blues are protective of their families and require consistent training to maintain their gentle disposition.
Lesser-Known Terrier Breeds
17. Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a rare Irish breed known for its strength and calm temperament. Originally bred for hunting and working on farms, Glen of Imaal Terriers are resilient and have a unique appearance, with bowed legs and a scruffy coat. They are known to be quieter than other terriers, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a calmer companion.
18. Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier is a small yet mighty breed, renowned for its energy and tenacity. Originally from England, this breed was developed for hunting, particularly in rugged terrains. Patterdales are highly active and need plenty of exercise, making them suitable for owners with an active lifestyle.
19. Jagdterrier (German Hunting Terrier)
The Jagdterrier is a relatively new breed, developed in Germany specifically for hunting. Known for its high energy and courage, the Jagdterrier is highly loyal and requires an owner who can meet its exercise needs. This breed excels in outdoor activities and is best suited for experienced dog owners who enjoy adventure.
Interactive Element Suggestion
Consider adding a quiz titled “Which Terrier Breed is Right for You?” This quiz could ask users about their lifestyle, activity level, and preferences to match them with the best-suited terrier breed. Including images of the breeds alongside quiz results will add to the engagement and user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do different terrier breeds have varied temperaments?
Yes, while all terriers are known for their bold and spirited nature, each breed’s temperament can vary. For instance, Bedlingtons are known to be calmer, while Jack Russells are famously energetic.
Which terrier breeds are hypoallergenic?
Some terriers, such as the Bedlington, Kerry Blue, and Border Terrier, are hypoallergenic. Their unique coat types shed less, making them more suitable for people with allergies.
What’s the calmest terrier breed?
The Glen of Imaal Terrier, Bedlington, and Cesky Terrier are known for their more relaxed dispositions compared to other terrier breeds.
Conclusion: Which Terrier Breed is Right for You?
Terriers bring an array of loyal, courageous, and fun-loving qualities to dog owners. From the calm Glen of Imaal to the energetic Rat Terrier, each breed has its own personality that adds joy to a household. Explore these breeds, engage with our quiz, and find out which terrier fits your lifestyle best.
Feel free to share your experiences and let us know which terrier has captured your heart!