Terrier breeds include a group of dogs that were bred to be strong, hard working and full of spirit. They are mostly very small, solidly built and full of personality.
Born to help control pests, guard property and serve as hunting companions, Terriers needed to be tough. To this day they are loyal little dogs, and tend to be brave and protective.
However with good socialization and breeding they can also make excellent family pets. You just need to be a little careful if you have other small animals in the house, as their eating instincts are still strong.
Terrier breeds
Although generally small, Terrier breeds also include larger dogs, such as the Airedale and Pitbull Terrier.
Before choosing the right dog for your family, find out by checking out our fun guide.
How many Terrier breeds are there?
There are 31 breeds of dogs that are officially classified as terriers. But there’s a lot more to it than that if you count the mixes too. And first generation crosses in dogs are becoming more popular by the minute!
Terrier mixes
A Terrier mix consists of at least one, but usually two, Terrier breeds combined to form a litter of puppies.
They may have more in common with one parent or the other. And there is no predicting how they might turn out!
So if you are looking for a Terrier mix, you need to be happy to have a puppy that matches the parent, or a combination of both.
Terrier Health
These small dogs are usually in good health and have a good life expectancy.
As long as they have not suffered from extreme changes in their structure in recent years, like the Boston Terrier.
Their flat faces unfortunately put them at a worse disadvantage than the average terrier.
Any pedigree dog however may be susceptible to genetic diseases.
So if you know which type of Terrier is right for you, check out their full article and make sure the puppy’s parents are health checked for any relevant conditions.
Terrier Lifespan
The lifespan of a terrier varies from dog to dog.
In general, smaller breeds tend to have a longer life expectancy than larger breeds. Which is beneficial for standard short Terrier breeds.
Terrier Names
Because Terrier breeds have many similarities, finding their names can often follow the same fun process.
If you have your heart set on a particular breed of Terrier then check out their naming article below.
But for the most part, any Terrier name will fit most Terriers!
And of course there are other names that work well for any dog! They can be very much a reflection of your taste or style.
Terrier food and nutrition
The best Terrier food caters to small, highly active breeds.
They should be appropriate for your dog’s life stage, and come in a form that is easy to take, chew and swallow.
(paid link)
The right food for them, and the right diet, will change with them as they grow.
Adult dog food
Puppy food and nutrition
- Boston Terrier puppy food
- A Bull Terrier eats a puppy
- Yorkie puppy food
Are Terrier Breeds Right For Me?
Terriers can make smart family pets, and work companions.
They need lots of socialization as puppies, and benefit from reinforcement-based training as they get older.
If you are an active homebody, who loves to spend time with your dog, then a Terrier can be your perfect pet.
Our top three Terrier breeds include Jack Russell Terrier, The Yorkshire Terrier again Border Terrier. What are your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!