All terrier breeds were originally bred to keep pests out of the house. By the way, that also explains her name.
Because “terrier” comes from French and means “digging”. They are particularly adept at burrowing free of mice and rats.
This also explains why they tend to be one of the smaller dog breeds. However, their weight varies between 1 and 32 kg depending on the species.
In addition, most terrier species have the following characteristics:
- Barking and digging frequently
- Strong hunting instinct
- Less trainable
- Bold and energetic
Terriers are therefore often a challenge for first-time owners and beginners. Below you will find a list of all 48 terrier breeds.
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#1 Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier comes from England and was bred as a working and hunting dog. Among terriers, this breed is considered “king” because it is the largest.
Today they are also used as service or family dogs. These bearded dogs are friendly, brave and loyal. They get along excellently with children and dogs.
These active dogs are not suitable for life as an apartment dog or for first-time owners. They like to dig, gnaw and bark a lot. Their upbringing should therefore be strict.
Fun fact: Among the terrier breeds, the Airdale Terrier has the death stare! Instead of the sweet look of a dog, you have grim and strict dog eyes staring at you.
#2 American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier from the USA is a curious, playful four-legged friend. Due to a genetic defect, this dog was born without fur.
This terrier breed is therefore also one of the hairless breeds. However, there are also specimens with fur. The breed has only existed since 1972 and is therefore very young and rare.
This loving terrier is ideal for first-time owners. He makes a great playmate for children. But because of the lack of fur, he definitely needs a coat.
Fun fact: An American Hairless Terrier made history by tracking down and killing a whopping 2,501 rats in seven hours.
#3 American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier comes from the USA and is better known as the “Pitbull”. It was originally bred for bloodsports and fighting bulls and bears.
Later he was also used for dog fighting. But fortunately those days are over. Pit bulls are very friendly and loyal four-legged friends.
Among the terrier breeds, they are among those with the strongest bite force. That's why they are on many breed lists or are banned. However, the bad reputation is exaggerated.
Fun fact: These “dangerous” four-legged friends are absolutely unsuitable as guard dogs. Strangers are always greeted warmly by these peaceful dogs.
#4 American Staffordshire Terrier
The good-natured American Staffordshire Terrier (“Staffy”) is one of the top 85 most popular dogs worldwide. He doesn't shed much and is easy to train.
However, the Staffy is far too active for life as an apartment dog. He needs a lot of exercise and enough workload. These four-legged friends are ideal as family and guard dogs.
This terrier breed lives up to 16 years. Because they have a bad reputation and are on various lists, insurance for these “fighting dogs” is very expensive.
Fun fact: A rumor circulated in the 19th and 20th centuries that the Staffordshire Terrier could lock its teeth in one position. But that is total nonsense and has long since been disproven.
#5 American Toy Terrier
The loyal American Toy Terrier is a barking, highly trainable four-legged friend. Because he loves attention, he is often kept as a circus dog.
Among the terrier breeds, these specimens have a real sense of humor. Because they like to make their owners laugh.
This terrier is particularly noticeable because of its pointed bat ears. Despite its size, the Toy Terrier is better kept alone as it has a strong hunting instinct.
Fun fact: This terrier is a true chilblain. Even on cold summer days, a coat won't do any harm for this breed who gets cold easily.
#6 Australian Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier comes from Australia and is one of the terrier breeds. This happy four-legged friend is definitely suitable for first-time owners and apartments.
However, he barks a lot and needs exercise and activity. This little terrier often doesn't get along well with other dogs. But children are not a problem.
Because they are often territorial, they also make great guard dogs. You should be careful in the garden, because Silky Terriers love to dig and dig free.
Fun fact: If you are bothered by stray hair (or your partner's hair), then the Silky Terrier is not for you. This four-legged friend does not have fur, but rather hair that is very similar to that of humans.
#7 Australian Terriers
The Australian Terrier is better known as “Aussie”. Among the terrier breeds, this is one of the most stubborn. Early and strict education is therefore mandatory.
If these four-legged friends are socialized early, they get along well with people and other pets. Despite their small size, they require a lot of exercise.
Like other terriers, these individuals love to bark, dig and hunt. However, if you use it enough, you can still keep it in your apartment.
