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!

West Highland Terrier (Westie)

In this photo: Bertie Harrad
West Highland Terriers, affectionately known as Westies, are amongst the UK’s top ten most popular dog breeds.

It’s no surprise when you think these are an energetic, playful and friendly dog breed.

As the name suggests, Westies hail from Scotland. They were bred from terrier stock to hunt otters, foxes and vermin. Pretty impressive given their small size!

The Kennel Club states the Westie is on average 28cm high measured at the top of their back, at the base of their neck.

This is called height at withers, the terminology used when describing the height of dogs (and other animals, including horses and cows).

West Highland Terriers have an independent streak and a self confidence that some would say defies their size but this is a lovely breed of dog makes a perfect family pet or companion for a single owner.

Their lively temperament means that your Westie will have to know you’re the boss; training is a must! You will be well rewarded as these are incredibly intelligent and loving dogs.

Could the West Highland Terrier be the best dog breed for you?