Terrier dogs are a beloved group of breeds known for their feisty personalities, loyalty, and intelligence. With their distinct appearance and charming personalities, terriers have become a popular choice for dog owners worldwide.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 types of terrier dogs based on various sources. Whether you’re a terrier enthusiast or simply curious about these adorable pups, read on to discover the most popular and beloved terrier breeds.
You are reading: The Top 10 Types Of Terrier Dogs
The Top 10 Types Of Terrier Dogs
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is a large and square-shaped dog breed that is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and courage. This breed is the largest of all terriers and originated in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England.
The Airedale Terrier has a long and flat head with a black nose and small dark eyes. Its ears are V-shaped and fold slightly to the side of the head and forward. The chest is deep, and the front legs are perfectly straight.
The Airedale Terrier is a hard-working, independent, and athletic dog with a lot of drive, energy, and stamina. This breed is also known for being friendly, intelligent, and loyal.
The Airedale Terrier is a medium-sized breed that requires a large house and garden with space to exercise, making it best suited for a rural environment. The Airedale Terrier is a fascinating breed that is often quoted as being the smartest of all the terriers.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small terrier dog breed that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. This breed was developed to protect the home and farm from rodents and is often described as a robust, sturdily built terrier of nearly square proportion.
Miniature Schnauzers have a double coat, with a close undercoat, and hard, wiry, outer coat which is longer on their legs, muzzle, and eyebrows. They are known for their distinctive “whiskers and beard” that give them a wise appearance.
Miniature Schnauzers are often described as non-moulting dogs, and while this is not entirely true, their wiry coat sheds very little, making them a hypoallergenic breed. They are friendly, lively, and alert dogs that make excellent watchdogs.
Miniature Schnauzers are also very affectionate and enjoy playtime. They typically have a bright and vigilant temperament and tend to be quite vocal.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed, measuring 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm) tall and weighing 11 to 20 pounds (5 to 9 kg). They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent family dog that is adaptable to living in an apartment or roaming around a farm.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small, compact, and well-proportioned dog breed that originated in Boston, Massachusetts, in the latter half of the 19th century. This breed is known for its distinctive “tuxedo” markings, which are white with black, brindle, or seal.
The Boston Terrier is often referred to as the “American Gentleman” due to its refined appearance and gentle disposition. This breed has a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
The Boston Terrier is highly intelligent and very easily trained. They are friendly, lively, and active dogs that make excellent family pets and companions.
Boston Terriers typically get along with everyone, including young children, other household dogs, and dog-friendly cats. They are also known for being affectionate and eager to please.
The Boston Terrier is a small breed, standing 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm) tall at the withers and weighing 12 to 25 pounds (5 to 11 kg). They have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years.
The Boston Terrier is an excellent choice for first-time dog owners who are looking for a small dog that is easy to train and loves to be around people.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the Westie, is a small to medium-sized terrier breed that originated in Scotland.
Physical Characteristics:
– The West Highland White Terrier has a distinctive white double coat that requires regular grooming.
– They have a compact body, dark eyes, and a carrot-shaped tail.
– The breed stands 10 to 11 inches (25 to 28 cm) tall and weighs 13 to 19 pounds (6 to 8.5 kg).
Temperament:
– The West Highland White Terrier is a game and hardy little terrier that is easy to train.
– They are fairly friendly toward strangers and get along well with children.
– Westies are lively, spirited, and extremely self-assured toward other dogs.
– They may chase a cat for fun and need to be corrected if they do attempt this.
– The temperament of the West Highland White Terrier can vary greatly, with some being friendly towards children, while others prefer solitude.
History:
– The West Highland White Terrier shares a history with that of the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Scottish, and Cairn Terriers; they are all considered branches of the same breed.
– The breed was used for hunting fox, badger, and otter and for killing vermin such as rats.
– The West Highland White Terrier was bred for many years by the Malcolm family, whose dogs appear to be traceable back to the time of King James I of England.
Overall, the West Highland White Terrier is a friendly, lively, and spirited breed that makes an excellent companion for those who are looking for a small dog with a big personality.
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed that is known for its courage, loyalty, and playfulness.