Fun fact: “Dictator” could be the middle name of this race. Because they like to play the boss of both their master and other dogs.
#8 Bedlington Terriers
The Bedlington Terrier is a friendly terrier breed from England. These four-legged friends were originally bred as hunting dogs. Today they are kept as family dogs.
They get along well with other dogs and children. But they tend to react jealously if you don't pay them enough attention.
They are great cuddly partners and love lounging on the couch. Which doesn't mean they're lazy. On the contrary: they are very persistent and great swimmers.
Fun fact: The fur of these dogs resembles that of a young sheep. That’s why they are also called “England’s sheep”.
#9 Border Terriers
The obedient Border Terrier from England was bred to hunt foxes, rabbits and vermin. Today he is also often kept as an apartment dog.
This intelligent terrier breed is definitely suitable for first-time owners. However, she has difficulty staying alone and needs a lot of attention and activity.
These dogs are particularly known for their lots of barking. A garden would be great for this breed as they love to dig. But be careful: Border Terriers are also masters at escaping!
Fun fact: These four-legged friends have a penchant for gnawing. If you don't provide them with a toy, they'll happily grab a shoe.
#10 Boston Terriers
The friendly Boston Terrier from the USA is one of the 21 most popular dog breeds worldwide. This four-legged friend is also known under the title “American Gentleman”.
This terrier breed is ideal as a play partner for children. She loves attention and likes to play the clown. You'll always have fun with an enthusiastic Boston Terrier.
Unfortunately, they don't cope well with heat and cold due to their short snouts. Other unpleasant side effects include loud snoring and drooling.
Fun fact: It's best to buy a nose clip for your Boston Terrier. Because these four-legged friends are known for their “breeze”. This is also due to their short nose. This means they take in a lot of air when they eat, which leads to flatulence.
#11 Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier from England is a cross between a Bulldog and a Terrier. This four-legged friend is protective and eager in nature. He is loyal to families and children.
In Germany he is on the breed list because of his past as a fighting dog. You must therefore observe special regulations when keeping them.
This terrier breed still ranks 62nd among the most popular dogs. These charming dogs are well suited to living in an apartment.
Fun fact: You can easily recognize Bull Terriers by their “egg head”. No other dog breed has such a strange, egg-shaped turnip.
#12 Cairn Terriers
The Cairn Terrier from Scotland is a four-legged friend who loves to bark and hunt. It is well suited for first-time homeowners and is ideal for apartment living.
This terrier breed lives up to 17 years and copes very well with heat and cold. They are very trusting towards the family. However, they still need strict training.
Because of their eagerness to bark, the small 6 kg terriers also make good guard dogs. However, you should leave them alone less. They don't like that that much.
Fun fact: A dog with digging tools! Isn't there? But! The Cairn Terrier has significantly larger front paws than hind paws. This means he has the ideal digging tools to do a great job in your garden.
#13 Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier from Scotland was bred to hunt badgers and otters. Today he is also an ideal family or guard dog.
This determined, proud terrier breed is very undemanding towards his master. This means that even beginners can get along well with these four-legged friends.
This dog is often reserved towards strangers. He also quickly subordinates himself to other dogs. Generally a very adaptable four-legged friend.
Fun fact: With the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, you should pay close attention to his line. If they are overweight, these dogs are more prone to back problems due to their long upper bodies.
#14 German Hunting Terrier
The Jagdterrier is one of the terrier breeds from Germany. He is a small hunting dog weighing around 8 kg and was used to hunt badgers and other small animals.
Nevertheless, this sniffing nose is also suitable as a family dog or companion for seniors. Due to their territorial nature, these four-legged friends also make good guard dogs.
This reliable, courageous terrier needs a lot of attention and doesn't necessarily want to be left alone. He prefers to be with him everywhere.
Fun fact: Because many Americans have problems pronouncing “hunting terrier,” “German Hunt Terrier” has now become the official name internationally.
#15 Wirehaired Fox Terrier
The Wirehaired Fox Terrier from England is also a small hunting dog. When fully grown, this flyweight only weighs 7-8 kg.
Due to its shaggy, wiry coat, this terrier breed sheds very little. As a family dog breed, the four-legged friends are easy to train and quite voracious.
They need a lot of exercise and have a strong hunting instinct. They hunt…