Terriers are excellent dogs. I noticed there was no good tool online for helping you identify what type of terrier you want, so I decided to make one myself.
So, what type of terrier should you buy? The right terrier for you depends on what size dog you want, how much time you have on your hands, and how experienced you are as a dog owner.
To help make this guide, I’ve chosen broken down the criteria that people use when picking dogs (such as size, grooming requirements, energy levels, etc) and then picked the terrier that best matches each requirement. For some of the categories, I’ve listed two or three terriers that would make a good fit, because some people might want to make their choice based off of which dog they think is cuter.
If you’d prefer to just browse for yourself, check out this article where I talk about all 30 terrier breeds.
If You Want: A Medium Sized Dog That’s Very Affectionate…
The Irish Terrier might be the dog for you!
The Irish Terrier has a lot going for them. Firstly, they have traditional terrier looks, with their long beard, scruffy coat, and floppy ears. Standing 17-20 inches tall and coming in at around 25 pounds, these dogs are perfect ‘medium-sized’ companions: big enough to have some weight, but small enough that they can sit in your lap without too much trouble. What’s more, they shed very little, so you don’t have to worry about getting dog hair everywhere.
Unlike many of the terrier gene, who can be a bit thick-headed, the Irish terrier is a super sensitive and affectionate dog. He can sense the mood of the people around him, and he’ll do his best to cheer you up. If you’re looking for a caring companion, this dog makes an excellent choice.
Outside of that, the Irish is a charming, fun dog to have around. They have a chipper personality and a never-back-down attitude that makes them endearing to spend time with. This is a dog that will never fail to put a smile on your face with their curiosity and eagerness to please.
One trouble with an Irish terrier is that they don’t always play well with other dogs. Thought they love their family, they can be a little possessive, so this dog isn’t the best choice for multi-canine households.
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Decided that the Irish isn’t for you? No problem! These other two dogs will make great companions in their own right.
The Cesky Terrier
A lesser-known member of the terrier clan, the Cesky is an affectionate dog filled with wanderlust. They love to explore, romp, and do new things, and they’re never as happy as when they get to do it with you. The Cesky stands about 12 inches high and weighs in at about 20 pounds.
Compared to many other terriers, though, the Cesky doesn’t have crazy high energy requirements. An hour a day of walking or dog-park time is all this dog needs, and they’ll be content to spend the rest of their days curled up in your lap. Once again, Cesky’s are different from many other terriers in that they do like to spend time close to their humans. If you’re one for physical affection, this is a good dog for you. Be aware, though, that the Cesky sheds a lot.
Cesky’s have a bit of a distinctive look, so it can probably be said that they’re not for everyone. Don’t let their long beard and serious face fool you, though; this dog is lighthearted and playful. Similar to the Irish terrier, though, they don’t get along well with other dogs.
The Kerry Blue Terrier
One of the most distinctive looking terriers out there, the Kerry Blue is a short-but stout terrier who will stick by your side through everything. Standing 18 inches tall and tipping the scale at 35 pounds, these guys are a good size for playing without being so big as to be unmanageable.
The Kerry Blue has traditional terrier lines and a distinctive roan-esque coat that you won’t find on any other dog. Their unique looks have gained them a bit of a cult following, so you’re sure to find likeminded people if you decide to own a Kerry Blue.
In terms of personality, this is an old-fashioned working dog who’s fiercely loyal to their family. They love to run and chase, and they have decently high energy requirements. When it comes to relaxing, though, they’re happy to curl up in your lap or by your feet and spend as much time there as you want. They shed very little.
Keeping up with the trend, the Kerry blue doesn’t do well with other dogs.
If You Want: A Large Dog with Lots of Energy…
The Airedale Terrier might be the dog for you!
I’ve written a lot about the Airedale terrier, and that’s because I’m a lifelong owner and might be the slight bit biased. However, despite that, it doesn’t take a massive fan like myself to say that these are high-energy dogs who love to play and romp.
Standing 24 inches tall and weighing about 50 pounds, the Airedale has all of the traditional personality hallmarks of a terrier. They’re brave, stubborn, protective dogs, who love nothing more than spending time with their owners. They have hypoallergenic fur and shed very little.
