Terriers were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Their name comes from the Latin terra, meaning earth, because many of them were made to follow rats, foxes, and badgers into their burrows. That history explains their personality: terriers are bold, energetic, stubborn, and fearless, often far braver than their size suggests.
There are about 30 terrier breeds. This guide covers eight of the best known, with their size, temperament, and what they are like to live with.
Types of Terriers at a Glance
| Breed | Height | Weight | Energy | Coat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Russell | 10 to 15 in | 13 to 17 lb | Very high | Smooth or rough |
| Yorkshire | 7 to 8 in | Up to 7 lb | Medium | Long, silky |
| Scottish | About 10 in | 18 to 22 lb | Medium | Wiry |
| Bull | 21 to 22 in | 50 to 70 lb | High | Short, smooth |
| West Highland White | 10 to 11 in | 15 to 20 lb | High | Wiry, white |
| Airedale | 22 to 23 in | 50 to 70 lb | High | Wiry |
| Border | 12 to 15 in | 11 to 15 lb | High | Wiry |
| Boston | 15 to 17 in | 12 to 25 lb | Medium | Short, smooth |
8 Different Types of Terriers with Pictures
1. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell was developed in the 1800s by the Reverend John Russell, an English parson who wanted a small, white dog that could run with foxhounds and flush foxes from their dens. White coats helped hunters tell the dog from the fox. Jack Russells are tireless, clever, and athletic, and they can jump many times their own height. They are wonderful for active owners but can become destructive if bored.
Size: 10 to 15 inches tall and 13 to 17 pounds.
Temperament: Fearless, energetic, and stubborn. Needs a great deal of exercise and play.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier, or Yorkie, was bred in northern England in the 1800s to catch rats in clothing mills and coal mines. Today it is one of the most popular toy breeds in the world. Its long, silky, steel-blue and tan coat is more like human hair than fur and grows continuously, so it needs regular grooming or a short “puppy cut”.
Size: 7 to 8 inches tall and no more than about 7 pounds.
Temperament: Confident, affectionate, and bossy. A good watchdog that barks at strangers.
3. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish terrier, or Scottie, is a short-legged, sturdy dog with a wiry black coat, bushy eyebrows, and a distinctive beard. It was bred in the Scottish Highlands to hunt foxes and badgers. Scotties have a dignified, independent nature and are sometimes described as aloof. Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and George W. Bush both owned Scotties.
Size: About 10 inches tall and 18 to 22 pounds.
Temperament: Independent, loyal, and reserved with strangers.
4. Bull Terrier
The bull terrier is instantly recognizable by its long, egg-shaped head with small, triangular eyes. It was developed in England in the 1800s from bulldogs and terriers. Despite its tough look, it is playful and clownish and loves people. A smaller version, the miniature bull terrier, is recognized as a separate breed.
Size: 21 to 22 inches tall and 50 to 70 pounds.
Temperament: Playful, sweet, and strong-willed. Needs firm, patient training.
5. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland white terrier, or Westie, is a small, sturdy Scottish terrier with a pure white, wiry coat and dark eyes. According to tradition, a Scottish laird bred white terriers after one of his reddish dogs was mistaken for a fox and shot. Westies are cheerful and friendly, and they adapt well to city apartments as long as they get daily walks.
Size: 10 to 11 inches tall and 15 to 20 pounds.
Temperament: Happy, confident, and curious. Friendly with people.
6. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale is the largest terrier and is often called the “King of Terriers”. It was bred in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England, to hunt otters and rats along the river. Airedales served as messenger and guard dogs in the First World War. They have a tan and black wiry coat and a long, flat head with a beard.
Size: 22 to 23 inches tall and 50 to 70 pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, brave, and independent. Very energetic and needs lots of exercise.
7. Border Terrier
The Border terrier comes from the hills on the border between England and Scotland, where it ran with foxhounds and followed foxes underground. It has a distinctive otter-shaped head and a rough, weather-resistant coat. Border terriers are among the most even-tempered terriers, and they generally get along well with children and other dogs.
Size: 12 to 15 inches tall and 11 to 15 pounds.
Temperament: Good-natured, affectionate, and hardworking. Less quarrelsome than many terriers.
8. Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is one of the few dog breeds developed in the United States. It was created in Boston in the late 1800s from a cross between an English bulldog and a white English terrier. Its black and white coat looks like a tuxedo, which earned it the nickname “American Gentleman”. Despite its name, today it is more of a companion dog than a working terrier.
Size: 15 to 17 inches tall and 12 to 25 pounds.
Temperament: Friendly, gentle, and lively. A good choice for families and apartments.
Are Terriers Good Family Dogs?
Terriers can be excellent family dogs for active households, but they are not for everyone. Most were bred to work alone and make decisions without help, so they can be stubborn and need consistent, positive training. Many have a strong instinct to chase and dig, so a secure garden is important, and some do not get along with cats or small pets. On the other hand, they are loyal, funny, and full of personality.
More Types of Terriers
Other terrier breeds include the Cairn, Staffordshire bull, American Staffordshire, Irish, Welsh, Norfolk, Norwich, Wheaten, Kerry Blue, Bedlington, Parson Russell, Rat terrier, Fox terrier, and Miniature Schnauzer, which is classed as a terrier in some countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of terriers are there?
There are around 30 recognized terrier breeds, depending on the kennel club.
What is the most popular type of terrier?
The Yorkshire terrier is consistently one of the most popular terrier breeds in the United States and Britain.
What is the largest terrier?
The Airedale terrier is the largest terrier, standing about 23 inches tall and weighing up to 70 pounds.
Which terriers are calmest?
The Border terrier and Boston terrier are known for being more relaxed and even-tempered than most terriers.
Do terriers bark a lot?
Many terriers are vocal and alert, which makes them good watchdogs. Early training and plenty of exercise help keep barking under control.