The Terrier Group includes those small but lively terrier breeds that were developed (mainly in Great Britain) to hunt small burrowing animals such as badgers, foxes, otters, rabbits and rats. The terrier often had to follow prey underground and therefore, with the exception of Bull and Airedale Terriers, most terriers are small and stocky with short legs. These are feisty, energetic dogs that have a low tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Granted, these small dog breeds have been domesticated and make good pets, but they are still quite active and require firm handling. Many breeds such as Airedale, Bull, Fox, and Parson (Jack) Russell Terriers do best with experienced owners. The 10 most popular terrier breeds in the US according to 2005 American Kennel Club registrations are discussed below and their registration rank is included in parentheses. It is interesting to note that the six most popular terriers are all low-shedding dog breeds that are said to be hypoallergenic when well cared for.
1. Miniature Schnauzer
The minis (#10) are lively, friendly, and playful with expressive personalities. These loyal and devoted little dogs want to be fully involved in all family activities and love to go for walks. Most Minis are good with children, but they are too small to be a small child’s pet. They generally get along with other family pets, although they are terriers and can be aggressive towards other dogs. Early socialization and obedience training will help control excessive barking and reluctance to walk on a leash. This breed can be taught quite easily and can even excel in advanced obedience competitions.
2. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White (#32) is lively, bold, assertive, courageous, inquisitive and has a lot of personality. This little white dog needs to be involved in everything that happens in the home. The Westie is easier to handle and friendlier than many other terriers, but he still needs his daily walks and play sessions. Westies will attempt to dominate dogs of the same sex, but will otherwise get along better with other dogs and cats than they will with most terriers. The Westie still has its drive to hunt prey and should not be left off-leash except in a closed, fenced-in area. The Westie is very possessive of his toys and food and does not like small children to touch him.
3.Scottish Terrier
The Scottie (#40) is a small breed of dog with a lively and distinctive appearance. The Scotsman is brave, alert, proud, confident, loyal and dignified. While friendly and playful as a puppy, the mature Scottish Terrier can be stubborn at times. Therefore, it is important to begin socializing and obedience training the Scottie while he is a puppy and continuing through adolescence. The Scots love to play, so be sure to add games and rewards to your training. The Scottish Terrier gets along better with older children.
4. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier (#41) is one of the smaller working terrier dog breeds. These terriers are bold, energetic, and inquisitive, but they also have a somewhat independent mindset. The Cairn is intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please its master. This breed is easy to train and likes to do tricks, although it may be the tricks he, not you, wants to do. Cairns do well with older children and love to play. These Terriers demand a lot of attention, but in return they will provide you with hours of entertainment.
5. Airedale Terrier
The medium-sized Airedale Terrier (#52) is larger than most Terriers and has an even temperament and sweet disposition, although some Airedales may fight with other dogs. This terrier is dignified, patient, loyal and intelligent and makes a great companion dog who loves to play with children. The Airedale should be supervised with young children as it can be too boisterous for them. Airedales can be trained to a high level as anything from a watchdog or guard dog to a guide dog. Airedale puppies are playful and exuberant, and obedience training should be started early and reinforced throughout adulthood by a knowledgeable owner.
6. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Wheaten Terrier (#59) is lively, active, busy, playful and affectionate. The Wheaten is independent and confident, but also quite intelligent and eager to learn. Wheatpuppies should be socialized early with children, other dogs, and strangers. The breed is fairly easy to train if you can get its attention. Wheatens get along well with older children, but can be overly playful and assertive with young children. Wheatens are much more social than most terriers, but will still need obedience training to control their active and assertive nature.
7. bull terrier
The Bull Terrier (#62) or ‘Bullie’ is a lively and powerful dog. Bull Terriers are fearless, assertive, comical and mischievous. This large breed is loyal, affectionate and loving and can make a good family pet. Bullies are probably too exuberant for young children, but they will do well if they consider themselves older children. Bull terriers need a lot of attention and may not be the best fit for the city unless they are involved in a lot of family activities. These dogs can be quite strong willed and are difficult to train. The breed needs early socialization as puppies and ongoing obedience training. Male bullies, especially those who have not been neutered, can be extremely aggressive towards other male dogs and even other pets.
8. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire (#63) is usually calm and friendly with an air of self-confidence; This powerful medium-sized breed is active, playful, affectionate, and relatively easy to train. The Am Staff loves to play with older children, but is too boisterous for young children. However, this dog is fearless and should not be trusted with cats or other dogs. The Am Staff has powerful jaws and will destroy any toy you give it to chew on. This breed needs early socialization with other dogs and strangers and ongoing obedience training. The Am Staff is the largest of the three breeds generally known as Pit Bulls. The other two are the American Pit Bull Terrier which is not registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which is registered with the AKC. In the past, all of these breeds were bred to be fighting dogs. Now that this activity is illegal, these pit bull breeds have an undeserved reputation for fighting. This is a dog for an experienced owner and prospective buyers should also check their local area statutes and also their home insurance to see if there are any restrictions on this breed of dog.
9. Parson Russel Terrier
The little Jack Russell Terrier (#72) is known as the Parson Russell Terrier in the US The Parson (Jack) Russell is the most energetic, fearless and athletic of all the terrier dog breeds. The Parson Russell requires full participation in family activities with many physical and mental challenges. If the Jack Russell gets too little exercise and company then this cheerful little dog will become bored and destructive. The Parson Russell can be very aggressive towards strange dogs and even other dogs in the family. The Parson (Jack) Russell needs a lot of early socialization while he is a puppy and teenager to curb aggressive behavior. These strong-willed terriers need lots of early and ongoing obedience training to ensure the owner and not the dog is in charge. Parson Russell gets along well with older children, especially those who play ball or Frisbee with him.
10. White Fox Terrier
The small-sized Wire Fox Terrier (#76) is one of the liveliest and most energetic terrier breeds. The two varieties, Wire haired and Smooth, differ only in coat type. These Terriers are very intelligent, curious, cheerful and love their families. The breed has so much energy that it will play and chase a ball or frisbee for hours on end. Fox Terriers make great playmates for older children, but they still retain their hunting instincts and shouldn’t be left alone with small pets. These Terriers must be kept on their leashes when walking. The breed has a stubborn streak and socialization and training should begin when they are puppies and continue into adulthood.
