Ultimate List of Terrier Dog Breeds

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier was originally bred in the United Kingdom as a hunting dog. They also acted as guard dogs during World War I. They are sometimes called King of the Terriers.

They have a rectangular head with long legs and a narrow body. Their wiry, dense coat over the top of a soft undercoat means they shed minimally.

They are very smart and can train well if given enough attention. They are fearless and active, requiring regular walks always on a leash.

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a hairless breed from Louisiana. They are slender with pointed ears. Their lack of hair shows off their very expressive face.

They are playful and love to spend time with their human family. They will happily follow you around all day.

Whilst they are not completely hypoallergenic, some people with dog allergies find they have less reactions around this breed. Their skin needs special care – they sunburn easily in summer and get cold easily in winter.

American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier, Aka. Pit Bull, was originally bred to assist farmers and hunters catch and kill large animals. They have a sad history of being used in illegal dog fighting.

These large dog breeds are strong with muscular bodies. They have short hair and come in multiple colours including black, brown, white, tan and brindle.

They have a reputation of being aggressive but can be very loyal and gentle when cared for well and trained properly.

Australian Silky Terrier

The Australian Silky Terrier, Aka. Silky Terrier, is closely related to the Yorkshire Terrier.

They are a small ‘toy’ breed, weighing around 4.5kg. They have a long, soft coat that needs regular grooming to avoid getting tangled.

They are active and love to chase things or dig in the yard. Owners of Silkies say they are very affectionate and fun.

Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a small dog, bred for working and to kill rodents and snakes plus act as a watchdog.

They have short but long bodies. Their coat is a sandy colour, often with black along their back and sides. They require minimal grooming as they don’t shed too often.

They are active and love being the centre of attention. As pets, they can quickly become bored. They need exercise and to be kept busy with toys and games.

Border Terrier

The Border Terrier originates from the United Kingdom, bred for fox hunting.

They are small sized dog but strong and tough. Their short undercoat and wiry topcoat means the Border Terrier sheds minimally and is a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Their intelligent, loyal and affectionate nature makes them great family pets for children and other dogs. They also don’t bark as much as other breeds their size.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier originates from America and is nicknamed the Little American Gentleman.

Their lanky legs, short snout and pointed ears give them their distinctive and adorable appearance. Their short coats tend not to shed too much.

Personality wise they are loyal, gentle, and people-loving. Most Boston terriers enjoy being inside dogs and are very obedient.

Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers originated in England. They have sadly been used as an illegal fighting dog.

They are most commonly white with dark marking but can also be found in red, fawn, black or brindle. They have oval-shaped faces and triangular eyes.

Whilst stereotypically said to be dangerous, the breed can be very sweet and friendly if cared for well, socialised from a young age and trained properly. There is also a Miniature Bull Terrier that is smaller.

Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier is the Czech Republic’s national dog. It is rare to find this breed outside of Europe.

They have a short but long body with folded ears. Their coat is silky, wavy and grey. They distinctively have their fur clipped short on the top and left long on their undersides and beard. This means they need regular brushing to avoid knots.

It is a good breed for families with children. They are friendly and eager to please their owners. They are good watch dogs without barking excessively.

Glen Terrier

The Glen of Imaal Terrier, Aka. Glen Terrier, was originally bred in Ireland for hunting badgers and foxes, and for exterminating rats.

They are a medium sized breed, with a long body and short legs. They have a little tail and folded ears. Their coat is scruffy and comes in various colours.

They are confident, friendly and not afraid to approach anyone. Glen Terriers are often less active than other terrier breeds.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier originated in England from dogs bred by Reverend John Russell to hunt small game. They are a very common breed in Australia.

Jack Russells are a small breed. They have a predominantly white coat with black or brown markings. They have 3 coat varieties: Smooth, Rough or Broken.

Known to be energetic and climb well, pet owners must walk their Jack Russell often and have a yard with tall, reliable fencing.

Lakeland Terrier

Originally from the United Kingdom, Lakeland Terriers were bred to protect sheep from foxes.

They have a rectangular head with a narrow body. Their wiry, dense coat over the top of a soft undercoat means they shed minimally.

They are energetic and smart. They enjoy training as they get bored easily.

Rat Terrier

Rat Terriers were first bred in the USA to exterminate rats from farms. There are two variations: Miniature (25-33cm tall) and Standard (33-45cm tall). They have a dense, smooth coat. They come in a wide variety of colours including white, black, tan, fawn, apricot and lemon.

They are a happy and affectionate breed. They love being part of a family and interacting with humans.

They have a lot of energy so you will need to regularly exercise your pet Rat Terrier. However, due to their small size, a short walk or playing fetch will wear them out.

Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier is very similar to the Jack Russell Terrier. They originated in England in the mid 1800’s, bred to hunt foxes.

They are a small breed with long legs. Their coat can be smooth or rough. It is typically white with coloured markings.

They are friendly, fearless and love playing. Modern Parson Russells still have a strong urge to hunt so will need to be trained well and exercised often. They cannot be walked without a leash.

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, Aka. Scottie, was bred in Scotland to hunt badgers, foxes and exterminate rats.

They are a small breed with a long body and short legs. They have a long face and pointed ears. Most Scottish Terriers have a black coat but wheaten, brindle and grey coloured varieties also exist.

They are confident and friendly dogs. They enjoy human company and love having a job to do.

American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffy)

Staffies are a very popular breed in Australia, due to their tough appearance yet sweet nature.

They have a muscular body, short legs and a powerful stance. They have a short coat which requires very little grooming. Staffies become very attached to their human owners and prefer to live indoors.

American Staffordshire Terrier’s have a reputation of being aggressive but will be friendly and gentle is properly socialised and cared for. They do require a lot of training so are best for experienced dog owners.

Tenterfield Terrier

Tenterfield Terriers are an Australian breed. They come from the small town of Tenterfield in New South Wales.

They are not yet officially recognised by Kennel Clubs outside of Australia and New Zealand. They are a small breed with a slender body. They have a short, single layer coat that is white with coloured markings.

They are a friendly breed. They are active and love being given a task. They train well with proper attention.

West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, Aka. Westie, was first bred in Scotland to exterminate rats. They are very similar to Scottish Terriers.

They are a small breed with white fur and little, pointed ears. They are always happy and love to play games with their human owners.

Most get along well with children however some are too impatient with them. They aren’t suitable for families with small pets (such as rabbits or guinea pigs) as they are likely to instinctively try hunt them.

Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier, Aka. Wirehaired Terrier or Wirehair Fox Terrier, originated in England and was bred to fox hunt.

They have a similar appearance to the Airedale or Lakeland Terrier group – a rectangle shaped head and narrow body. They have a wiry coat. Many owners clip their coat short but leave their beard area longer.

They have a lot of personality and are very friendly. Their high level of intelligence mixed with their energy levels means they require a lot of training to be well behaved. They also need regular exercise.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, Aka. Yorkie, comes from Yorkshire, England.

They are a small breed, typically weighing 3-5kg. Whilst many owners cut their coat short, some grow it to the floor and tie the hair around their face up in a little ribbon.

They love humans and enjoy nothing more than playing with their owners. They can be prone to various health issues so pet insurance is a good idea for owners. They aren’t suited to families with small children as they can be easily injured from rough handling or play.