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Terrier Dog were initially developed to hunt down and kill pests. However, some were also employed to hunt foxes, rabbits, and other giant animals.
The majority hunted rats, mice, and other rodents. When hunting their prey, many terriers would even dig a burrow and go into the ground.
Even though each dog is unique and proper socialization and training are crucial for all breeds, common terrier characteristics include courage, feistiness, and persistence.
Other terrier breeds are not renowned for being particularly sociable with unfamiliar dogs, and some may not be particularly patient with small children.
Terriers will fill the house with their enthusiasm and joy of life despite their often diminutive appearance. With a terrier at your side, you may have a lot of fun, but before you decide to spend the rest of your life with one, do your research.
Which are Terriers?
There are many different types of terriers, but if you think of a terrier, you probably imagine one of the little, wiry, brave dogs you often see romping around on farms. The terrier dog breed may range in weight from only a few pounds to over 70 pounds.
With a lot of variety in shape and sizes, the Terriers are divided in the following groups:
- Classic working-class Terrier dogs
- Toy or Teacup
- Bull-type Terrier dogs
What are terrier traits?
Two of the first characteristics that come to mind for people familiar with Terrier dogs are feisty and lively. But these rough and tough dogs are full of personality.
- Fun and active
- Little hunters
- Loves to chase
- Diggers
- Alert and courageous
- A tiny bit of destructive
- A potential barker
How often do terrier dogs need grooming?
The majority of terriers have a harsh, weather-resistant coat that is also rather simple to maintain clean and orderly.
Get to know some of the Terrier Dogs before you make a decision for yourself.
Also Read:- Boston Terrier Vs French Bulldog- Who Will Go with Your Personality?
1. Airedale Terrier
HEIGHT | 20-23 inches |
WEIGHT | 50-70 lbs |
TEMPERAMENT | Playful, Active, Friendly |
A huge terrier breed, Airedale Terriers, is famous for its regal appearance. It typically weighs between 44 and 50 pounds, it is taller at the shoulder, standing between 22 and 24 inches.
It has a long cranium, a beard of authority, and mustaches. The breed originates from Great Britain in the 1800s with the intention of hunting badgers, just as the Bedlington. It also has a thick, wiry, waterproof coat.
Tan is the dog’s natural color, and from the back of the neck to the tail, there is a striking black saddle. The Airedale must have its coat stripped twice a year because of its heavy shedding.
2. Bull Terriers
HEIGHT | 20-22 inches |
WEIGHT | 55-70 lbs |
TEMPERAMENT | Friendly, active, playful |
Due to their numerous appearances in television shows and ads throughout the years, Bull Terriers are highly renowned. The bull has a unique egg-shaped head and frequently has a bullseye around one of its eyes, making them easily recognized.
They range in size from small to larger, weighing 50 to 70 pounds on average.
They are popular for having lovely personalities and for having both charm and entertainment value.
Bulls make wise and incredibly devoted pets. They make wonderful guard dogs since they devote themselves to their families and are fiercely protective of them.
3. The Cairn Terriers
HEIGHT | 9-12 inches |
WEIGHT | 14-15 lbs |
TEMPERAMENT | Eager, energetic, affectionate |
The Cairn Terriers are from the Scottish Highlands and are the epitome of the word terrier. They gained worldwide fame as Dorothy’s pet dog Toto in the 1939 motion picture “The Wizard of Oz.”
The sturdy, fearless tiny dogs hunted outfoxes, rats, and other hairy creatures from heaps of rocks known as cairns. Cairn Terriers are often excellent family pets since they are sociable and outgoing. Weekly brushing and light exercise is crucial for them.
4. Jack Russell Terriers
HEIGHT | 12-14 inches |
WEIGHT | 14-15 lbs |
TEMPERAMENT | Energetic, vocal, alert |
A well-liked terrier breed popular for its distinctive appearance is the Jack Russell. They are tiny canines with slim, athletic physiques and powerful bodies. One of these cute energy balls weighs between 13 and 15 pounds on average.
Jack Russell dogs need a lot of exercise since they are highly energetic and nimble. Due to their excellent ability to match energy, they make wonderful pets for kids. They have a strong sense of loyalty and are upbeat.
5. Boston Terrier
HEIGHT | 24-38 inches |
WEIGHT | 10-25 lbs |
TEMPERAMENT | Friendly, intelligent, loving |
The Boston terrier was developed to hunt rats and bait bulls, despite its short stature Standing 15–17 inches and weighing 10–25 pounds, whatever it lacks makes up for in enthusiasm.
The face, with its squished-in nose and large skull that evokes the bulldog, can reveal this heritage. In fact, Boston terrier puppies are frequently delivered through the Cesarean section, much like bulldogs.
Also Read:- Top 10 Affectionate Dog Breeds That Are Best For Your Family
6. Scottish Terrier
HEIGHT | 10 inches |
WEIGHT | 18-22 lbs |
TEMPERAMENT | Active, friendly, playful |
One of the most well-known terrier breeds is probably the Scottish Terrier. They have long, flowing beards and walk with an appropriate, chivalrous gait. They often weigh 18 to 22 pounds.
Scotties are very polished. They exude an air of aloofness, which causes them to take their role as watchdogs extremely seriously.
They have a strong desire to win your favor, thus praise and criticism affect them deeply. They are intelligent, amusing, talkative, and amiable. They often get along well with strangers and kids.
7. Kerry Blue Terriers
HEIGHT | 17-19 inches |
WEIGHT | 30-40 lbs |
TEMPERAMENT | Territorial, intelligent, energetic |
The Kerry Blue Terrier was a working terrier that had its beginnings in the County Kerry highlands in Ireland more than a century ago. It possesses a variety of skills, including hunting, retrieving, and even herding animals.
Puppies of Kerry Blue Terriers are all born black. As the dog ages, the coat progressively becomes a unique blue-gray shade. Adult Kerry Blue Terriers’ ultimate hue can range from a dark slate blue to a pale blue-gray. Kerries don’t shed much, but they need to be professionally groomed every few months.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
HEIGHT | 8-9 inches |
WEIGHT | 12-13 lbs |
TEMPERAMENT | Friendly, easy to adapt, playful |
Although many people would think this little puppy was being lavished with attention, this wasn’t always the case. Like other little terriers, the Yorkie compensates for its lack of size with hardiness as it was chasing rats in the 1800s in the West Riding mines of Yorkshire.
It is currently renowned for its extraordinarily rich, long, and silky coat, brown in the front and steely blue in the rear.
The coat requires a lot of maintenance and might be long enough to conceal the dog’s feet. Due to this, the majority of owners maintain a moderate length for the fur. The dog has straight legs, a medium-length nose, upright, triangular ears, and dark, sad eyes.
Also Read:- Top 10 Scariest Dog Breeds to Frighten Intruders
Do Terrier dogs make good pets?
- One of the most popular dog breeds for homes is the terrier. However, they may exhibit intransigence and need owners who commit themselves to caring for them.
- There are specific ways in which the personality of various terrier dog breeds might differ.
- Due to their moderate to high activity levels, the majority of terriers need enough exercise and training.
- Keeping a terrier as a pet dog also involves a lot of obedience training.
- Terrier dogs also have a kind disposition, intelligence, and an endearing attitude, making them excellent pets.
- Terriers make wonderful companions, and some breeds are even favored as lap dogs because of their cute little stature.