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Terrier Dog Breeds: Types, Traits & Sizes

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Boston Terrier sitting in a field of yellow flowers — Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be Terriers, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

18 Dog Breeds

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Sitting Boston Terrier dog breed with head tilted against a white background

Boston Terrier

Nicknamed “The American Gentleman” for their impeccable manners, Bostons are lively, happy dogs that love to be around humans. They enjoy shadowing their owners and will always want to get in on the fun happening around them. Outgoing, social, and very affectionate, these pups are always eager to be loved on and for some mid-day cuddles.  This breed is clever, determined, and very adaptable to training. They live to chase balls and can often get so excited by playing fetch with their humans that they get the “zoomies.” They take their play time very seriously and can get a little boisterous and strong-willed—sometimes needing to take breaks to help them not get overstimulated. Even though they have Terrier in their name, Bostons do not fit a typical Terrier personality and avoid a lot of mischief the breed classification is commonly associated with.  

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Bull Terrier dog breed white with one black ear laying down against a white background

Bull Terrier

Comedians at heart, Bull Terriers are exuberant, playful, assertive, and yes, mischievous. They have a big imagination and like to see things their own way, which might even require reverse psychology when training them. For all their tough bravado, they are sweet, affectionate, and devoted to their owners. They might be reactive around other dogs and small animals and they are prone to compulsive behaviors.

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Jack Russel Terrier dog breed laying down with head up tilted against a white background

Jack Russell Terrier

A firecracker of a dog, the Jack Russell Terrier’s personality is bigger than its body. They don’t know they’re as small as they are and are ready to take on each day with enthusiasm. Jack Russells are friendly towards people, have a sense of humor, and have boundless energy thanks to their working dog past life. They are fast moving and fast thinking dogs that often lack impulse control, something that can be worked on with training. They like humans and other dogs they are raised with but don’t do well with cats. 

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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a bundle of playful energy, thriving on companionship and interaction with its human family. They are known for their love of games, loyalty, and gentle nature, especially toward children.  However, their rambunctious side and suspiciousness of other dogs require training to ensure proper canine etiquette. While some Staffies happily coexist with other pets, management around unfamiliar dogs might be necessary to avoid altercations.

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Long haired Yorkshire Terrier dog breed laying with head up against a white background

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies pack a lot of attitude into their small bodies. Lively, curious, and into everything, owners will have to get used to being tailed everywhere by this inquisitive shadow. These pups need a lot of stimulation. Long walks are helpful, but games and toys keep their busy brains occupied.

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American Staffordshire Terrier dog breed lying down with head up against a white background

American Staffordshire Terrier

Lovey-dovey and calm with their families, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a generally friendly dog. They can be comically enthusiastic and love nothing more than being with their family, receiving attention, and giving affection. They have unfortunately been the victims of stigma and branded as dogs to fear when in reality they are sweet-natured.  

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Airedale Terrier dog breed laying down sideway looking at the camera against a white background

Airedale Terrier

Confident and bold Airedale Terriers share the common terrier traits of loyalty, friendliness, and boundless curiosity. Their playful spirit and seemingly endless energy make them enthusiastic companions, always eager for adventure. Airedales are fiercely devoted to their family and possess a strong protective streak. However, while generally friendly, they can be reserved with strangers and may not take kindly to unknown dogs. 

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Young Cairn Terrier dog breed standing in front of a white background

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier embodies the true spirit of a terrier: plucky, bold, inquisitive, and full of life. Their intelligence is matched by their stubborn streak, ensuring they can be both charming and mischievous. Despite their independence, Cairn Terriers are surprisingly sensitive and responsive to their family's wishes.  

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Border Terrier dog breed sitting with head cocked against a white background

Border Terrier

Affectionate and plucky, Border Terriers have garnered a reputation for being one of the more easily manageable terriers. Although easy-going, they have an independent streak and like to hone it when they get the chance. They’re known for forming strong bonds with their humans, even those of the toddler type.

