You might have heard of Terriers, small and extremely energetic dogs. Many people call them little terrors because of their feisty nature as they were initially bred to hunt. Common Terrier traits involve digging, barking and going after Vermins. With all the similarities that you find in Terrier Dog Breeds, each of them is distinct in their own way. Here’s what you should know if you’re looking to add a Terrier Dog Breed to your family.
Below are the 6 Popular Types of Terrier Dog Breeds:
1. Jack Russell Terrier
There’s a possibility that you have seen these small dogs creating a ruckus around town. Standing at 25 to 38 cm, these dogs are nothing like they look! In fact, they are quite ferocious and lively, but only grow up to 8.2 kilograms. You will only ever see them in colours of white, white and tan, and black and white. The best part is that they hardly require any grooming, just a few trims around the face at regular intervals!
The first thing you will notice if you come across a Jack Russell is its stubborn and strong personality. Consequently, they engage in destructive behaviors like barking, yapping and biting if you don’t train them strictly and persistently. So you would need to accept the herculean task of being a disciplinarian and acting as a pack leader` from the start. These dogs are extremely loyal and devoted to their owners. But you have to note that they will not tolerate mischief like tail tugs or disrespect from a child and might yap or bite the child in such cases. So it is important that you supervise when Jack Russells are around children.
2. Airedale Terrier
Fun fact: Airedales are also called the “King of Terriers” and yes they are the largest of the entire Terrier breed! Adult Airedales will reach a height of 56 to 61 cm, where females will weigh around 18 to 20 kilograms and males will weigh around 23 to 29 kilograms. It’s a bummer but Airedales are only available in the color black and tan, and have to be fully groomed at least four times a year!
As the nickname suggests, they have every quality that nobility might have. They are charming, courageous, intelligent, have athletic genes, so naturally they require a great deal of exercise. Moreover, Airedale Terriers are inherently loyal, so you can be rest assured that they will defend your family under any circumstance. Contrary to Jack Russells, they will tolerate other pets and act in a manner that is friendly and loving towards children, irrespective of their size. You have to note that at the end of the day, they are Terriers, so they will act stubborn and independent. You might need to behave firmly as you socialize and train them in their early years.
3. West Highland White Terrier
If you’re a dog lover then you’ve definitely heard of “westies,” short for West Highland Whites. They only grow up to a height of 30 cm and unsurprisingly don’t weigh more than 10 kilograms! They are only available in white, but you would agree when we say that it makes them look ten times more amazing. But it also means that you have to brush them daily.
As expected, these adorable little bundles are highly popular and extremely merry all day long. To add to the list, they will adore your company and are extremely easy to train. The only thing that you might want to note is that they are noisy. Furthermore, they have the common Terrier trait of digging around. You can prevent this by training them in their early years. A bonus if you don’t have a backyard is that Westies don’t require too much exercise and will be satisfied with running around the house or short walks.
4. Cairn Terrier
These tiny terriers are extremely familiar to Westies, with a small body full of shaggy fur, and intelligent, alert eyes. Their height falls in a range of 23 to 33 cm and unsurprisingly they only weigh between 6 to 8 kilograms. Unlike Westies, they are available in multiple shades, namely Brindle, Black, Grey, Cream, Wheaten, and Red. You will have to brush them regularly and engage in periodic hand stripping to preserve the texture of their thick coats.
If you love cuddles, Cairns are your go-to option as they’re always up for lap cuddles and affection. In fact, they thrive in loving and caring environments. The best part is that they adapt to different environments and aren’t stubborn. They do bark and dig which you can easily prevent with training. However, if you aren’t looking for an energetic dog, you must keep away from Cairns because they are extremely active, feisty and love playing fetch.
5. Border Terrier
Are you wondering if you will find a Terrier that’s actually peaceful? We’ve got you covered. Border Terriers stand at a maximum height of 40 cm and weigh between 5 to 7 kilograms. Borders are available in four colors, namely blue and tan, wheaten, grizzle and tan, and red. For upkeep, you would have to brush them everyday to get rid of dry hair while hand stripping them twice a year.
Border Terriers are quite different from other Terrier breeds with an affectionate and peaceful disposition. Moreover, they will look forward to being around you all the time, so if you want pets that are supremely affectionate, Borders are just what you need! In addition, they hardly bark, except when they sense danger. They do require a large amount of exercise because of their active nature. One thing you must note is that they chew, a lot, and their targets are always household items!
6. Boston Terrier
Looking for a dog that behaves like the perfect gentleman? Boston Terriers are your go to dog! These tiny dogs attained this nickname because of tuxedo-like markings on their coats. They weigh between 4.5 to 11 kilograms and grow up to 43 cm tall. The best part is that they hardly require grooming, just light brushing sometimes.
In true gentleman style, Bostons make great companions. They stick by you no matter what and are both gentle and affectionate. Boston Terriers do tend to turn obese easily, so you need to give them plenty of exercise. Another downside that isn’t a huge problem is that they cannot tolerate extreme climates, since they overheat easily and their coats aren’t thick enough to protect them from extreme cold. In addition, they are stubborn, but can be trained easily!
Must Read: Different Types of Retrievers
