Terrier Breeds - Large, Medium and Small Sized Terrier Dogs

What is a terrier breed? A terrier dog breed was originally bred to kill vermin and for fox hunting and dogfighting. Due to their capability to kill and hunt, these dogs used to be dangerous and destructive but now these breeds are quite mellow and friendly in nature

Different dog breeds have different characteristics and traits and the terrier breed is no different. These dogs were bred to hunt and kill and to safeguard their families and due to this, they could be difficult to handle and could be stubborn.

These dogs make excellent pets and you can choose from a range of dog breeds. However, you will need to be determined and an experienced dog owner to train and handle them properly. They also make excellent guard dogs and are among the best guard dog breeds that have an intense and strong capability of protecting their families.

To know more about the kinds of terrier dog breeds, read the blog.

What are the Main Characteristics of Terrier Breeds?

Terrier dogs are fiercely independent dogs that do not go well with other pets. Other than this, they may also not be the right pets or emotional support animals for new dog owners. They have a headstrong and determined personality and they need an equally strong and firm handler.

There are a number of different kinds of terrier dogs and breeds but all of them share some common traits and characteristics that distinguish them from other dog breeds.

Some of the key characteristics of these dog breeds are given below.

1. All of these dogs share a common history and all of them have come from the same lineage. The ‘terrier’ means territory and these dogs were used to kill vermin and hunt rats and other small animals.
2. Nearly all of these dog breeds are small in size. This characteristic also makes them fit for their jobs and they have well-proportioned legs and small bodies.
3. Terriers have rough hair and this helps them in performing their rough tasks like protecting from the burrows’ dampness and damage to the skin and coat.
4. Terriers love to play and run around. Though they are usually small dogs, they have larger than size personalities and make an ideal for someone who is a fitness freak or loves to go on long walks.
5. Since these dogs were bred to hunt and exterminate vermin and other small animals, these dogs are very alert, determined, courageous and can stand up to larger enemies also.
6. They love to make noise. These dogs are known for making extreme noise and this is why they make the best alert dogs.
7. Unlike other dog breeds that focus more on the dog’s tendency to obey and stick around, terriers have rather strong and independent personalities. This is why they need a strong and form handler to keep them under control.

Besides, terriers also have other qualities also that make them apart from other dog breeds.

Terrier Dogs: Which One Makes the Best Pet and ESA?

Which terrier breed makes the best pet and emotional support animal? All dogs make great pets and emotional support animals and terriers are no different. Though terriers do not score very high on the obedience scale as they are feisty and incredibly independent dogs. This is why these dogs need a firm and strong owner who could train them and keep them under check.

Since they are so strong on their own, do they make good emotional support animals? Yes, they do. Despite being extremely independent and full of energy, these dogs are also very loving, caring and protective of their owners. This makes them great ESAs and their energy will keep the owner active also.

Below, we have listed some terrier dog breeds. Read on and choose the one that matches your personality.

• American Staffordshire Terrier

  An American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized terrier dog that seems similar to an American Pitbull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs. This dog is also known as Amstaff and it has a short-haired coat. This American dog breed has a commanding look and it makes one of the best guard dogs.

• Smooth Fox Terrier

  Once considered as sports dogs, these dogs are known and admired for their keen sense of smell, eyesight, and remarkable stamina. They are from the family of Wire Fox Terrier and are also known for driving and dragging the foxes out of their holes.

• Irish Terrier

  This dog breed originated from Ireland and is known to be one of the oldest terrier breeds. It is the only all-red terrier breed and stands at a medium height.

• West Highland White Terrier

  This dog is known for its distinctive white coat and it is a Scottish dog breed. It is a small dog and it is also known as Westy or Westie.

• Scottish Terrier

  The Scottish Terrier dog breed has originated from the highlands. This small dog is also known as Scottie and for his fiercely independent and stubborn personality.

• American Hairless Terrier

  An American Hairless Terrier is a native dog breed of Louisiana and is a small dog breed. This comes in both hairless and coated versions and makes an excellent pet and ESA for people who suffer from some sort of allergies.

• Jack Russell Terrier

  Also known as Parson Russell Terrier, these dogs are small in size and come in white coats with some brown and black bog patches on the face. These dogs were recognized as the Fox Terriers in the 18th century. The breed was named after its creator’s name, Reverend Jack Russell.

• Rat Terrier

  A Rat Terrier is an American dog breed and originally, it was bred and used for hunting and as a farm dog. Based on its qualities, these dogs are from the family of small hunting dogs that are known as feists.

• Miniature Bull Terrier

  A Miniature Bull Terrier is a Bull Terrier but it comes in a smaller size. These dogs share the temperament, mischievousness, and fearlessness of their standard version and make great playful pets.

• Bedlington Terrier

  This dog is a unique breed and at first look, it looks like a sheep. The breed is named after the English mining shrine where they were bred for the first time. These dogs make excellent watchdogs and they are absolute fun to have around.

• Airedale Terrier

  Probably the largest of the terrier dog type, this dog also goes by the name of Waterside Terrier and Bingley Terrier. The dog got its name from the Valley of the River Dale, located in England. It is known as the King of the terrier breed world.

• Border Terrier

  A Border Terrier is a small dog that was originally bred as vermin and fox hunters. These dogs have a rough coat and they are from the ancestral line of the Bedlington Terriers, Patterdale Terriers and Dandie Dinmont Terriers.

• Cairn Terrier

  These dogs are small breeds but having one home will definitely earn you some serious eyeballs. They are also amongst the oldest dog breeds and have come from the Scottish Highlands.

• Norfolk Terrier

  It is a British dog breed that got its recognition in 1963. It is closely related to the Norwich Terrier but has a distinguishing quality of drop ears. It is a small dog and makes a great companion.

• Australian Terrier

  It is a small rugged dog that is created by a number of different dog breeds. These dogs are known for being excellent companions, guard dogs and vermin exterminators.

There are a number of other terrier dogs that make great pets and emotional support animals

What are the Different Terrier Breed Groups?

Besides the ones mentioned and listed above, there are a number of other terrier breeds that make great pets and emotional support animals. However, these breeds are classified and divided into further groups.

Below, we have listed those groups and breeds.

Crossbred and Mixed Terrier Dog Breeds

Other than the purebreds, terrier breeds also come in mixed variations. Though many people prefer getting purebred dogs, these crossbreeds also make excellent house animals. Some of such mixed-breed terrier dogs are listed below.

Boston Terrier Mixed Breeds

Yorkshire Terrier Mixed Breed

Terrier Cross Breeds

Welsh Terrier Mix Breeds

Jack Russell Terrier Cross Breeds

Wire Hair Terrier Mix Breeds

Cairn Terrier Mix Breeds

All of these terrier breeds are great for many reasons. They make great pets, emotional support animals, and guard dogs.

Hypoallergenic Terriers: Terrier Breeds that Don't Shed

Do you know that some terrier breeds make excellent pets and ESAs for people with allergies also? Though no cat or dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are many that do not shed as much dander as others. Below, we have listed some terrier breeds that are hypoallergenic and cause fewer allergies than many other dogs.

• Wire Fox Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Cairn Terrier
• Australian Terrier
• Border Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Silky Terrier
• Welsh Terrier
• Yorkshire Terrier

Other than these, there are some other hypoallergenic dog breeds that do not shed and are ideal for people with allergies. No matter which breed you choose, if you are bringing it home as an ESA then you will need an emotional support animal letter for it.

Fill the online questionnaire and get your valid ESA letter.