The Terrier is a highly favored companion animal and an exceptional family pet!

Feisty and full of energy, these dog breeds have been dubbed as having a distinctive ‘terrier personality’. The Terrier is a rambunctious and assertive dog. They are quite intelligent and love to play. Many types of Terriers are extremely friendly with people, and will capture our hearts.

Terrier breeds were bred to hunt and kill vermin, burrow into dens, and dig out prey, Consequently they have little natural tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. However, with specialized training and socialization, most can become more reliable with other pets. These are active little dogs that need to be kept busy. If not provided with things to do they may very well dig up the yard, but given activities they will be a fun and enthusiastic participant.

Terrier Dog Breeds

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier
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Canis lupus familiaris

American Pit Bull Terrier

pitbull dog standing in the middle of bricked pathway
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Canis lupus familiaris

Border Terrier

Border Terrier
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Canis lupus familiaris

Bull Terrier

english-bull-terrier-dog-on-a-skateboard
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Canis lupus familiaris

Cairn Terrier

black cairn terrier in the grass
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Canis lupus familiaris

Miniature Schnauzer

miniature schnauzer black dog standing outdoors
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Canis lupus familiaris

Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terrier
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Canis lupus familiaris

Red-Nosed American Pit Bull Terrier

Red-Nosed American Pit Bull Terrier
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Canis lupus familiaris

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier
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Canis lupus familiaris

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier
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Canis lupus familiaris

Dog Breed Information

   Terriers are highly favored companion animals and family pets.The types of Terriers range in sizes from the quite small breeds to the impressive Airedale Terrier, which is the largest terrier. The Terrier breeds consist of two general types of Terriers. The traditional Terriers are those like the Norwich Terrier, Border Terrier and larger breeds like the Airedale Terrier. The other types are the Terriers known as the bully breeds, called the Bull and Terrier types. These were developed in the 1700’s. These include the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The Bully breeds are extremely people friendly and excellent with children. Because of their development, they are not always good with other dogs or small animals. Many of these dogs can be trained and socialized as puppies however, and be very reliable. These types of Terriers are considered by many people to much more sociable and affectionate than some of the traditional Terriers.

Dog Types: Popular Terrier Breeds

    Six of the most popular terriers are appreciated for their minimal shedding and are said to be hypoallergenic if they are kept properly groomed. These are:

  • Miniature Schnauzer or Mini Schnauzer
  • West Highland Terrier or Westies
  • Scottish Terrier or Scotty
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Airedale Terrier
  • Wheaten Terrier.

There are many types of Terriers and the types of Terriers that are highly favored is very long. Some of the well known breeds include:

  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Boston Terrier
  • Miniature Bull Terrier
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Norwich Terrier
  • Wire Fox Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Border Terrier
  • Bull Terrier
  • Welsh Terrier
  • Smooth Fox Terrier
  • Norfolk Terrier
  • Tibetan Terrier
  • Irish Terrier
  • Silky Terrier

Dog Care Tips

   Being quite intelligent, a terrier loves to play and needs to keep busy. Burrowing is a natural inbred tendency and if these dogs are not provided with other things to do, they may very well dig up the flower garden. The traditional Terrier coat requires a special grooming technique known as stripping, which will help to keep its characteristic appearance.

   If you are interested in getting a Terrier, it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about breed type. Know the traits and behaviors your dog may demonstrate so you can provide the proper care, housing, and exercise for your pet. The Terrier is a type of dog breed that projects a bold fearless attitude. They are always ready to assert themselves and will require a determined posture in their owners to match their lively characters. All companion dogs, no matter what their makeup, will benefit from good socialization and training.


Featured Image Credit: Sebastian Coman Travel, Unsplash