Types of Terriers: 25 Terrier Breeds

A terrier is a type of dog that was initially bred as a farm dog that could hunt vermin, such as rats, foxes, and badgers. In eighteenth-century Britain, there were only two officially recognized breeds of terriers: long-legged terriers and short-legged terriers. Today, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes more than thirty different types of Terriers. Each breed has unique characteristics, but generally speaking, Terriers are loyal, intelligent, and affectionate. Most breeds make for great family dogs, need lots of exercise, and benefit from having a job to do.

Here are twenty-five of the most common Terrier breeds:

1. 1. Airedale terrier: Hailing from the Valley of Aire in England, the Airedale terrier was bred to be a hunter of vermin, an obedient guard dog, and a loyal companion. Airedales have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise. They are a medium-sized breed with an average height of twenty-three inches and weigh between fifty to seventy pounds. Their average lifespan is eleven to fourteen years. They have a dense, wiry coat with distinctive black-and-tan coloring. Airedales need to be brushed regularly to keep their wiry coat from getting tangled and should be fully groomed three to four times a year. They’re a protective breed but are known to be patient with children, which makes them great family dogs.
2. 2. American Staffordshire Terrier: The American Staffordshire Terrier (aka AmStaff) has a stocky, muscular build and a short, smooth coat. AmStaffs are a large dog breed—males grow up to nineteen inches tall and weigh between fifty-five to seventy pounds; females grow to be around eighteen inches tall and weigh between forty to fifty-five pounds. Their average lifespan is twelve to sixteen years. Though they were once bred for the now-illegal sport of dogfighting, AmStaffs are incredibly lovable and friendly dogs. They are very intelligent and relatively easy to train. As working dogs, AmStaffs love having a job to do. Although they have a medium energy level, they require daily exercise.
3. 3. American Hairless Terrier: The American Hairless Terrier was bred from naturally hairless Rat Terriers. They share many of the same characteristics as Rat Terriers, except that they have no coat. Owners should take proper precautions to protect this breed from sunburn and cold weather conditions. American Hairless Terriers are twelve to sixteen inches tall and weigh between twelve and sixteen pounds. Their average lifespan is twelve to fourteen years.
4. 4. Australian Terrier: Australian Terriers are feisty, energetic little dogs with upbeat and affectionate personalities. Males grow to be ten to eleven inches tall and weigh fourteen to sixteen pounds. Females are a little smaller, maxing out at ten inches tall and weighing between eleven and fourteen pounds. Their short coats are waterproof and don’t shed much. They have either a blue-and-tan, sandy, or all-red color. Australian Terriers make great family pets. Initially bred for guarding livestock, they have an alert temperament and loyal disposition. Their medium energy level keeps them active, but they quickly adapt to their home's energy. Australian Terriers have an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years.
5. 5. Bedlington Terrier: The Bedlington Terrier is named after its place of origin, Bedlington of Northumberland in North East England. Bedlingtons are small dogs, reaching a max height of fifteen to sixteen inches at the withers and weighing seventeen to twenty-three pounds. They have a distinctive short, curly coat, which comes in many colors, including white, blue, sandy, liver, liver-and-tan, blue-and-tan, and sandy-and-tan. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic and seldom shed. Bred in nineteenth-century Britain for hunting vermin, Bedlington Terriers are versatile athletes, cuddly companions, and attentive watchdogs. They have an average life expectancy of twelve to fourteen years.
6. 6. Border Terrier: Border Terriers were bred in Scotland and England in the eighteenth century. Breeders selected traits that made them excellent hunters of vermin and alert guard dogs. They have a short, wiry coat that is hypoallergenic and waterproof. They come in red, grizzle-and-tan, blue-and-tan, or wheaten colors. Males grow to be between thirteen and sixteen inches tall and weigh between thirteen and fifteen pounds; females grow eleven to fourteen inches tall and weigh eleven to fourteen pounds. They have an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. Border Terriers are a high-energy, affectionate, and obedient breed that plays well with others—including children and other pets.
7. 7. Boston Terrier: Known as the “American gentleman,” Boston Terriers are easily identified by their tuxedo coat, perky ears, and stubby snout. They have a sleek, fine coat that doesn’t shed much. They’re a small breed—only fifteen to seventeen inches tall and weigh fifteen to twenty-five pounds. Friendly, intelligent, energetic, and athletic, Boston Terriers are great for families or people who enjoy a moderately active lifestyle. Most Boston Terriers are satisfied with one brisk walk a day, while others might require more exercise.
