“I bought myself a terrier.” – Many a pet owner has made this proud statement. However, it can be met with slight confusion. The question arises as to which terrier this person has bought. No, not all terriers are the same. There are 31 terrier breeds, all similar and yet so totally different. That’s why this statement can only be valid to a certain extent. Let’s take a look at the different terrier breeds. Which one you like best is up to you. They are all fantastic!
English Toy Terrier
This dog has a height at the withers of 25 to 30 cm and a weight of about 3 kg. Its life expectancy is said to be 12 to 13 years. It has a short coat without any significant undercoat, in the colours black and tan.
His temperament is described as companionable, clever and focused. They are very attached to their people, intelligent and happy to learn something new.
He has quite a great urge to move. His protective instinct sometimes leads him to bark more than desired. With good training he is a fantastic friend for children and a great companion for seniors. Training must be very consistent.
West Highland White Terrier
At 26 to 30cm and weighing 5 to 10kg, we are dealing with a compact, active powerhouse. He loves movement and is courageous. However, he only defends himself. Attacking is not his thing. He can be a little thick-skulled, so consistency is needed in training. A great, active family dog to have lots of fun with.
Bull Terrier
With a height of 45 to 55cm and a weight of 22 to 38kg, the Bull Terrier belongs to the medium-sized dogs. The life expectancy is 10 to 14 years.
This dog is not only self-confident. He is also determined and very courageous. A little bit of stubbornness also comes along. At the same time, he is good-natured, loyal and literally has a thick skin. Nothing can take away his calmness. Lively and playful, his upbringing requires some consistency. A great family dog.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Its key data: 43 to 48cm tall, 18 – 30kg in weight, 10-14 years life expectancy, short coat.
They are athletic, persistent, loyal to affectionate, calm, balanced and extremely attached to their humans. They belong to the group of dogs that will do anything to please their master. As calm as they are towards strangers, they will defend their master vehemently if they have to.
This clever, intelligent animal is a wonderful family and companion dog that needs to be challenged physically and mentally.
Yorkshire Terrier
This lovable whirlwind is just 18 – 23cm tall and weighs just under 3kg. It can live to be 10 – 15 years old.
They are affectionate, sweet, in need of cuddles, very active and playful and also courageous, self-confident and dominant. Dominance is often mistaken for aggression. A little overconfidence is also present.
A great family and companion dog who needs to be reminded from time to time that he is not the big bad wolf.
Jack Russell Terrier
Originally he was bred for hunting. This still gives him a great urge to move around, which should be taken care of to keep him from getting into mischief. Among other things, he loves digging in the garden. He is intelligent, capable of learning and loves all activities with his humans, especially swimming and going for walks. With a maximum height of 30cm, he is one of the small dogs with a high life expectancy of up to 16 years.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Even though the opposite is often said, this dog is absolutely loyal, reliable and very intelligent. It belongs to the medium sized dogs. Due to its potential, very good socialisation and training as well as a responsible owner with a good understanding of dogs is a must! Unfortunately, this wonderful dog breed has fallen into serious disrepute due to dog fighting. Yet they were only doing the job their beloved master gave them to do.
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is agile, fast and extremely nimble. This makes him the perfect guard and hunting dog. But beware: stubbornness, strength and an intelligence that must first be found make him a challenge. Consistency and a little dominance can do no harm in training him to make it clear who is in charge. Once this point is clarified, we are dealing with a fantastic dog that is a pleasure to have around.
Irish Terrier
How about a scuffling cuddly dog? Then the Irish Terrier is the right choice. His territory is sacred to him, which makes him a reliable watchdog. His gentle manner with children makes him an excellent family dog. However, he is not a beginner’s dog because of his stubbornness. And one more thing: Every owner of the Irish Terrier should be very active himself. Otherwise the dog will get a little grumpy….