Physical Characteristics:
– The Bull Terrier has a muscular and big-boned physique, with a long head that is shaped like an egg.
– They have a short, shiny coat that can be any color but white or white with darker head markings.
– The breed stands 21 to 22 inches (53 to 56 cm) tall at the withers and weighs about 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg).
Temperament:
– The Bull Terrier is a loyal, polite, and obedient dog that becomes very attached to its owners.
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– They are friendly, playful, and entertaining in their ways.
– Bull Terriers are strong and some have aggressive tendencies, so early socialization and training are essential.
– They are known for being comical, mischievous, and stubborn.
– The Bull Terrier is an active, energetic, and exuberant breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
History:
– The Bull Terrier was originally bred for pit fighting, but breeders began to focus on traits that made them more suitable as companion dogs in the late 1800s.
– The breed is especially well-suited for families with children due to their playful and affectionate nature.
– The miniature Bull Terrier is a separate breed that stands 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 cm) tall and weighs 24 to 33 pounds (11 to 15 kg).
Overall, the Bull Terrier is a tough, powerful, and affectionate breed that makes an excellent companion for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize them properly.
Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed that is known for its loyalty, affection, and playfulness.
Physical Characteristics:
– The American Pit Bull Terrier has a muscular and well-defined body, with a broad head and powerful jaws.
– They have a short, smooth coat that can be any color except merle.
– The breed stands 17 to 21 inches (43 to 53 cm) tall at the withers and weighs 30 to 60 pounds (14 to 27 kg).
Temperament:
– The American Pit Bull Terrier is a loyal, affectionate, and courageous dog that loves people.
– They are highly intelligent, trainable, and eager to please their owners.
– American Pit Bull Terriers are generally friendly and playful with children, but they may not get along with other dogs or smaller animals.
– They require early socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior.
– The American Pit Bull Terrier is an active, energetic, and athletic breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
History:
– The American Pit Bull Terrier was originally bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting, but breeders began to focus on traits that made them more suitable as companion dogs in the early 1900s.
– The breed is often misunderstood and has been the subject of breed-specific legislation in some areas.
– Despite their reputation, American Pit Bull Terriers are loyal and affectionate dogs that make excellent family pets when properly trained and socialized.
Overall, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a loyal, affectionate, and playful breed that requires early socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior. They are highly intelligent and trainable dogs that make excellent family pets when given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog breed that is known for its unique appearance and playful personality.
Physical Characteristics:
– The Bedlington Terrier has a pear-shaped head that is narrow, but deep and rounded.
– They have a curly coat that can be any color except white or white with black.
– The breed stands 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm) tall at the withers and weighs 17 to 23 pounds (8 to 10 kg).
Temperament:
– The Bedlington Terrier is a playful, cheerful, and affectionate dog that makes a good family companion.
– They are loving with children and fairly friendly with strangers.
– Bedlington Terriers are loyal and lively, but can become willful and stubborn if they sense their owners are meek or passive.
– This breed needs to learn to get along with cats and other household animals when it is young.
– Bedlington Terriers are energetic and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
History:
– The Bedlington Terrier was originally bred for hunting vermin and small game.
– The breed is named after the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England, where it was first developed.
– Bedlington Terriers are believed to share common ancestry with breeds such as the Dandie Dinmont, Kerry blue, and soft-coated wheaten terriers.
Overall, the Bedlington Terrier is a unique-looking and playful breed that makes an excellent family companion. They are affectionate, loyal, and lively dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in Scotland.
Physical Characteristics:
– The Scottish Terrier has a sturdy build and short legs, which serve them well as vermin exterminators.
– They have a medium-length, wiry double coat that typically comes in black but can be seen in wheaten and brindle patterns as well.
– The breed stands 10 inches (25 cm) tall and weighs 18 to 22 pounds (8 to 10 kg).
Temperament:
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– The Scottish Terrier is an alert, affectionate, and fearless dog that makes an excellent watchdog.
– They are independent, intelligent, and somewhat stubborn, but also sensitive to praise and blame.
– Scottish Terriers tend to be spunky, confident, and somewhat independent dogs, though they are quite loyal to their favorite humans.
– They are watchful with strangers and other perceived threats, but generally friendly with their family.