8. 8. Bull Terrier: The Bull Terrier is a spirited, muscular dog known for its unique egg-shaped head and pointy ears. They can reach twenty-two inches tall and weigh between fifty to seventy pounds. They have an average lifespan of ten to fourteen years. They come in any color, but they’re typically all white or have large brindle or tan spots. They were initially bred in the 1800s for hunting and to compete in the now-illegal sport of bull-baiting—where a dog attacks a staked bull and onlookers place bets on the eventual outcome of the duel. Despite this gruesome beginning, prospective pet owners need not shy away from this lovable, funny, affectionate breed. Bull Terriers can be stubborn and sensitive to over-stimulation. They require firm but loving training and daily exercise to keep them on their best behavior around small children and other pets.
9. 9. Cairn Terrier: Cairn Terriers are a tenacious breed who were initially bred for hunting foxes and badgers in the rocky hillsides of Scotland. They have a strong prey drive that keeps them busy—they like to dig and chase vermin around the yard. Cairn Terriers are a small dog breed—about ten inches tall and between thirteen and fourteen pounds. They have a short coat that is rough and wiry on the surface and downy underneath. They come in every color except for white. This happy-go-lucky breed needs plenty of exercise and consistent obedience training to keep them on their best behavior. Cairn Terriers have an average lifespan of nine to thirteen years.
10. 10. Cesky Terrier: Cesky Terriers originated in Czechoslovakia. They look and act similar to Scottish Terriers. They have a long body, short legs, a wiry coat, and a shaggy beard. Cesky Terriers are intelligent, cunning, and bond closely with their owners. They grow to be ten to thirteen inches tall and weigh between fourteen and twenty-four pounds.
11. 11. Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Dandie Dinmont Terriers are tiny—about eight to eleven inches tall and weigh between eighteen to twenty-four pounds. Their average life expectancy is between twelve to fifteen years. They were initially bred to hunt badgers and otters on the border of England and Scotland. They are known for being affectionate and loyal protectors who bond closely to their humans but may not get along well with other animals. Their rough double coat needs regular grooming to keep them looking in tip-top shape.
12. 12. Fox Terrier: There are two kinds of Fox Terriers: Smooth Fox Terrier and Wire Fox Terriers. The main difference between them is the texture and length of their coats and their size. Smooth Fox Terriers have a fine, silky coat, while Wire Fox Terriers have a short, curly coat. Smooth Fox Terriers are not hypoallergenic, but Wire Fox Terriers are. Both breeds grow to similar sizes—about fifteen inches tall and fifteen to twenty pounds. Fox Terriers are friendly, fast, and alert. They make excellent working dogs but are affectionate and playful pets at home.
13. 13. Irish Terrier: Irish Terriers were bred to catch rodents on Irish farmlands. They’re determined working dogs who double as lovable companions. Early socialization is necessary to encourage Irish Terriers to play well with other dogs. Irish Terriers are medium-sized terriers—about eighteen inches tall and weight twenty-five to twenty-seven pounds. They have a short, wiry coat in bright red, golden red, wheaten, or wheaten red.
14. 14. Jack Russell Terrier: Also known as Parson Russell Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers are arguably the most popular breed belonging to the Terrier group. These small dogs are known for their fun-loving, affectionate, and playful personalities. Russells come in various coat types, including short, rough, and broken-coated. Rough and broken-coated Jack Russells are prone to seasonal shedding and require regular brushing. They have white coats with black, cream, brown, tan, or tri-color spots. Jack Russells have a high energy level and can run circles around their owners or other pets. They benefit from a fenced-in backyard that offers plenty of space for daily exercise. Jack Russell Terriers are eager to please and great with kids, making them an ideal family dog.
15. 15. Kerry Blue Terrier: Kerry Blue Terriers were initially bred in Ireland to hunt vermin and herd livestock. Kerry Blue Terriers are a medium-size breed. They measure about nineteen inches tall and weigh between twenty-eight to thirty-seven pounds. They have a hypoallergenic grey-blue coat that’s short and curly and needs regular brushing. Though gentle with humans, Kerry Blue Terriers are expert hunters who may not live well with other family pets. They have a life expectancy of thirteen to fifteen years.