Welsh Terrier
They are hunting dogs and quite well known and popular. Although he belongs rather to the small dogs, he runs quite high on his legs. He is alert, confident, energetic, full of temperament and like most terriers – stubborn. Courage and fearlessness, but no aggression – when scuffles occur, they are for defence. To gain their trust is difficult. Once this has been achieved, he is completely loyal. A wonderful companion, but not really suitable for beginners.
Manchester Terrier
With its petite build, it resembles the Pinscher. His appearance is deceptive – he is stubborn and will not submit. At the same time, he is one of the most playful dogs around. He makes a fantastic family dog who knows how to keep the children of the family occupied all day.
Miniature Bull Terrier
Here we are dealing with a square, lively muscular dog in miniature. Like all “miniature dogs”, this dog has a problem escaping obesity. He is an extremely friendly contemporary, with a penchant for extroversion and a lively daily routine. He insists on being a full member of the family.
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
This is a medium-sized specimen with a height at the withers of 43 to 48cm. They can easily live to be 12 to 15 years old. If you are looking for a long-haired playmate in your family, you have found the optimum with this dog. As he does not like to be left alone, he is the family member who is always there to take care of the rest of the family. He is very attentive to his territory and reports any deviation from the norm with loud barking without being a yapper. He is a great companion for jogging but should not be overworked.
Norfolk Terrier
Are you looking for an adorable, small, robust and at the same time attentive dog that is totally balanced? Choose the Norfolk Terrier. Give this adaptable animal a territory and he will guard it, loudly if necessary. He’s a fantastic family dog who will have the whole family wrapped around his finger.
Border Terrier
At just under 36cm and 7kg, he is a small, light bundle of energy that will quickly win over sympathies. He has a long life expectancy. In wind and weather he insists on his daily exercise. Calm and exuberant as he is, he will quickly win the hearts of his family. However, his hunting instinct should be treated with respect.
Bedlington Terrier
Like many of his terrier friends, he is playful, loyal and prefers to be close to his people. What you don’t see in him, however, is his still strong hunting instinct. The Bedlington Terrier is anxious to defend his territory, even quite loudly. His upbringing should really be carried out 24/7 in puppyhood, because he must constantly be put in his place. If this is not done, he will later be on his nose.
Scottish Terrier
No, he doesn’t look it, but this little dog is not only alert and intelligent, he is also very brave. But beware – from an early age he must know that the human is in charge. Otherwise he will take the lead. Some say he comes across as arrogant. But he is just calm, level-headed and observes his surroundings very closely. He has a great hunting instinct and therefore he should be kept busy with agility or obedience. This dog is a loner. Meetings with other dogs should therefore be made with caution.
Australian Silky Terrier
He only looks like a lap dog. This dog is a true hunter whose hunting instinct should be brought under control with agility and other dog sports. In case of danger he will face it confidently and with all his energy. Attention – He can only tolerate small meals and tends to become overweight if his daily food allowance is exceeded. A great dog with whom you can experience many surprises.
Kerry Blue Terrier
A gentle, affectionate member of the terrier community who is classed as a medium sized dog. A garden would be great for him as he kind of wants to move all the time. Long walks and the dog sports field should also be part of his regular daily routine. For children he is a fun, persistent companion with whom they will have lots of fun. He should be kept as an only pet in the household. Small animals are considered prey.
Lakeland Terrier
A small dog with much intelligence, loyalty, liveliness and a lot of courage, who literally falls at the feet of his family. If there are small children in the family, they should be introduced to the dog carefully. Once they have made friends, they will become the best of friends. The Lakeland Terrier will be the best nanny you ever had.
Sealyham Terrier
This terrier is very rare to see. Once a hunter, he is now a loyal companion dog who loves to jog, run on his bike and enjoys various dog sports. You can only find happiness with this dog.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This dog always seems to have new ideas that are fun for humans and animals alike. He is active and loves to move. Still, a quiet, loving home is more important to him than the full, exciting family package. This is something you should definitely consider if you are interested in this dog.
Fox Terrier Wirehaired
His appearance alone tells you that you are dealing with a former hunting dog. He is considered fearless, friendly and very alert. One does not seem to get tired of him. At just under 41cm high at the withers and 7kg, he is a small lightweight.
