25 terrific terrier breeds

Updated on 23 May 2024

Terrier breeds are known for their energetic, mischievous nature, and with over 30 breeds ranging in shape, size and personality, terriers are nothing short of a diverse bunch. So whether you’re about to dog sit a terrific terrier or you’re a pet parent to be, explore the terrier breeds below - some of which appear on the American Kennel Club’s list of the most popular dog breeds!

Caring for Terrier breeds

Terrier breeds are known for their bubbly nature, so they’ll need daily walks and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Some can be on the stubborn side with a high prey drive, while others have territorial tendencies, meaning early puppy training and socialization is key. And as many were bred to hunt and kill vermin, terriers like to keep busy, so will always benefit from having mentally-stimulating toys to paw.

Terrier breeds

Boston Terrier

With those tuxedo coats, the Boston Terrier is the epitome of a gentleman’s best friend. As a cross between the English Bulldog and the now-extinct English White Terrier, they’re excellent students in obedience training and ideal family pets. 

Bull Terrier

Known for their shapely snouts and pointed ears, Bull Terriers (AKA the Target dog breed mascot) are full of life and love to socialize. With their muscular build, sizes range from 50-70 pounds and their minimal grooming needs make them ideal pets.

American Staffordshire Terrier

This muscular terrier breed (otherwise known as the AmStaff) is a loving doggo dedicated to their pack. Early socialization with people and pets is vital for a happy adult dog.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffies are a terrier breed originally bred for the sport of dog fighting, but as they’re welcomed into loving homes, they’re now known for their affectionate, faithful nature towards their human family.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies were originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin, but soon became popular lap dogs amongst the wealthy. As loyal and intelligent family dogs, they’ve been bred with Maltese dogs to make the adorable Morkie.

Miniature Schnauzer

This terrier dog dates all the way back to the 1400s and is now well-adjusted in the (human) family home, whether that’s an apartment or somewhere surrounded by acres of land.

Rat Terrier

As long as they’re socialized from a young age, Rat Terriers are great with other people and make rather contented lap dogs. With their smooth coats and Jack Russell-like markings, these terrier dogs are super cute.

Airedale Terrier

Known as the “King of Terriers”, this regal pup is a capable hunter, athlete, and companion all at the same time. With their high energy levels and love of the great outdoors, they make fantastic adventure buddies.

Cairn Terrier

Made famous as Toto in The Wizard of Oz, these pups might be the most terrier-like of all the terrier breeds! With a passion for playing and digging, they thrive on interaction and love being part of the action. 

Scottish Terrier

These short legged terriers (AKA Scotties) are spirited and courageous. Instantly recognizable with their wiry coats and pointed ears, Scotties are known for being fiercely protective and playful terrier dogs.

Bedlington Terrier

This kind of terrier is one of the most agile - those long legs are made for running. Originally bred for hunting small game, these pups are great when it comes to agility and naturally, chasing off squirrels.

Border Terrier

Known for their wiry coat and friendly little faces, these pups are a small terrier breed, weighing in at a max of 15 pounds. The Border Terrier dog breed will benefit from consistent training and TLC from their humans.

Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier dog breed makes for the ideal adventure buddy. They’re packed with energy which, matched with those long legs, means they love nothing more than accompanying their humans hiking and running.

Sealyham Terrier

Sealys are terrier dogs that’ll have you at hello - these energetic companion dogs are known for their “fall” - the mass of fluff that covers those cute faces.

Norwich Terrier

As a cousin of the Norfolk Terrier, they’ve got similar personalities and temperament (loving, eager to please and playful), but have ears that tend to fold over and longer coats. Known for barking, they’ll need consistent training from an early age.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier dog breed were working dogs from rural Ireland, and are found with two iconic coat types: heavy and Irish. The latter is more silky and wavy, while the heavy coat is thicker.

Wire Fox Terrier

This terrier breed’s most noticeable feature has to be those wiry coats. It’ll need regular attention by the groomer, and might need cleaning after that typical terrier personality comes out on walkies.

Norfolk Terrier

Teddy bear in terrier breed form, anyone? Norfolk Terrier dog breeds are known for their sporting instincts and brave personalities. Along with their love for the outdoors, they’re low on the allergen front, too.

Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier dog breed (otherwise known as Jack Russells) are one of the most popular terrier breeds. With a spunky personality, these highly intelligent Jack Russell pups will need consistent training from the get-go.

Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier dog breed’s personality matches their history - bred to hunt badgers and otters, they’re alert and full of life. And known for the black and tan coat and cheerful-looking beard, they’re rather smart-looking, too.

West Highland White Terrier

It’s only fitting that the wee West Highland White Terrier dog breed is fondly referred to as the Westie. A furry family member since the 17th century, this terrier breed is known for their brown button eyes, snowy coats and playful personalities.

Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier dogs are bold pups with high energy levels. Covered in a wiry coat that contrasts with a head full of soft, silky fur, these doggos are the ancestor to the Australian Silky Terrier mix.

Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier dog breed was first bred in the English city they’re named after for ratting. A cross between Black and Tan Terriers and Whippets, these pups sure are fast and excel in canine sports.

Kerry Blue Terrier

Like many Irish terrier breeds, the Kerry Blue has a farming history. Now, they’re known as loving family dogs with a seriously soft, blue-gray curly coat and a signature beard.

American Hairless Terrier

Native to Louisiana, this terrier breed - strangely enough - can be found in coated and hairless varieties. Those with fur are found with a short, soft coat and those without still often have eyebrows and whiskers.