16. 16. Norwich Terrier: Norwich terriers are a small breed—they’re about ten inches tall and weigh around twelve pounds. They have a double coat in red, black-and-tan, wheaten, and grizzle. Their pointy ears stand up straight atop their square head. Norwich Terriers have strong hunting instincts and like to stay active. They’re lovable, cuddly companions who stick to their owners like glue. In 1964, a separate breed with drop-ears was recognized as the Norfolk Terrier.
17. 17. Pit Bull Terrier: Also known as the American Pit Bull Terrier, this breed shares many characteristics with the American Staffordshire Terrier. Pit Bulls are muscular, athletic dogs with a stocky build and square head. They grow up to twenty-one inches tall and weigh about thirty-five pounds. Despite the stereotypes that shroud the reputation of Pit Bull Terriers, they are, in fact, very affectionate and lovable dogs. When properly socialized, they can be great with small children and friendly with other dogs.
18. 18. Rat Terrier: Rat Terriers are a small dog breed that also comes in a miniature variety. Standard Rat Terriers measure thirteen to eighteen inches tall and weigh twelve to thirty-five pounds. Mini Rat Tarriers are ten to thirteen inches tall and weigh about four to six pounds. As their name suggests, Rat Terriers were initially bred to rid farmlands of rats and other vermin. Today, Rat Terriers make for upbeat and loyal house dogs. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in various white, black, brown, tan, and cream patterns. They are an intelligent and curious breed. They typically live from fifteen to eighteen years old.
19. 19. Scottish Terrier: Affectionately known as Scotties, Scottish Terriers are one of the most popular Terrier breeds. They’re small—only ten inches tall and eighteen to twenty-two pounds. Scotties have a wiry coat and a shaggy beard. They come in black, brindle, silver, or wheaten colors and are hypoallergenic. They’re a playful, determined breed that enjoys the company of an affectionate family. Scottish Terriers typically live for twelve to fifteen years.
20. 20. Skye Terrier: Skye Terriers were originally bred on the Isle of Skye off the Western coast of Scotland. They’re small-medium dogs—about ten inches tall and between twenty-five to forty pounds. They have long coats that can hide their eyes and trail down their sides like a skirt. They come in various colors, including black, grey, silver, and cream. Their happy-go-lucky attitudes make them endearing companions. Some Skye Terriers are trained as therapy dogs. Their lifespan is typically between twelve and fifteen years.
21. 21. Staffordshire Bull Terrier: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized breed. They can reach up to sixteen inches tall and weigh between twenty-four and thirty-eight pounds. They have a short coat, a square head, and floppy pointed ears. They come in tan, white, black, or a combination of colors. They have a muscular build and are incredibly athletic dogs. They’re well-behaved around small children and make for loyal family pets.
22. 22. Welsh Terrier: The Welsh Terrier looks like a miniature version of the Airedale Terrier. It has a compact body, rectangular head, floppy ears, and a scruffy beard. Welsh Terriers originated in Wales in Great Britain. They have a neat, black-and-tan coat that’s short and curly. Welsh Terriers grow to be fifteen inches tall and weigh up to twenty pounds. They typically live for twelve to fifteen years.
23. 23. West Highland White Terrier: Also known as “Westies," the West Highland White Terrier is one of the most beloved terrier breeds. They grow between ten to eleven inches tall and weigh between thirteen and twenty-two pounds. As their name suggests, they have a bright white double coat. They’re friendly and affectionate but can be a bit stubborn. Their strong-willed personalities necessitate consistent obedience training, daily walks, and plenty of exercise. They’re hypoallergenic and live to be twelve to fifteen years old.
24. 24. Wheaten Terrier: Also known as the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Wheatens are medium-size dogs. They measure between seventeen and nineteen inches tall and weigh thirty to forty pounds. They have a silky soft, curly coat and wheaten coloring. Underneath their soft coat is a muscular build. Wheaten Terriers are working dogs with a medium energy level. They love to exercise and have a job to do but have a happy, easy-going temperament at home.
25. 25. Yorkshire Terrier: Also known as “Yorkies,” the Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed with a long, luxurious coat. They’re between seven and nine inches tall and weigh up to seven pounds. They’re loyal and protective, making them effective watchdogs. They don’t require much exercise but benefit from regular walks and playtime outdoors. They are commonly bred together with poodles to create the Yorkipoo—an adorable toy breed.

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