Don’t underestimate him – he loves to undermine fences and chase rabbits, but also the neighbour’s cat over long distances. It is recommended to keep him mentally and physically occupied with dog sports, long walks and brain teasers to keep him from thinking silly thoughts.
Skye Terrier
He comes from the Scottish island of “Skye”. Due to his distinct character he is not really suitable for the beginner. Many attach themselves exclusively to a single person. Others feel more at home in the bosom of the family. Strangers they do not like so much, but do not react aggressively. Due to the long hair, regular and intensive grooming is necessary.
Cairn Terrier
He looks inconspicuous, but he is exactly the opposite: Tough, temperamental and absolutely assertive, he faces his environment. At the same time he is absolutely cheerful and fun-loving. Take the Cairn Terrier to dog sports from an early age. This is the best way to counteract his hunting instinct. At just under 7 kg, he seems inconspicuous at rest. But he quickly convinces you of the opposite.
Parson Russell Terrier
Are you looking for an energetic dog that is somehow happy from the inside out? Then the Parson Russel Terrier is your dog. He has a long life expectancy of 15 years. Thanks to his contented charisma, he is able to make the whole family happy. For the children he is playmate, friend and friendly guard in one. A wonderful family and companion dog.
German Hunting Terrier
The name says it all: He is bred for hunting. If you cannot do this, you should spend a lot of time with the dog in nature. As a family dog he is only suitable to a limited extent, as he usually only attaches himself to one person. By the way, he is also a good swimmer.
Norwich Terrier
Everyone seems to love this dog, because he is self-confident, courageous and also easy to train. It is not only with children that he likes to play and he can be persuaded to do all kinds of tricks. The easiest way for him to learn is with treats. However, these should be well distributed so that he does not become obese. Lots of exercise is a good idea to counteract this.
Australian Terrier
Do you know dogs that you can tell are happy to spend every day with their humans? With the Australian Terrier, every member of the family will be optimistic about the future. He is as spirited as he is curious. Be prepared for this. Remember that he was bred to work. So he wants to be kept busy. It is good if you have a large family to fall back on. Because in this respect he is very demanding.
Fox Terrier Smooth Coat
You could confuse him with the Jack Russell Terrier if you don’t look closely. This one, however, needs one thing above all: sporty owners. This means that he will always have someone in the family who will provide him with sufficient exercise. Playing, running, dog sports – take your pick. You have to offer this dog a lot to make him forget that he is actually a hunting dog.
Japanese Terrier
It can do everything at the same time: affectionate, cuddly and inquisitive. You don’t believe that? Then you don’t know the Japanese Terrier yet. Yes, he is the perfect lap dog. However, a lap dog that needs enough exercise. But long walks are not his thing. Rather, exercise coupled with learning and thinking games is enough. Agility is a wonderful outlet for him.
Conclusion
It is absolutely clear: not all terriers are the same. Therefore, it is important to first get a picture of the particular type of terrier you prefer. Only in this way can you determine whether or not you are really made for them. This decision will definitely not be easy. Or is it?
FAQ
Which terriers are particularly popular in UK?
The most common in UK families are the Yorkshire Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier, the Fox Terrier and the Airedale Terrier. Certainly, some of the others are also very popular.
Are all terriers hunting dogs?
Originally, all types of terriers were hunting dogs. Today, however, they are with people as family and companion dogs, sometimes as guard dogs. However, many of them still have a strong hunting instinct.
Can terriers be kept in a flat?
Most terriers can be kept indoors without any problems due to their size. However, it should not be forgotten that they always need sufficient exercise. Forgetting to do so will lead to boredom and possible consequences.
Are terriers light-footed?
Basically, every terrier is light-footed. However, care should be taken as they tend to become overweight if they cannot live out their urge to move.
Do terriers need a lot of exercise?
As former hunting dogs, terriers still need a lot of exercise. It’s good for those who have a garden and can exercise their terrier there from time to time.
