Different Breeds of Terriers

There are many terrier breeds, and most are known for their energetic personalities. While they're friendly with people, many terriers don't get along well with other dogs. In the past, terriers were bred to go after and eliminate vermin for their owners. The Airedale is the largest of all the terriers. Most other terriers possess small frames, such as the Norfolk terrier, which usually weighs less than 12 pounds. While several terrier breeds are discussed below, keep in mind that there are many other terrier breeds as well.

  1. Irish Terrier

    • Irish terriers are one of the oldest types of terriers. They have a short red coat now, but in the past they came in colors such as black and tan. Irish terriers are very smart and were used during World War I to deliver messages. They make great guard dogs and are determined to keep their owners and their homes safe. Irish terriers do better as adults if they are trained and disciplined firmly as puppies.

    Border Terrier

    • A border terrier is very agile and has a keen instinct for hunting. This was important in the past when they often weren't fed by their owners. They had to hunt for themselves to survive. The border terrier's job was to protect its owner's stock. Though the border terrier is tough and serious on the job, it shows great affection toward its owner when at home. Border terriers are smart and can be trained fairly easily.

    Manchester Terriers

    • There are two types of Manchester terriers. The standard Manchester weighs between 13 and 22 lbs. The toy Manchester weighs 12 lbs. or less. Manchester terriers have sleek fur that is mostly black with some areas of tan. In the past, they were bred to hunt rodents such as rats. This ability is still in them to this day, and a Manchester terrier will change into hunt mode if a rodent comes near. Manchester terriers love to learn new things, and they form strong bonds with their owners.

    Smooth Fox Terrier

    • Smooth fox terriers are playful dogs that are intelligent and can be trained easily. They're mostly white with markings that are either black or tan. In the past, farmers used them to get rid of vermin. Smooth fox terriers also hunted foxes and forced them from their dens. They have a great sense of smell, great vision and they can run long distances before tiring out. Smooth fox terriers have a playful personality and rarely show aggression toward people.