Terrier Dog Breeds: everything you Need to Know

4 minutes

Last update: 22 June, 2018

Terrier dog breeds are related to each other, and most originated in the British Isles. The name Terrier derives from “Terra” (Earth) and almost all are small or medium sized, with rough fur and determined personalities. They make excellent hunters of small animals like rats. In this article we’ll tell you all about this extensive group of dogs.

Most popular Terrier dog breeds

Since there are too many terrier dog breeds for just one article, we’ll list the most popular ones below:

1. Jack Russell Terrier

Although the Jack Russell was bred in the United Kingdom, its creation was based on an Australian dog. It is white with some brown marks, especially on its face and tail. It’s small, yet very strong and resilient. The Jack Russell Terrier is tenacious, independent, friendly, and active. Its name was inspired by Reverend John “Jack” Russell, a pastor in Devon County.

2. West Highland White Terrier

This breed originated in the Highlands of Western Scotland (from where it gets its name). It is completely white, and one of its main characteristics is its well-balanced personality and character. Energetic and courageous by nature, it weighs up to 10 kg and measures 28 cm high. It has two layers of fur and a 15 cm carrot-shaped tail. This terrier needs a lot of exercise. He is tenacious when he wants to catch prey, and despite his size, he makes a good guard dog.

3. Scottish Terrier

This is another Terrier breed bred in Scotland. Known popularly as “Scottie” or the Aberdeen Terrier, it emerged in the early eighteenth century. They are very skillful diggers, since they hunted badgers in the mountains since their beginnings.

They have long muzzles to help them with these tasks, and long, pointed ears. Scottish Terriers are very territorial, agile, fast, determined and alert. Many famous individuals have chosen this breed (Franklin Roosevelt, George Bush, Queen Victoria, Rudyard Kipling and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis).

4. Yorkshire Terrier

This Terrier emerged in Scotland as a cross between Terrier dog breeds in Scotland and England, precisely at the time of the Industrial Revolution, when the Scots moved to Yorkshire and Lancashire (two cities of the English North). It became popular during the Victorian Era. The Yorkshire Terrier is small in size, barks a lot and is extremely vigilant. It weighs approximately 3 kg and its coat can be any of these three colors: brown, gray and black. Its fur is smooth, thin and long.

5. Bull Terrier

One of the Bull Terrier’s main characteristics is its triangular-shaped head and small eyes. Its muzzle is quite large compared to its body. It is a very active, affectionate and funny dog. There are two types of Bull Terriers: Standard and Miniature. It has a balanced character, although it can be a bit obstinate. It is courageous, combative and very attached to its owners.

6. Pitbull Terrier

This is one of the Terrier dog breeds that was not bred in the United Kingdom, although it was produced by crossing dogs imported from that European country. It was used as a fighting dog until 1976, when it was banned.

Adult males can weigh up to 30 kg and stand 48 cm high. While they are considered dangerous, the truth is that they make excellent companions for the whole family. They have protective instincts and aren’t aggressive unless you teach them otherwise. They stand out because of their large square heads and large “scissor” bite jaws.

7. Miniature English Terrier

Its height doesn’t exceed 30 cm and it weighs around 3.5 kg. It’s black with some copper-colored spots on its chest and legs. Its gait is like a horse’s trot. It is very fast and agile (that’s why it was used to hunt rats) and became popular in the English Victorian era.

8. Boston Terrier

This is another Terrier breed that originates in the United States (but was bred by crossing British dogs). It is a friendly dog, and makes an ideal companion for people who live alone. It has a cheerful disposition, is small, easy to take care of, and has short hair and a flattened muzzle. It has big perky ears and usually has a black coat with some white parts.