Almost all terrier species were once bred to keep the house and yard free of rats and mice. By the way, that is already in the name of these four-legged friends.
Because if you translate the French word “terrier” into German, it means “dig”. Why? Because if necessary, they dig up half the garden to drive away the vermin.
Most terrier breeds therefore have a penchant for digging. In addition, they bark comparatively a lot, have a strong hunting instinct and are considered very energetic.
However, the size of these four-legged friends varies relatively greatly from person to person. This also explains why their weight can vary between 1 and 32 kg. [1]
Because of their active and stubborn nature, terriers are generally less suitable for first-time owners. Below you will find a list of the 30 most popular terrier types.
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#1 Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a dog breed from England that only weighs around 3 kg when fully grown. [2]
Although they are also suitable as lap dogs due to their size, representatives of this type of terrier are usually very energetic and active.
They are also suitable for beginners, but the four-legged friends want to be mentally and physically stimulated and need plenty of exercise.
The small dogs can also be kept well in the apartment. However, their barking nature should be taken into account.
Fun fact: Similar to us humans, these dogs also have milk teeth when they are puppies. A true rarity among dogs.
#2 Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer comes from Germany and was bred by farmers to keep their farms free of rats. [3]
Representatives of this type of terrier are ideal as family dogs; they are considered very people-oriented and obedient.
They are also the 19th most popular dog breed in the world and also the 12th most intelligent breed. They can also live up to 15 years.
Miniature Schnauzers are also suitable for keeping in the apartment and are considered suitable for beginners. Only their need for exercise and their hunting instinct must be taken into account.
Fun fact: Since the whiskers of these dogs grow back particularly quickly, barbers like to use them for training purposes.
#3 Boston Terriers
The Boston Terrier has its origins in the USA. Due to his friendly and lively behavior, this type of terrier is also known as the “American Gentleman”. [4]
It is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and is the first breed bred in America. At that time he was used for dog fighting.
Nevertheless, they are loving family dogs and are friendly with strangers and other dogs. They also get along really well with children.
They also love the attention of their family and are downright clowns. If their master is happy, then these four-legged friends are too.
Fun fact: Because of their short snouts, these dogs take in a lot of air when they eat, which often leads to flatulence. So after your meal you should be prepared for some fragrant farts.
#4 West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the “Westie”, comes from Scotland and was kept to keep the house and yard free of vermin. [5]
He is well suited to living in an apartment and as a first dog. However, they need a lot of exercise and have a strong hunting instinct.
They also become very trusting with the family and are considered to be fond of children, loyal and get along with other dogs.
Of all terrier species, the West Highland White Terrier is the most playful and cheerful. However, good socialization is mandatory due to their hunting instinct.
Fun fact: For unknown reasons, some members of this breed have excessively large jaws. Internationally, this phenomenon is under the term “Westie Jaw” is known.
#5 Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has its origins in Ireland and was previously kept primarily as a farm dog because of its diversity. [6]
Representatives of this type of terrier usually get along particularly well with people, other dogs and children.
They are also considered people-oriented, do not like to be alone for long periods of time and demand a lot of attention.
With enough exercise and time in the fresh air, these dogs can easily be kept indoors.
Fun fact: These dogs usually greet their masters by jumping up and licking his face – the so-called “wheaten greeting”.
#6 Scottish Terriers
The Scottish Terrier, as the name suggests, comes from Scotland. This type of terrier was also bred to keep rats and mice away from the house. [7]
These four-legged friends are only partially suitable for beginners because they need a lot of exercise, often bark and don't get along very well with other dogs.
Nevertheless, they develop a close family bond and become trusting and fond of children. They often choose one or two people to whom they become particularly attached.
Unfortunately, dogs are very susceptible to cancer. At 48%, tumor diseases are the most common cause of death in this breed.
Fun fact: These dogs love to dig, which is why they should always be provided with a suitable place in the garden to indulge this urge.
#7 Airedale Terriers
The Airedale Terrier comes from England and was kept as a working and hunting dog. Nowadays it is mainly used as a police, service and family dog. [8]
These are the largest of all terrier species, which is why they are sometimes called “kings of the terriers”.