Raised to hunt bears and vermin alike, the Airedale has enough energy to go non-stop. These dogs require 2-3 hours of exercise per day, or else they can turn rowdy and abrasive. It can’t be repetitive exercise, either; Airedales are whip-smart and need a mental challenge to keep them occupied. The best way to burn their energy is to play with them, and they’re never as happy as when wrestling with family.
As a lifelong owner, I can attest that Airedales are sometimes difficult, but they make up for in with their loyalty and sheer goofiness. There’s never a dull day with one of these dogs around.
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Bull Terrier
Solidly built and made of muscle, the Bull terrier is a mischievous dog that can sometimes need a strong hand to keep them in check. Originally bred to fight, Bull terriers now use their energy in more constructive ways (like pinning down other dogs at the dog park), and thus they require a lot of attention. They’re always happy to tussle with you, and with 50 pounds of mass, they can more than stand up for themselves.
In fact, playing with the Bull terrier is maybe the only way to keep their energy level down. When not entertained, they fight their boredom by breaking rules and making your life difficult, so keeping them busy is essential.
Bull terriers shed a reasonable amount, but otherwise they’re very easy dogs to clean up after. They don’t drool a lot, and their short coat requires little grooming.
Although they’re loveable and kind, I wouldn’t recommend bull terriers for first-time owners. They can be a bit thick-headed sometimes (hence the nickname ‘egg-heads’), which makes them difficult to train. They also require good (and sometimes firm) socialization to ensure that the worst of their fighting habits are erased.
Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
Standing 20 inches tall and weighing in at around 40 pounds, Soft Coated Wheaton’s are lighter than the aforementioned two breeds, but they make up for it in sheer playfulness. These dogs literally bounce when they run, so happy as they to be having a good time.
The Soft Coated Wheaton, like many terriers, was born to work, and so they need a decent amount of exercise to keep them entertained. Given how strongly they bond to their owners, you should expect to have to partake in these exercise sessions, or else they won’t be as effective.
Wheaton’s don’t shed, but they require a decent amount of grooming to keep their fur from matting. Additionally, they don’t tolerate very hot or very cold climates super well. When properly combed, they have a handsome coat and nice, traditional terrier lines.
Wheaton’s are extremely friendly with friends, strangers, and other dogs, which marks them apart from many other terriers. This agreeable nature makes them a hit everywhere they go. Additionally, they’re very intelligent, and despite a stubborn streak, they’re also extremely trainable. This makes them a good dog for first-time owners.
If You Want a Terrier Who Will Get Along with Your Other Dogs…
The Scottish Terrier might be the dog for you!
Now, as we just said, the Wheaton terrier gets along well with other dogs. As you may have noticed, though, this isn’t common within the terrier family, so I did some digging to find terriers that will work in multi-dog households.
Enter, the Scot. This short-legged workhorse is as serious as he looks, but he gets along well with other canines, and he’ll fit perfectly into a family that already has a pet.
Aside from his friendliness, the Scottish terrier is a determined, watchful dog. They have a lot of energy, but thanks to their short legs, it doesn’t take a lot to tire them out. They’re a very traditional terrier in that they like to chase vermin and dig holes, so it can be a bit of a chore to keep your backyard clean.
In addition to digging holes, Scottish terriers can cause trouble in other ways. They’re very mouthy — not a high-pitch yip, either, but a deep bark that belays their short stature — and it’s almost impossible to break them out of that habit. They can be stubborn and difficult to train, despite being very intelligent. Additionally, they’re very sensitive to criticism, so you need to be careful not to snap at them or else you’ll hurt their feelings.
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Manchester Terrier
Sometimes known as the Gentleman’s terrier, this long-legged, short-haired sprinter has an affable personality and gets along well with other canines. Especially if they’re socialized from a young age, the Manchester will love having someone who they can frolic with to burn off their endless energy. Manchester’s do require a lot of exercise, although they’re not as demanding as other terriers; they prefer running and chasing to fighting, so you won’t get banged up from scuffling with them.
