12 Most Popular Terrier Breeds

A terrier is a breed of dog, commonly small, “typically energetic and keen-sensed.” Terriers tend to be very energetic and are very good watchdogs. The breeds that will be listed into the ones more popular than others.

Not all terrier breeds are created equal. The Jack Russell Terrier, for example, is far more energetic, alert, and aggressive than the Affenpinscher.

Some terriers have a long “sleeve” of fur that protects their legs, like the West Highland White Terrier, while others have hair only on their heads, like the Airedale Terrier.

Like the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, some terrier breeds look very similar at first glance.

Here are more descriptions of the most popular terrier breeds so that you can know them better and pick which is the best one for you and your family:

1. Miniature Schnauzer

schnauzer-wire-haired-dog-breeds

Miniature Schnauzer Terrier is a small-sized dog; it has dark brown hair and ears smaller than other dogs, very intelligent, learns fast, and can be trained to do many things.

It is very attached to the owners, is a good watchdog; this dog is so nice that it can get along very well with the children in the house.

The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds. It has a glossy wiry coat and a square muzzle.

Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, playful, and very protective of their owners. They need lots of attention and training to keep them under control.

2. Boston Terrier 

small-guard-dogs-boston-terrier

Boston Terriers have a reputation for being a little bit aloof, but behind their standoffish masks is a character that will make you laugh and smile.

They are well-known for their love of stealing food and their ability to find the tastiest treats in a secret stash. They’re often called “the American Gentleman” for their easy-going, mild-mannered, and independent nature, as well as their love of play.

It is a small breed of dogs with a compact, well proportioned, and well-muscled body. The body is longer than it is tall, and the breed is well balanced.

The head is carried high, and the tail is curled. The coat is glossy, fine, and short. The coat is generally black but can also be a seal, brindle, or piebald (white with black spots). This breed also features a clean-cut, short face with a pronounced stop.

3. Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier

Soft-Coated-Wheaton Terrier-most-popular-terrier-breeds

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a dog bred for hunting. Originally found in Ireland, it’s known for its friendly nature and willingness to please its owner.

READ -  Top 13 Most Trainable Mixed Dog Breeds

It was named after its original destination – wheaten bread because the dog’s coat was said to be as light and as airy as a loaf of wheaten bread.

The Wheaten Terrier got its name from the Irish county of Derry, although it’s believed that they were first bred in County Kildare.

The Wheaten Terrier was created in Ireland in the early 1800s. It’s a mix between the Irish terrier and the wheaten terrier.

4. Airedale Terrier

Airedale-Terrier-most-popular-terrier-breeds

The Airedale Terrier originated in the 19th century in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, specifically in and around the city of Leeds.

The breed was developed primarily for hunting otters in the Pennines’ harsh terrain and the dense otter holts (settlements) in the lowlands.

The Airedale’s original purpose was to hunt otters in dense river-side populations in Yorkshire, England. To do this, the dogs had to be both powerful and agile enough to haul an otter out of its holts (dens) and water.

5. Yorkshire Terrier 

yorkie-colors

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed of the terrier type developed in the 19th century in Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom.

The breed has several nicknames, including the Yorkie, Yorkie-pie, Yorkie-toy, and the Yorkie-Yorkie, and is sometimes called a “York” for short.

In the 1880s, when the breed was first shown under the name “Rough-Haired Toy Terrier,” the first Yorkie was brought to the United States and received second place at a show.

6. Scottish Terrier

scottish-terrier-wire-haired-dog-breeds

The Scottish Terrier or Scottie is a small breed of dog. Scotties are generally teacup-sized, with adults reaching up to 10 inches in height.

They were bred to hunt and kill vermin and rid farms of rats and mice. The breed’s history begins around 1820; the date is often given as 1820–30, but that is the written standard’s date. It was bred to hunt foxes, badgers, and otters. This breed is originally from Scotland.

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is a breed of dog with a distinctive “tricorn” coat and a distinctive Scottie dog or “Scottie” face.

The breed was created on the Scottish Isle of Skye, but its exact origin is unknown. The breed was popularized in Victorian England, and its popularity spread worldwide.

Scottish terriers are a breed of dog that originated in Scotland. They are noted for their unique “tartan” colored coats. Scottish terriers were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin.

7. Cairn Terrier

cairn-terrier-7

A Cairn terrier is a small breed of dog with a short, wiry coat and a fox-like head. It is related to the Airedale and the Scottish terrier and was first bred around 1820 in the Scottish Highlands. It is called Cairn because it was bred to help herd sheep.