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Fox Terrier Wire Coat dog breed standing tall with tail up against a white background

Wire Fox Terrier

Independent and quick, the Wire Fox Terrier dog is a fun and fun-loving companion. They have seemingly endless energy and are bold and brave—more of an “ask for forgiveness” than an “ask for permission” kind of dog. They can make good companions if sufficiently mentally and physically stimulated. A bored Wire Fox Terrier can become noisy.

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Toy Fox Terrier dog breed standing in a field looking up

Toy Fox Terrier

Dynamic and bold, the Toy Fox Terrier—also known as the TFT dog—is full of fun and feistiness. They are tiny investigators, ready to seek out adventures indoors or outside. Play is a priority for them, whether with their owners or with toys. Toy Fox Terrier dogs love to entertain and be entertained, but their favorite place is always going to be by their owner’s side. Suspicious of strangers, they can overcome this with socialization. 

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Side view of a Smooth Fox Terrier dog breed against a white background

Smooth Fox Terrier

Smooth Fox Terriers didn’t earn the nickname “the gentleman of the terrier world” by coincidence. Bold and brave, these doggos are also fiercely loyal and affectionate with their person or people. They can be strong-willed and very independent, thanks to their breeding heritage.

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Irish Terrier dog breed standing tall against a white background

Irish Terrier

A natural-born daredevil, the Irish Terrier dog is a bold one. They are playful and curious, but also independent and stubborn. Ready for action and adventure, they like to chase, run and explore. Daily physical and mental stimulation is required to tire out their bodies and minds. When sufficiently tuckered out, they become well-mannered dogs indoors. 

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adult welsh terrier dog breed sitting in front of a white background

Welsh Terrier

Square and serious-looking, the Welsh Terrier isn’t as “terrier-like” as other breeds. They are playful and entertaining companions who know how to settle around their families. Well-mannered, independent, and often sensitive, they can be reserved with strangers. They can have a stubborn streak and might dig or bark to alert given their instincts. 

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Australian Terrier dog breed sitting with head slightly tilted against a white background

Australian Terrier

Australian Terriers are friendly, outgoing, and lively dogs who love to play and have an adventurous spirit. They are eager to please and live for human contact and praise. Aussie Terrier dogs develop deep bonds with their owners and love to show their affection. They are not aggressive, but will happily stand their ground if challenged by another dog. Australian Terriers are chatty and can bark frequently when they see fit.

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west highland white terrier dog breedwith brown collar sitting in front of a white background

West Highland White Terrier

Westies are courageous and cheeky pups are undeniably charming. They shower their families and friends with affection and loyalty. While trainable with patience and encouragement, their independent terrier spirit shines through. Always alert, Westies make excellent watchdogs, their barks leaving no doubt when they sense something amiss. Despite their stubborn streak, their playful and happy nature makes them a joy to have around. Just be prepared for A West Highland White Terrier’s boundless curiosity, energetic playtime demands, and the occasional vocal outburst.  

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Side view of a Miniature Bull Terrier dog breed looking at the camera panting

Miniature Bull Terrier

The Mini Bull Terrier has a zest for life, and like the regular Bull Terrier, can be funny, playful, and often mischievous. They are small but not prone to being lap dogs—they want to prove their mettle as much as possible. Sweet and clownish, they are devoted but not affectionate. They can have a stubborn streak which requires a firm yet gentle hand in training. Natural-born investigators, they love to dig. 

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Long haired Yorkie Poo dog breed sitting on a step

Yorkiepoo

These fearless, tenacious, and protective pups often have an outsized bark that doesn’t match their size. Yorkiepoos are intelligent and love being #2 to their owners, going everywhere and anywhere. Like Poodles, they have active minds and can be funny. They love learning new tricks and games, especially anything that involves terrier-like behavior such as digging, tugging, or ripping. They think they are larger than they are, announcing visitors loudly.

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