Terriers - including terrier mix breeds, toy terrier breeds, pure terrier breeds

Many people who are choosing a dog breed consider a terrier. These wonderful dogs vary so much, just a quick glance at the list of terrier breeds in this post highlights the sheer variety in this dog breed (and we’ve only scratched the surface).

Terriers are small dogs, ranging from teacup dog breeds though to the larger Staffordshire bull terrier or American pit bull. So, if you’re thinking of choosing a terrier, please ensure you fully research the different types of terrier, they have many different shades of character trait. That said, the general characteristics shared by all terriers are:

• Active
• Fearless (even in the face of much larger dogs!)
• Wiry
• Small
• Enthusiastic
• Sociable

Here is a list of the most popular types of terrier. We hope this helps to provide a starting point on your choosing a dog breed adventure:

• West highland terrier (westie terrier)
• White terrier
• Boston terrier
• Yorkshire terrier (yorkie terrier)
• Mini bull terrier
• Teacup terrier
• Dandy dinmont terrier
• Parson terrier
• Cairn terrier
• Scottish terrier
• English boy terrier
• Australian silky terrier
• Staffordshire bull terrier
• Tenterfield terrier
• Wheaten terrier
• Toy Yorkshire terrier
• Jack Russell terrier
  
• Airedale terrier
• Bulldog terrier
• Tibetan terrier
• Welsh terrier
• Boglen terrier
• Lucas terrier
• Norwich terrier
• Norfolk terrier
• American hairless terrier
• Blue Staffordshire terrier
• Irish terrier
• German hunting terrier
• Rat terrier
• Welsh terrier
• Wire terrier
• Brindle Boston terrier
• Poodle terrier

Lap Dogs

Lap Dogs are always popular! They make great companions for older people and people who spend a lot of time in their house. These dogs love to go out too but most of all they love company. If you want a gorgeous little dog to pamper you could choose a dog breed from this list (it isn’t a comprehensive list but is a good starting point):

• American Hairless Terrier
• Basset Hound
• Beagle
• Bichon Frise
• Bichon/Yorkie
• Boston Terrier
• Bulldog
• Cairn Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Chinese Crested (hairless)
• English Toy Spaniel
• German Spitz
• Italian Greyhound
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Maltese
• Miniature Fox Terrier
• Miniature Pinscher
• Miniature Poodle
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Norfolk Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Pekingese
• Pocket Beagle
• Pomeranian
• Pug
• Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle
• Rat Terrier
• Shih-Tzu
• Silky Terrier
• Standard Schnauzer
• Toy Poodle
• West Highland White Terrier
• Whippet
• Yorkshire Terrier

It’s very important to research your chosen dog breed to make sure it will fit in with your lifestyle. All these dogs may be lap dogs but they are all very different too. You will find information on specific small dog breeds throughout this blog and I’ll keep you posted about more!

Jack Russells

Jack Russells are the creation of minister and dog breeder John ‘Jack’ Russell in the 1800s. The story goes that while he was living in Oxford, Minister Russell bred his Jack Russells from a terrier called Trump he had bought from his milkman!

Jack Russells remain a popular dog today. They are lively, feisty, protective. So if you love to take long walks and lavishing attention on your dog, a Jack Russell might be for you if you are choosing a dog breed.

They were bred for flushing out foxes and later other animals in hunts. This is why Jack Russells are not intimidated by bigger dogs, it’s the nature of their breed!

Don’t be misled by their size, Jack Russells are high energy dogs who, if not entertained or tired out from a great walk, will create their own entertainment. This could include shredding your newspaper or homework and digging up your lawn.

It is perhaps because of this type of misconception that many Jack Russells find themselves in rescue homes after their owners were not able to meet their needs.

If you thrive on a lively, spirited dog who loves to be the centre of attention, a Jack Russell could be the best dog breed for you.

Boston Terriers

Oddly, Boston Terriers are not actually terriers (according to the American Kennel Club). They are part of the non sporting group (which includes the Dalmation, Bichon Frise and Newfoundland).

Boston Terriers were originally bred as fighting dogs from two now extinct dog breeds; the Old English Bulldog and the English White Terrier. Even though Boston Terriers originated from Terriers, they are now not considered to be Terriers at all!

The Boston Terrier’s temperament can be a little reminiscent of a Terrier’s. They are now bred as dogs for companionship and not fighting so they love being around people but they can display the feisty character of the Terrier too.

Boston Terriers are as happy lazing around the house as running around outside. A mixture of the two makes a happy Boston Terrier and a fantastic pet.

Is the Boston Terrier the right dog breed for you?