Manchester’s have a lot of the best traits of the terrier without having some of their worst habits. They’re brave, watchful, and intelligent, which makes them good for novice owners, although they’re not always easy to train. With strangers and in public, they have better manners than a lot of other terriers, who will often forget their training once they get excited.
If you want a watchdog, the Manchester is a good choice for you. They’re extremely watchful dogs, and while they don’t have the size to take on an intruder, they’ll certainly alert you of their presence.
Tibetan Terrier
A handsome-looking fellow with a long coat, square face, and a bright personality, the Tibetan terrier is a good deal calmer than many of their kin. Raised for centuries in the Himalayan mountains, these dogs learned a thing or two from the monks they spent time with; the ‘TT’ is friendly, adaptive, and easygoing.
Don’t let that fool you, though; this is still a terrier at heart. Clever and playful, the Tibetan Terrier has an insanely high energy level and they require multiple hours of play per day to keep them satisfied. Despite their small stature, they go hard, so don’t be surprised if you need to get down and wrestle with them.
As opposed to many of their cousins, Tibetan Terriers have a low prey drive. This means that they’re good not only with other dogs, but also with a slew of other pets (cats, rodents, etc). As long as they’re socialized, you shouldn’t have to worry about your TT turning one day and chasing down the family gerbil (as you would with many other dogs).
Intelligent, easy to train, and not that inquisitive, the Tibetan Terrier is good for first-time owners because they don’t have the same risk of wandering off or standing their ground as many terriers do. Instead, as long as you’re polite, these dogs will do everything you ask of them and more.
If You Want a Small Dog with a Big Personality…
The Yorkshire Terrier might be for you!
The Yorkshire terrier, otherwise known as the Yorkie, has exploded in popularity in recent years. These toy-sized dogs have become a staple in apartments and penthouses around the world thanks to their distinct look and affable personality.
Yorkies have adjusted to the indoor life, while still retaining a lot of their terrier roots. Their long-silky coats have a certain elegance to them, and their faces are pert but intelligent. Because of their looks and indoors status, the breed has become used to being pampered with hairdos, accessories, and endless attention.
Underneath all of that, though, the Yorkie remains a working-class dog who was bred to hunt vermin. Despite their diminutive size, these guys are never afraid to stand up for themselves, and they’ll roll with dogs a lot bigger than themselves when they’re feeling feisty.
Yorkshire terriers like to be the center of attention; if anything, their personality can be a little bit too big at times. They don’t do well with children or other dogs who take away their affection.
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Norfolk Terrier
A similar size to the Yorkie, these dogs are friendly, playful, and highly sensitive creatures. The Norfolk terrier only weighs about 10 pounds, but they have enough personality to fill up the entire room.
If you like small dogs, the Norfolk might be the most agreeable terrier that you’re going to find. Despite their past as a work dog, these guys have a very low prey drive and low mouthiness, so you don’t have to worry about taking them off leash or having them barking at all hours of the night. Additionally, Norfolk terriers get along well with all other kinds of pets, making them far more affable than the ever-popular Yorkie.
When it comes to appearance, this breed is adorable in a blue-collar, working-class kind of way. Their wiry coat is fairly easy to groom, and they hardly ever shed or drool, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after them. This, plus their lack of stubbornness, makes them a good pet for first-time owners.
Rat Terrier
The Rat terrier is almost the polar opposite of the Norfolk. They’re a similar size, but that’s about the only thing these two dogs have in common. The Rat terrier is stubborn where the Norfolk is sensitive, exploratory where they’re companionable, and mischievous where the Norfolk is affable.
With that being said, many people love the Rat terrier for their prankster personality, endless shenanigans, and hapless appearance. With a short coat and massive ears that stand straight up, these dogs don’t always look like terriers, but make no mistake: their personality makes their lineage perfectly clear.
If you have the time, energy, and patience to put up with a Rat terrier, you’ll find a loving companion who ensures that there’s never a dull moment in your life. These guys are affectionate towards their families and decently friendly with other dogs, but you do need to keep an eye on their prey drive. Additionally, they love breaking rules and exploring new places, so you have to constantly be on the lookout to prevent them from wandering away.
