
Dogs in the Terrier group known for their distinctive appearance, high energy levels, and loyalty. With a keen nose, athletism, and precision hunting prowess, they can be at times stubborn and determined.
Terriers can easily become a loving family member because they are quite loyal with a great sense of humor. There are many types of terrier dogs. Read below to get a better picture of the working dogs, hunting dogs, and companion breeds.
Airedale Terrier
Known as the ‘King of the Terriers’, the energetic Airedale has a small build with a wiry coat which requires consistent grooming. Because of their ultra-intelligence and energy, boredom can become a problem. These terriers need to be exercised regularly and be engaged in interactive playtime. We like the very well made Flirt Pole made by Squishy Face Studio. Airedales are good-natured animals that are gentle and great with children. They make the perfect hiking partner because they love to be outside. Taking your buddy to the outdoors often will make for a happy dog. Don’t forget to check your state for an Airedale Terrier Rescue near you. Check out this one for fun!
American Staffordshire Terrier

Australian Terrier
The smallest of the terrier group this high-spirited, jumping, energetic digger dog needs lots of playtime and mentally engaging games. They have short legs, a rugged attitude, and are as brave as any terrier. Wonderful and endearing companions, they are happiest being the only dog in the house. They tend to be on alert and will act as fierce as any watchdog. Since they love to chase, never let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area! Many states have breed rescues so check this one out!
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington terrier is a lively, loyal breed that loves to play but also can be the perfect couch companion. Still, it is wise to give them plenty of exercise, playtime and mentally stimulating games to spend their energy. Their gentle, charming nature makes them a good choice for an active family. These intelligent terriers can be protective of the ones they love and a little headstrong. Because they have Whippet in their lineage, they have the remarkable ability to run like the wind. A fence is a must. They have an easy-care no-shed coat. Many breed rescues have great Facebook pages. Check out this Bedlington rescue!
Border Terrier
Rising in popularity the wonderful Border terriers are affectionate and mild-mannered. These long leg terriers can be a bit vocal, they have an easy-care low-shed coarse coat, short muzzle, and short tail. Living for 12-15 years old the Border Terrier will make an excellent family addition. Some breeds are rarer than others and often a rescue may not be close to you so in this case, they have a nationwide network. Take a peek at this Border Rescue.
Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is sweet, gentle and social. A loyal family dog they are sensitive and dependable. These terriers are smart and can be high energy therefore they require plenty of exercise and mentally engaging playtime. These lively charmers are fit for city life, apartment living or the country. Regardless they need quality outdoor/indoor physical and mental enrichment.
Bull Terrier
Miniature Bull Terrier
Bull terriers are gentle and entertaining dogs. Affectionate and sometimes mischievous these sweet beasts will thrive with ample exercise, mental stimulation, interactive toys, and engaging games. Bull terriers can be very attached to their family members and at times may display guarding behavior. With the possibility of this terrier growing to 80 pounds proper precautions around strangers, children, and other animals are essential. Check out this Bull Terrier rescue page and then look for one near you!
Cairn Terrier
Like Toto in the Wizard of Oz! The hardy Cairn terriers are loyal, intelligent and affectionate. At times stubborn and independent this friendly dog excels as a family companion. They will follow their nose and love the hunt. The key to a happy terrier is getting daily physical exercise. Training and challenging their brains with interactive toys, and engaging playtimes will make this pup happy. They can be assertive with other dogs and chase small animals. See all the cuties available at this Cairn Terrier rescue. Bet your area has one too!
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Weighing up to 24 pounds, this terrier was described by Sir Walter Scott as ‘big little dog.’ The Dandie is intelligent, dignified and affectionate. These dogs love human companionship and are very loyal. While they are more laid back than most terriers and they tend to embody the typical terrier traits like stubbornness and independence. Best results as with most dogs are seen when using positive, motivational training. Here is a rescue for lovers of this breed who find their Dandies a forever family.
