12 Terrier Dog Breeds

Airedale Terrier

The largest of all the terriers, the Airedale is known as the “King of Terriers.” The breed hails from a region of England called the Aire Valley, where the dogs were used to hunt ducks and dispatch pesky vermin like rats. The strong, energetic, and sometimes stubborn Airedale Terrier needs lots of obedience training from early on in life, and plenty of vigorous daily exercise. 

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier originated in England, in the 1800s, where they hunted rats and other vermin on farms and in coal mines. With a sleek, sighthound shape, they look and feel like little lambs.

Although they are known for being sweet and gentle, they are mightily courageous and tenacious when they have a furry critter in their sights.

The soft coat does not shed much (if at all) but requires professional grooming every few months. 

Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier was originally bred in England to be a fierce competitor in dogfighting rings, but when that brutal sport was outlawed, the breed was tweaked into the distinguished and sweet companion that it is today.

The Bully is brimming with personality and has one of the most unique faces of the dog kingdom, with a long face that resembles that of a horse. The Bull Terrier can be stubborn, so early, consistent training is a must.

Cairn Terrier

Made famous as Dorothy’s little dog Toto in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, the Cairn Terrier originated in the Scottish Highlands more than two centuries ago. The hardy, fierce little dogs rooted out foxes, rats, and other furry critters from piles of rocks called cairns, from which the breed derived its name.

Friendly and outgoing, Cairn Terriers typically make wonderful family dogs. Care includes weekly brushing and moderate exercise. 

Irish Terrier

With its fiery red coat and intense expression, the medium-sized, sturdy Irish Terrier is unmistakable. As the breed name suggests, this dog comes from Ireland, where it was a jack of all trades—hunting down rats and mice, guarding the farmstead, and serving as a devoted family companion.

Strong-willed and full of energy, the Irish Terrier needs a good amount of daily exercise and consistent training.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier was developed in England in the 1800s by a vicar by the name of John “Jack” Russell. He created two varieties of hunting terriers, one with longer legs (the Parson Russell Terrier) and one that was slightly smaller with shorter legs (the Jack Russell Terrier). Both types of terriers were excellent fox and rabbit hunters, as well as vermin dispatchers.

Intense little dogs with endless energy, Jack Russell Terriers need a lot of exercise, play, mental stimulation, and training. 

Kerry Blue Terrier

A working terrier that originated in the mountains of County Kerry, Ireland, more than a century ago, the Kerry Blue Terrier had varied talents, including hunting, retrieving, and even herding livestock.

All Kerry Blue Terrier puppies are born black. The coat gradually fades to the distinctive blue-gray color as the dog matures. The final color of adult Kerry Blue Terriers can vary from a deep slate blue to light blue-gray. Kerries do not shed much, but they require professional grooming every few months. 

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a bred-down version of the larger Standard Schnauzer. Both Schnauzer breeds, as well as their cousin, the Giant Schnauzer, originated in Germany, where they were indispensable working farm dogs and rat catchers.

Miniature Schnauzers are spirited and playful and need moderate daily activity. The wiry coat, which forms the breed’s trademark beard, mustache, and eyebrows, requires professional grooming every few months. 

Norwich Terrier

Named after its city of origin in England, the Norwich Terrier hunted foxes, working in large packs and running alongside the hunters. The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest of all the terrier breeds, but brave as they come and big on love.

It’s closely related to the Norfolk Terrier, which they resemble closely (the main difference being the Norfolk Terrier’s folded ears versus the Norwich Terrier’s upright ears). 

Rat Terrier

Though most terriers originated in Great Britain, the Rat Terrier was developed in the United States in the early 1900s, where it was used to hunt and kill rats and other rodents on farms.

Rat Terriers come in two sizes: miniature and standard. They are high-spirited, energetic, and determined little dogs that need a good amount of daily exercise and play to stay content. 

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers were prized fox and badger hunters for centuries in the Scottish Highlands, where they also earned their keep killing rats and other vermin on farms.

Scotties have short legs, but their bodies are long and substantial. Although the black Scottish Terrier is very well known, the breed also comes in wheaten (lighter tan) and brindle (darker tan with tiger stripes).

Today’s Scottie will gladly dispatch any rats or mice in and around your home. Like many other terriers, Scotties are scrappy and bold, and may not get along with other strange dogs.

West Highland White Terrier

Several small, short-legged terriers claim Scotland as their birthplace, including the Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and Skye Terrier, but of all the Scottish terrier breeds, the West Highland White Terrier is the only one that comes in just pure white.

So the story goes, a Scottish colonel developed an all-white terrier after losing his red terrier in a hunting accident (the dog was shot because it resembled the foxes they were pursuing). Active and full of personality, without enough exercise and attention Westies might turn to destructive behavior.