If You Want a Dog Who Can Protect You…
The Black Russian Terrier might be the dog for you!
Although the Airedale is called the kind of terriers, these massive dogs are almost twice their weight, and when it comes to protection and peace of mind, the Black Russian is one of the best dogs, terrier or not, who can offer you that.
Bred for police and army work on the frozen tundras of the Russian wilderness, the Black Russian tips the scale at more than 100 pounds and can be up to 33 inches tall at the shoulder. With fighting instincts, a powerful jaw, and the protective nature of a terrier, these dogs make a fierce guardian should you ever see one.
When they’re not brawling, however, Black Russian terriers tend to have a calm disposition. They carry themselves with all of the confidence of a creature that knows almost no one, man nor beast, would be able to threaten them.
Underneath their tough exterior, the Black Russian is a sweet heart and love to be part of the action. You’ll often find this dog following you around no matter where you go. They’re not big on coddling, but they’ll stand in the doorway and watch you with their dark gaze, making sure that everything is okay.
In terms of maintenance, keeping these dogs around doesn’t take a lot of effort. They don’t drool or shed, so all you need to worry about is preventing their long coat from matting.
Black Russian terriers aren’t recommended for beginners. These are big, aggressive dogs that need a strong presence and good training to keep them in line. If you don’t properly socialize them and show them who’s the alpha from a young age, you might have trouble with them down the line. Train them well, though, and the Black Russian terrier will be an obedient, lifelong friend.
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Think that a Black Russian is too much for you, but you still want a comforting presence around the house? These next three dogs will keep you and your family safe from any threats.
Bull Terrier
We talked about the Bull terrier before, where I highlighted their big personality and playful attitude as desirable traits for the breed. While these make them loveable family companions, it’s their strong jaws and fighting instincts that make them good guard dogs.
Despite their somewhat goofy appearance and egg-shaped head, these dogs are rippling with muscles and are quick to act. Naturally aloof to strangers (as many terriers are), the Bull will approach any newcomer with a certain amount of caution. If they don’t like what they see, this dog is never afraid to stand up for themselves.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Sometimes called the AmStaff, this former brawling dog has made a new niche for themselves as a friendly, affable companion for families all over the world. Underneath their easy-going personality, though, is a 65 pounds dog with the build and jaw of a Pitbull.
With their stocky chest and large head, these dogs are built for fighting. They have the energy to go all day, and when push comes to shove, they’re never afraid to stand their ground.
AmStaff’s are pretty friendly towards strangers, but they don’t get along well with other dogs. This, plus their strong personality, means that you need an experienced, strong trainer to make sure they stay in line, or their more aggressive side can come out when they get provoked.
Airedale Terrier
If you spend some time with them, it can be hard to image the Airedale turning aggressive. These are goofy, light-hearted dogs, who love to play and wrestle and are always smiling.
Underneath all that, though, the Airedale has a natural aloofness to strangers and a protective instinct for looking out for their family. Though they’re not as big as the Black Russian, Bull terrier, or American Staffordshire, what they lack in size they make up for in sheer heart.
Before becoming housedogs, Airedales were bred to chase bears out of their dens and corner them into treeing themselves. To this day, renowned hunters will bring these dogs along with them when chasing down big game, purely for the ferocity that an Airedale has.
Another great thing about Airedales is that they don’t need to be trained to be protective. When I was just born, my family had a 5-year-old Airedale (Sammy) terrier who, to that point, had undergone no coaching. Once my sister and I came into the world, though, he could flip the switch from goofy companion to ferocious guard dog in a heartbeat.
In one specific incident, a family friend came over to visit shortly after my older sister had been born. She had met Sammy several times before, and so the first thing she did when she walked in the door was to go towards my newborn sister and make like she was going to hold her.
Sammy’s reaction was immediate. He lunged to place himself in between the friend and my sister, and he was about to go on the offensive before my dad managed to get her under control.
Airedales (and most other terriers) are super intelligent dogs, and they’re incredibly loyal to their owners. This, plus the breed’s natural distrust of people they don’t know, gives them an instinctive ability to act as guardians, even if they’ve never been trained to do so.