Terrier Types

Different terrier types have guarded coal mines, farms and many homes, since ages with the same amount of dedication and enthusiasm as their ancestors. These medium-sized dogs are lean killing machines that hunt down vermin and rats. They even help protect livestock's like sheep and hens from sly fox's raid. Terriers are not only known for their hunting prowess but also for their energetic, tenacious, determined nature. Terriers are known for their feisty, fiery nature and their love for independence which makes them difficult to train.

Terriers are known to nip at children who have a noisy and undisciplined nature. But on the other hand, they are also friendly, loyal and have a stable temperament. Terriers need to be taught that you are the master, the leader or the alpha dog early as terriers have a mind of their own. Once they are taught to follow you, dog training becomes a smooth ride. But, if you let the terrier have his way all the time, you are in for some difficult dog behavior problems.

Terriers are the best pet dogs you can get as they tend to be best buddies for life. They are low maintenance dogs that need very little dog grooming. They are very lively and energetic with a great sense of humor. There are many types of terrier dogs and can be divided as working dogs, hunting dogs and companion dog breeds. Before you decide if a terrier is the right dog choice for you and your family, let us look as some types of terrier dogs.

List of Different Types of Terrier Dog Breeds

Airedale Terrier
The 'King of the Terriers', that has a small build with a wiry coat. This terrier type requires a lot of grooming and dogs of this breed are extremely energetic. They need to be occupied with some thing or the other, as they may get really bored. These are good-natured terriers that are great pets for children. The Airedale terrier loves water and going outdoors. They can be easily trained and are intelligent watch dogs.

American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire terrier is a muscular and stocky terrier type that is very agile. It has a short stature, is muscular and has powerful jaws. It is considered to be the 'all American dog'. American Staffortshire terrier when well-trained become excellent companions for all age groups. They are courageous and loyal dogs that love to please their masters. The American Staffordshire terrier was bred to be a fighting dog and therefore, is aggressive towards other dogs when it is not trained properly. These dogs are difficult to housebreak, so if you are bringing home a dog for the first time, do not opt for the American Staffordshire terrier. But, this dog tends to protect the life of its owner at any cost, even if it requires giving up his own life.

Australian Terrier
The Australian terrier is a high-spirited dog that loves to jump and dig. So think twice before bringing one home, specially if you have infants at home. They mean no harm, but get carried away with their enthusiasm. They are short-legged rugged dogs that have feet like a cat. They are the smallest terrier types but are extremely brave dog. They have an alert temperament and a very endearing companions. They are cheeky little dogs that need to be constrained when left out in open spaces, or else they will chase anything and everything that catches their fancy!

Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlinghton terrier is one of the strong terriers, which loves to play. These types of terrier dogs love to run and make good family pets as they are gentle in nature. These small terriers can take on any opponent and tend to nip at naughty, noisy children. They are independent in nature and a bit difficult to train.

Border Terrier
The Border terriers have longer legs, as compared to other types of terrier dogs. They have a coarse, spunky coat, short muzzle and short tail. The Border terrier types have a loving nature and are mild-mannered. They love their owners and are good pet dogs for children. But, do not bring home a Border terriers if you have smaller pets at home. They need a lot of exercise, if you live in an apartment.

Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is an intelligent, gentle and sweet-natured dog. The Boston terriers love people and are very good family dogs. They are easy to train and love to please the owner. They are loyal and dedicated pets that will get along well with people, animals and even your neighbors! These are indoor pet dogs that need a lot of attention, love and care.

Bull Terrier
Bull terriers are playful dogs who get very attached to their owners. They need a lot of attention or they get bored and become destructive. They will chew or dig to overcome their boredom. They tend to bark a lot and children tend to enjoy their endless playfulness and funny antics.

Cairn Terrier
The Cairn terriers are small terrier types that need to be properly trained. These are types of terrier dogs that are suitable for children. They have a fox-like expression and very affectionate dogs. They are active and alert dog breeds that become good family dogs.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont terrier were described by Sir Walter Scott as 'big little dog'. These types of terrier dogs are intelligent, determined and tend to be reserved with strangers. They have a dignified attitude and are loving, affectionate pets. They love human companionship and need grooming about three times per week. They do not like being babied and are fun-loving. They are stubborn dogs and thus dog obedience training become a very difficult. They need to be trained to live with other pets or they tend to be aggressive towards them. Overall, a delightful family pet.

Irish Terrier
Irish terriers are good nature dogs who love children as play mates. These types of terrier dogs make good house pets and devoted family dogs. They are also good guard dogs and will guard the house especially children fearlessly. You need to keep them on a leash, when taking them for a walk, as they are dog-aggressive. You need to train them well or else they will end up fighting with every canine they meet. They have a hot-feisty temper and are very adventurous dogs.

Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue terriers are loyal and intelligent dog types. They have a muscular built and prominent whiskers, eyebrows and beard. These are very determined dogs that need firm handling or they tend to be dog-aggressive. They do well around people and love challenges.

Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are high-spirited dogs who love to play. They get bored easily like other types of terrier dogs, but they tend to invent their own games to keep them occupied. They are devoted to their owners and love children.

Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland terriers have folded over ears and an elongated muzzle with docked tails. They look like, as if they are standing tiptoed. The Lakeland terrier is a confident dog breed that loves to be with children. These dogs bark a lot and dig around. They guard their toys and become aggressive when it comes to sharing. Therefore, do not bring home Lakeland terriers if you have infants and babies at home. They can get along with other dog breeds and should be taught not to chase felines. When you bring home a Lakeland terrier, the dog will soon become the center of your life.

Manchester Terrier (Standard)
The Manchester terriers are good house pets. These types of terrier dogs become good watch dogs. They are agile and strong dog breeds. The toy Manchester terriers are just about 12 pounds and resemble a miniature version of the Doberman Pincher.

Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature bull terrier or Bull Terrier Miniature is just a smaller version of bull terrier. They are playful dogs and tend to be obedient terriers. You need to train them firmly and do not bring home a Miniature Bull Terrier if you have other pets. They are fearless dogs with very high energy. These terriers become very attached to their owners and are very protective towards them. They do not like to be teased and irritated, so do not opt for them if you have very young children.

Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer has a very expressive face with mustache and eyebrows that add to their expressiveness. They are energetic and affectionate pets that are also tough and quick in nature. They need consistent, firm dog training or else they tend to be pushy and aggressive towards other dogs. They have a very inquisitive nature and make good companions. They are clever family dogs, but may be a little stubborn at times. These are barkers that are good pet dogs for children.

Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk terriers are very playful dogs. They become good dogs for children due to their spirited and playful nature. They love to be a part of the family and become good family dogs. You need to keep them occupied or else they begin to dig to release their high-spirited energies.

Norwich Terrier
The Norwich terrier is similar in looks to its cousin the Norfolk terrier. These are one of the smallest types of terrier dogs that have a wiry and straight coat. These energy bars (dogs) are highly inquisitive and want to know what goes on, why is it going on and who's going to do it. They want to be a part of everything you do and get along well with other pets and children.

Scottish Terrier
The Scottish terrier also known as the Scottie or Aberdeen terrier is a sturdy and strong dog. It has a compact build and has a sharp expression. It loves to be pampered and is very loyal towards its owner. This alert dog breed tends to be reserved with strangers and aggressive with other dogs.

Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham Terrier is a family dog that is very friendly and extrovert in nature. It is moderately active and loves a good walk. These types of terrier dogs become very dog watchdogs.

Skye Terrier
The skye terrier is an agile and strong fearless dog. They are very good-tempered dogs and very friendly with people they know. An excellent watchdog that is reserved and cautious with friends.

Smooth Fox Terrier
The smooth fox terrier is a strong, fast and playful dog. They are impulsive dogs and are known to bite, so you need to be watchful when they are around children. They are very courageous watchdogs and tend to bark a lot. They love to explore and hunt down small birds and animals, when they get a chance.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten terrier is a very intelligent dog that does great around children. They are very devoted dogs and friendly. They are sweet-tempered dogs, but do not do well around cats.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The loyal Staffordshire bull terrier is a loving family dog that loves to be around children. They are aggressive towards people they do not know. They are difficult to housebreak and Staffordshire bull terrier puppies love to chew around. These terriers are very obedient dogs.

Welsh Terrier
They are cute looking, sweet terriers with harsh, busy wiry coats. They have bushy beards, mustache and eyebrows. The Welsh terrier is a very friendly dog that is intelligent and playful. They are patient dogs that makes them good pet dogs around children. They do well in an active family, as they are happy natured and active dogs.

West Highland White Terrier
The small, elegant and compact West Highland white terrier is an affectionate dog. It loves human and animal companionship. But it tends to be a very independent and stubborn dog. It is timid around strangers and very playful with owners.

Wire Fox Terrier
Wire fox terriers are playful, impulsive and affectionate dogs. They have a tendency to bite, so watch over them if you have kids at home. They are very devoted and courageous dogs. Another feature about them is that they bark a lot.

Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terriers are energetic, alert and intelligent dogs. They should be allowed to socialize early on in their life. This will help reduce timidness and tendency to bite. They love to please and are always up for a new adventure.

This was a list of different types of terrier dog breeds that you can consider bringing home as pets. Terriers tend to become very attached to their owners and need a lot of dog care and attention. These dog breeds need a lot of exercise and activity to keep away boredom. Speak to a pet shop owner and people who already own a terrier breed for some feedback about the breed temperament and nature. If you decide to buy a terrier dog as a pet, be sure to give them a proper, consistent training for a lifetime of fun, frolic and excitement.