Irish Terrier
Irish Terriers are tough, energetic good-natured dogs who are fiercely loyal to their family. These devoted dogs are often on guard, watching over their family and home. Therefore these strong-willed dogs may be prone to excessive alert barking. The Irish Terrier has excellent hunting skills with a strong desire to destroy vermin. It’s important to note often this scrappy breed may not get on well with other dogs. Providing a secure fence gives them space to burn off their energy. Giving them interactive mentally challenging playtime is important. Leash walking in public areas is the best solution for this Irish Terrier’s temperament. Check out this amazing nationwide network of Irish Terrier rescues.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are fearless high-energy spirited athletes. Known to have a strong prey drive they will chase almost any varmint that crosses their path. At times they can very vocal, especially when giving chase or if they are bored. A mix of energy and intelligence means it’s imperative this dog gets daily exercise and engaging playtime. They must have an owner who is attentive and active. Ignoring the needs of a Russell terrier is unwise because anxiety can develop which leads to destructive behaviors and a generally unhappy animal. You just may be able to find a JRT needing a home in your state or region. Take a peek at these sweetie Jacks!
Lakeland Terrier
Manchester Terrier (Standard)
The Manchester terriers are incredibly agile and athletic. These dogs are keenly intelligent, and cunning so it is imperative you give them what they need and that’s exercise! A fenced yard is perfect for this little big dog who typically has an independence streak, is eager to learn, and interact with their humans. Get them into an agility or flyball class and watch them go! The devoted Manchester Terrier makes a loyal friend and will watch over your family letting you know something is happening with its tendency for alert barking. As a deft hunter of rodents no small varmints are safe. When venturing out in public always walk a Manchester on a leash. These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards. They will weigh between 12-22 pounds and live a long life of 15-17 years. If you think the Manchester is right for you, go check out this network of available dogs!
Norfolk Terrier
The loyal Norfolk Terrier is one of the smallest Terriers weighing just 11-12 lbs. Within this sweet small package is a charming, tenacious ball of energy. While they will be happy to nap in your lap they will be even happier playing in a fenced environment. Train with positive reinforcement techniques and rewards to keep these spirited happy dogs engaged. They are always up for an adventure and have easily triggered hunting instincts therefore it is important to always keep the Norfolk on a leash. The coat is hard, wiry, and straight. Terriers Train the Norfolk with positive reinforcement techniques such as praise and food rewards.
Norwich Terrier
The Norwich terrier is similar in looks to its cousin the Norfolk terrier and it also possesses much of the same characteristics. These dogs are highly inquisitive and love to be part of your life no matter what you are doing.
Scottish Terrier
The dignified, confident Scottish terrier makes a wonderful companion dog. The spirited and independent “Scottie” has striking features such as a beard, piercing eyes, short legs, and a long coat. Known to be stubborn some of these dogs can be opinionated and introverted and some can be social and tolerant. To keep the ambitious, intelligent and energetic Scottie content they require daily exercise and mentally stimulating games. Like many dogs, a physical fence will help manage a keen hunting instinct and keep them from chasing cats, squirrels as well as bikes. He should be leashed on walks for this same reason.
Sealyham Terrier
The affectionate Sealyham Terrier a wonderful companion dog. “Sealies” are curious, sweet and easy-going. They are not as active as the typical terrier but love to walk and engage with their humans. This proud little dog adapts well to today’s lifestyles and will adapt to city life or life in the country. That said this is still a terrier possessing the love of the chase and having a strong independent spirit. They will alert bark so keep this in mind if you live in an apartment. Positive reinforcement techniques and play will help make this eager and intelligent breed ready for a full life with its forever family.
Skye Terrier
The Skye terrier is an agile, elegant, and fearless dog that will mature to 35-45 pounds. It has a distinctive long silky coat that surprisingly only needs to be tended to once a week. An attentive and excellent watchdog, the Skye can be is reserved and cautious with others. They can be sensitive and will respond well to positive reward-based training. Naturally reserved carefully socializing your Skye will help prevent timid, or fearful behaviors. These Terriers may be aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs and most definitely go for the chase and kill smaller pets. In conclusion, even though the Skye is pretty laid back and loyal. Doing your research will help you determine if this particular terrier is a good fit.
Smooth Fox Terrier
The Smooth Fox Terrier is agile, muscular and built for speed. An active family is best for this super playful smart dog. This high energy dog never tires of playing and excels in agility sports and tricks! Being very courageous watchdogs these terriers are quite vocal. Being brave and deft hunters of small prey, a fence for containment is imperative. If you venture out of your yard make sure this terrier is on a leash. Devoted and loyal to their family, the Smooth Fox is and affectionate dog. If you give this dog both mental and physical exercise this dog will live a long wonderful life with its humans.
Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
The very intelligent Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is also charming and affectionate. This all-purpose farm dog was first noted in the late 1700s in County Kerry, Ireland. Wheatons are deeply loyal to their humans, very social and for that reason, they want to spend time with people! They can have a stubborn side but this friendly dog really enjoys romping around to burn off some of its energy. Regular playtime and mentally engaging activity make for a very happy dog. The Wheaton is easy to train using reward-based methods. Their silky coat requires regular grooming. This doggo is a great choice for an active family.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a gleeful lovebug in the body of a champion. Muscular, athletic yet gentle they weigh from 24 to 38 pounds. These smart dogs have a moderately high energy level. Routine exercise and engagement are imperative for a happy pup. A Staffie is also perfectly happy to chill out on the couch with you, take a drive or a leisurely stroll. They just want to be in your company and don’t like being left alone. A securely fenced yard is best for a Staffie. They are keen to escape you must keep an eye on them. Furthermore, reinforce the bottom of fences because they are digger dogs and will tunnel under. Some Staffies do not like other dogs or cats. It is also important to know they are very sensitive to heat.
Welsh Terrier
Welsh Terriers are about as smart as a dog can get. A very active human is a must for this energy ball. Expect to exercise this dog at a minimum of an hour a day. For these wiry rock-stars enrolling in agility, nose-work or flyball will be the perfect complement for this dog’s skills and really fun for you too! Consequently, toys and interactive games are helpful because Welshies are inquisitive and tenacious. This is not the dog if you are looking for a couch companion. The ideal living situation is a house with a fenced yard. They will weigh up to 20 pounds. True to terrier form, they can be stubborn, love to hunt, tunnel and dig.
West Highland White Terrier
The elegant and affectionate West Highland White Terrier makes an excellent companion. Their friendly, outgoing disposition wins the hearts of their families and likewise strangers too! Typically they like other dogs and do well in multi-dog households. Weighing 13-20 pounds, Westies have an independent streak. They like to hunt and kill small varmints and will alert bark for you. Great apartment residents, city or country dogs, Westies are adaptable. They are easy to train too using only positive reward-based techniques. These dogs are therefore a great choice for an inexperienced dog owner.
Yorkshire Terrier
Fiest with a capital F The Yorkshire Terriers are energetic, alert, and intelligent dogs. Always up for an adventure, these dogs can weigh up to a whopping 7 pounds. Yorkies are confident, extroverted and can be mischievous. Like all dogs, Yorkies need routine exercise and daily attention. Because they have a small, delicate structure, these terriers are sensitive to the cold and damp. Having a small stature, these dogs are not a good fit for households with children. The wonderful Yorkie possesses an undying loyalty for their humans and can be protective of them.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer has a lovely mustache and long eyebrows that add to their expressive nature. This enthusiastic robust terrier stands 12 to 14 inches. With their bright, energetic temperaments they are sure to entertain. Above all this spunky dog is up for playing mentally challenging games or enjoying quiet time on your lap. They are very sensitive and make for a loyal companion. They can be highly vocal. These dogs have that classic terrier energy and do best with large yards or on a farm. They love to learn tricks using reward-based positive methods like Clicker Training! Let them run in contained yards and walk them on a leash. Here is a fun Schnauzer rescue page!
Wire Fox Terrier
Bred to control rodents on farms and hunt foxes The Wire Fox Terriers are devoted loving companions and weigh 15-18 pounds. They are spunky, optimistic with a fun-loving personality. As terriers, they are independent, protective and have a strong prey drive. In addition to being energetic and athletic, they need physical and mental activity in order to thrive. Also they love to learn tricks therefore positive methods like Clicker Training is a great way to do train. Wires have a tendency to escape so always have them on a leash or within your fenced yard.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Irelands National Dog, Kerry Blue terriers have a blueish wonderfully soft dense coat. The highly spirited and affectionate Kerries can weigh up to 40 pounds. The activity level of the Kerry Blue Terrier ranges from moderate to high. As a working dog, daily exercise, socialization, and training are really important. Mentally stimulating games and interactive playtime will make for a satisfied happy companion. Finally, Kerries are curious and quite fun and it has been said that they “have a touch of the blarney.”