These four-legged friends are less suitable for beginners as they require a strict master. Other pets are also problematic because they could be seen as prey.
Furthermore, they require a lot of space and attention, which is why keeping them indoors is out of the question.
Fun fact: You should store your shoes well away from representatives of this breed, because they like to gnaw and nibble on anything they can find.
#8 Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier originated in England and is a cross between a Bulldog and a Terrier. He was originally bred for dog fighting. [9]
In Germany, the Bull Terrier is on the breed list due to its past, which means owners have to follow certain regulations.
However, with early socialization, these dogs develop into gentle and loving companions.
However, if this does not happen, representatives of this terrier species can react aggressively and protectively or even become a danger to strangers and dogs.
Fun fact: Because of their special head shape, these dogs are sometimes called “eggheads”.
#9 Cairn Terriers
The Cairn Terrier comes from Scotland and is the 69th most popular breed in the world. His personality is described as active and cheerful. [9]
It can live up to 17 years and only weighs around 6 kg when fully grown. Due to its compact size, it is also possible to keep it in an apartment.
Furthermore, the four-legged friends are very trusting towards their family and get along well with children, but also strangers and dogs.
This type of terrier also has a natural instinct to bark and dig, which is why they are also suitable as guard dogs.
Fun fact: Representatives of this breed are mostly left-handed. This can be recognized by the fact that they usually feel unknown things with their left paw.
#10 Jack Russell Terriers
The Jack Russell Terrier was bred in England for fox hunting. When the demand for hunting dogs fell, they were also kept as family and house dogs. [11]
These dogs are particularly energetic, almost hyperactive. They must therefore be kept sufficiently busy.
They are friendly towards children and people, but they often react aggressively towards strange dogs.
These four-legged friends also need a lot of exercise and exercise, which is why they should not be kept indoors.
Fun fact: In contrast to many other breeds, representatives of this terrier species have many different facial expressions, which is why they are often used by filmmakers as animal actors.
#11 Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a type of terrier from England. She is also known by the nickname “Staffy”. [12]
These four-legged friends were originally bred for dog fighting. Nevertheless, they are loving and trusting towards family and children.
However, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is unsuitable for first-time owners because they require early and extensive socialization.
Due to the past of this breed, there is only a certain potential danger towards strange dogs, which is why they are on the breed list in many countries.
Fun fact: Paradoxically, these former fighting dogs are also called “nanny dogs” because they were often used as babysitters in the past.
#12 Border Terriers
The Border Terrier comes from Great Britain and was bred specifically to hunt foxes, rabbits and vermin. [13]
The four-legged friends develop a close bond with the family and are always friendly, even to strangers and dogs.
They reach a weight of around 5-6 kg and live up to 15 years. Because of their compact nature, the dogs are also suitable for keeping in apartments.
However, good training is necessary, as this type of terrier has a strong hunting instinct, likes to nibble and bark a lot.
Fun fact: Although these dogs only reach a shoulder height of around 38 cm, they can easily jump up to 1.5 meters.
#13 American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier was originally bred for dog fighting in the USA, which is why they are partially or even completely banned in many countries. [14]
Nevertheless, the dogs are very trusting, loyal and friendly. However, representatives of this type of terrier are not suitable for apartment life.
They are also considered to be highly trainable and are also ideal as guard dogs, as their external appearance is quite intimidating.
Representatives of this breed are not particularly suitable for beginners. They also need a lot of exercise and bark a lot.
Fun fact: In the 19th and 20th centuries, dog sellers claimed that these dogs could lock their teeth in a certain position. This myth has now been refuted.
#14 Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier was kept in the USA as a family, farm and hunting dog. They are considered trusting and loving. [14]
The four-legged friends have a strong hunting instinct, need a lot of exercise and bark a lot.
In addition, representatives of this type of terrier need a lot of mental activity, otherwise they tend to bark and gnaw excessively.
These dogs can also be kept well in the apartment and develop a close bond with people and, above all…