READ -  Cutest 11 Dog Breeds with Curly Tails

Cairn terriers are usually between 10-14 inches tall. They are very energetic and are popular as both a family pet and show dog.

Even though the Cairn terrier looks somewhat like a fox, it is not a fox terrier. The fox terrier was bred to hunt foxes. The Cairn Terrier is a small Scottish terrier.

Cairn Terriers are very loyal, and they make good pets. Their ears are typically cropped. They have been used as guard dogs to guard small herds of sheep.

8. American Staffordshire Terrier 

American-Staffordshire-Terrier-most-popular-terrier-breeds

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a big friendly dog. It is a powerful dog and needs strength training. It has a short coat and can be black with white markings or any of several other colors.

While the American Staffordshire Terrier’s primary purpose is to be a companion dog, American Staffordshire Terriers are commonly used as police dogs and in Schutzhund. They have also been used as guard dogs.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is still sometimes used for dogfighting, despite being bred for greater tolerance and sociability toward humans. It is a medium-sized, short-coated dog breed of the terrier dog type.

Thanks to the media, the breed is familiar to everyone, which presents it as a strong and active dog, a wonderful companion, and a brave defender.

Amstaffs are active, energetic, and courageous dogs. Their temperament is balanced and stable, without pronounced aggressiveness or nervousness. They are very attached to their owners and are protective of them.

8. Border Terrier

Border-Terrier-most-popular-terrier-breeds

The Border Terrier was originally bred to hunt foxes, otters, and other vermin. But now, most are used as family pets and participate in shows and competitions.

This breed is best suited to a rural setting. The Border is a happy, clownish dog who loves to work and is loyal to family members.

A true terrier, Border Terriers, are always ready to hunt. They will, however, do best with a job to do – a task or a job to occupy their active minds. They should not be left alone for long periods.

The Border Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family. It is a small, rough-coated breed of dog of the Scottish border country.

Border Terriers were once bred to hunt foxes, otters, and badgers. Nowadays, they are also kept as pets. They are alert and intelligent.

Their coat comes in a variety of colors. They are curious, lively, and brave, but with a typical terrier temperament. They are very good with children and are suitable for any rural or urban environment.

10. Bull Terrier

Bull-Terrier-most-popular-terrier-breeds

Do you have a Bull Terrier? Maybe you have heard of this breed of dog before and are curious to know more about him. This breed has a lot of grit and is a very intelligent dog, but he has a lot of energy and needs a good amount of exercise.

READ -  15 Best Dog Breeds for Senior Citizens

Bull terriers were bred to be the ultimate “nanny dog” and were originally used to guard children and livestock, as well as hunt vermin. Today, they are still known to be good-natured breeds that are typically very comfortable with children.

The Bull Terrier is a feisty little dog that looks like a terrier but carries himself more like a bulldog. The Bull Terrier has a square head with a short muzzle and a distinctive underbite.

They are obedient, intelligent, and fun-loving dogs eager to please and respond well to training.

11. Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan-Terrier-most-popular-terrier-breeds

The Tibetan Terrier is a breed of dogs that almost disappeared in the late 20th century but has since been saved by fanciers and breeders’ efforts.

This breed is believed to originate in Tibet, though they are not native to the Tibetan Plateau. Such dogs were mentioned in the early 19th century as the “Lhasa Terrier.”

In the 1860s, the British surveyor Francis Younghusband saw several examples of a dog resembling the modern Tibetan Terrier while in Tibet.

These dogs are adorable. Those with the most adorable nature are the Tibetan Terrier. The Tibetan Terrier is a brave, intelligent, and devoted dog.

It is excellent with children and is sometimes referred to as a “lap dog” because of its affectionate and loyal nature.

Tibetan Terriers handle cold weather well and are excellent watchdogs. They are generally fearless and will alert their owners to any strange activity.

12. Jack Russel Terrier

jack-russel-terrier-most-popular-terrier-breeds

As the name suggests, the Jack Russel is a Terrier which means it was bred to hunt. This doesn’t mean it is good with rats and mice. Instead, it means it can hunt fox and other vermin just like its larger cousins.

Its name comes from the Jack Russell terrier, who was a British fox hunter. It was first bred for hunting in the 19th century when Reverend John Russell went hunting for foxes in England and found that his Welsh Terrier was not suited to hunting as he would like them to be.

The Jack Russel Terrier is a mix of a few different breeds, including the fox terrier, which gives it the familiar black and white coat.

It was bred in England and is a very popular dog with past time and used to hunt small vermin. Jack Russells are known for their crazy antics and athletic abilities and are great pets for anybody who likes a challenge.

We hope you enjoy it and now know which is your favorite Terrier breed. 

Leave a Comment