List of Terriers

More than 30 types of terriers exist, ranging in size from toy Yorkshire terriers to Cairn terriers--like Toto from the Wizard of Oz--to the two-foot tall Airedale. These dogs are tenacious and determined and often headstrong. The dogs were designed for the task of rodent and vermin hunting and guarding the farm. Potential owners need to be prepared for high-energy, intelligent, determined and loyal dogs if they chose a breed from the terrier family. Terriers range in size, shape, and geographic origins, and of the 30 or so types, some are more popular than others.

  1. Jack Russell Terriers and Parson Russell Terriers

    • Jack Russell terriers are a popular, if high energy, choice for families with children.

      Jack Russell terriers are spirited and loyal. They are very intelligent dogs that require close supervision until the owner fully cements training. Most commonly they have shorter hair, but long-haired dogs are possible. Contrary to some belief, Jack Russell and Parson Russell terriers are not the same breed of dog, though they are very similar. Breeders derived Jack Russell dogs from cross-breeding Parson Russell dogs with other terrier breeds and possibly Welsh Corgis (a herding type dog).

    Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers

    • Fox terriers are predominately white with brown or tan accent colors. Some also have black markings.

      These dogs were once considered the same breed but have evolved into two distinct types today. The Smooth Fox Terrier is mostly white in color with brown and tan accent colors. His hair is short and smooth, lying close to the skin. As the name suggests, Fox terriers originated for flushing fox out of their burrows, as well as vermin. The urge to dig to reach a goal is still firmly entrenched in these dogs, so potential owners should be aware. Wire Fox Terriers are very similar, but their coat is more dense and wiry.

    American Stafforshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, and Miniature Bull Terriers

    • The bull terrier is clownish and energetic.

      AST dogs are friendly, loyal, and devoted to family and make excellent watch dogs. They are strong and stocky, as well as athletic. They are intelligent dogs and love having jobs to do. Staffordshire Bull Terriers derive from the Bulldog and a now lost terrier breed. They were created to be small and fast and powerful. They are particularly fond of children, but because of strength and power, need to be watched closely to prevent inadvertent injury. Bull terriers are high energy and playful, and do well with children, provided someone provides proper supervision. They do require daily excercise and can become overstimulated. Miniature Bull Terriers are very similar to standard Bull Terriers, with the only exception being size.

    Yorkshire and Silky Terriers

    • Yorkies are small and portable, but terriers through and through.

      Though these breeds are often confused, they are two different dogs. Yorkshire terriers were bred to catch mice and rats in England's clothing mills. They are tenacious and determined, as well as high energy, despite their small size. They do require some exercise. The long coats of both require regular brushing. Silky terriers resulted when breeders took Yorkshire terriers to Australia and bred them with Australian terriers to improve coat color. The Silky is larger than the Yorkshire but just as playful, affectionate and determined. Yorkies can weigh as much as seven pounds, while the Silky can weigh around 10 pounds. These two terriers are the only ones considered "toy" because of their small size.

    Scottish Terriers, West Highland WhiteTerriers and Cairn Terriers

    • Scottish terriers have been popular house pets since around 1860.

      These three breeds of terriers originated in Scotland and were one loose type of breed, the "Skye" terrier. Cairn terriers were known to get down in the rocky cliffs known as "cairns." Scottish terriers ("Scotties") are a favorite house pet and are extremely gentle and loyal. West Highland White terriers are extremely portable dogs and are friendly and good-natured. Breeders developed all three to hunt, and they are still determined and strong-minded dogs.