– Scottish Terriers require early socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior.
History:
– The Scottish Terrier was originally bred for hunting animals such as rabbit, otter, fox, and badgers.
– Scottish Terriers have been popular in the U.S. for decades, even among presidents, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and George W. Bush.
– The breed is also known as the “Scottie”.
Overall, the Scottish Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that makes an excellent watchdog and companion. They are alert, affectionate, and fearless dogs that require early socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior.
Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in the United Kingdom.
Physical Characteristics:
– The Border Terrier has a short, wiry coat and a characteristic broad head with v-shaped ears.
– They typically have a blue and tan, grizzle and tan, red, or wheaten coat color, with the muzzle usually being darker.
– The breed stands 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) tall and weighs 11.5 to 14 pounds (5 to 6 kg) for females and 13 to 15.5 pounds (6 to 7 kg) for males.
Temperament:
– The Border Terrier is lively, bright, and affectionate, with a loving temperament towards their families.
– They are playful, smart, and moderately trainable, though they can have a strong-willed streak to their personality.
– Border Terriers are generally friendly and affectionate with children when they have proper training and socialization.
– They can be vocal and stubborn, and they are prone to chase and dig.
– The breed is intelligent and quick to learn, but early socialization and training are essential to prevent aggressive behavior.
History:
– The Border Terrier was originally bred for hunting and controlling vermin.
– The breed was developed in the border country between England and Scotland.
– Borders were built to have a long, narrow, flexible body, the better to squeeze through narrow holes and flush foxes out of their hiding places, and legs long enough to follow the horses during a foxhunt.
Overall, the Border Terrier is a lively, affectionate, and intelligent breed that makes an excellent family companion. They require early socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also known as the Staffy or Stafford, is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in the northern parts of Birmingham and in the Black Country of Staffordshire, for which it is named.
Physical Characteristics:
– The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a muscular dog with a broad skull, short foreface, and strong jaws.
– They have a short, wiry coat that can be any color except white.
– The breed stands 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm) tall and weighs 24 to 38 pounds (11 to 17 kg).
Temperament:
– The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an affectionate, courageous, and obedient dog that is loyal to its family.
– They are intelligent, trainable, and eager to please their owners.
– Staffordshire Bull Terriers are generally friendly and playful with children, but they may not get along with other dogs or smaller animals.
– They require early socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior.
– The breed is known for being vocal and protective, but not aggressive.
History:
– The Staffordshire Bull Terrier descended from 19th-century bull terriers that were developed by crossing bulldogs with various terriers to create a generic type of dog generally known as bull and terriers.
– The breed was developed for bull-baiting and dog fighting, but breeders began to focus on traits that made them more suitable as companion dogs in the early 1900s.
– Staffordshire Bull Terriers have unfairly been given a bad reputation over the years, but they are affectionate, intelligent, and with a kind, gentle nature.
Overall, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an affectionate, courageous, and obedient breed that makes an excellent family pet when given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They require early socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior and are known for being vocal and protective, but not aggressive.
FAQS
1. What are the top 10 types of terrier dogs?
The top 10 types of terrier dogs can vary depending on the source, but some of the most commonly mentioned breeds include the Airedale Terrier, Boston Terrier, Bull Terrier, Border Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
2. What are some common traits of terrier dogs?
Terrier dogs are often described as feisty, lively, and fearless. They are typically small to medium-sized dogs with wiry coats and strong personalities. Terriers were originally bred for hunting and controlling vermin, so they are often tenacious and energetic.
3. Are terrier dogs good with children?
Many terrier breeds are friendly and playful with children, but early socialization and training are essential to prevent aggressive behavior. Some terriers may not get along with other dogs or smaller animals, so it’s important to introduce them to new situations and people at a young age.
4. Do terrier dogs require a lot of exercise?
Yes, terrier dogs are generally active and energetic breeds that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy playtime and outdoor activities, so they are well-suited for families who enjoy an active lifestyle.
5. Are terrier dogs easy to train?
Terrier dogs are generally intelligent and trainable, but they can also be stubborn and independent. Early socialization and training are essential to prevent aggressive behavior and to teach them good manners. Positive reinforcement techniques are often effective with terrier breeds.
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