18 Energetic Terrier Breeds to Explore
Terrier breeds were originally bred to search for and destroy vermin. Most hunted rats, mice, and other rodents, but some were used to hunt foxes, rabbits, and other larger game. Many terriers would “go to ground,” which means they would dig down into the earth and crawl into underground dens and tunnels when chasing their prey.
Read on to meet 18 terrier breeds that are overflowing with character.
“Terrier” refers to a type of dog that was bred for hunting. Small and full of energy, they quickly go after prey and dig into the ground to chase them out. In French, these dogs were called “chen terrer,” which translates to “earth dog.”
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Airedale Terrier
The largest of all the terrier breeds, the Airedale is known as the “King of Terriers.” The breed hails from a region of England called the Aire Valley, where the dogs were used to hunt ducks and dispatch pesky vermin like rats.
The strong, energetic, and sometimes stubborn Airedale terrier needs lots of obedience training from early on in life, and plenty of vigorous daily exercise. Also, they aren’t known for shedding much, making them good for people with allergies.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 23 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, confident, friendly
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Hard, wiry, dense, straight, short topcoat; softer undercoat; mix of tan and black or dark grizzle; tan head and ears
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American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire terrier, also known as the AmStaff, was developed in America in the middle of the 19th century from English bull-and-terrier dogs, namely the smaller Staffordshire bull terrier.
Sadly, these types of dogs were once used for the now-illegal sport of dogfighting. However, they were also found to make loyal, hardworking companions and were bred for larger size and gentler temperament.
American Staffordshire terriers are smart, affectionate, and energetic dogs that make wonderful companions for the right home. Many of these dogs can get along wonderfully with children, but proper training and socialization are essential. With plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them occupied and happy, AmStaffs make excellent family pets.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 17 to 18 inches (females), 18 to 19 inches (males)
WEIGHT: 40 to 55 pounds (females), 55 to 70 pounds (males)
Personality/Temperament: Protective, courageous, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, stiff coat; variety of colors, including black, brown, blue, fawn, red, and liver (with or without brindle and/or white markings)
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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Australian Terrier
The Australian terrier is a small breed that originated in Australia. They were developed from English dogs brought over in the 19th century and share ancestry with other small terriers, including the Cairn and Yorkshire terrier. In fact, people often misidentify Australian terriers as Yorkies.
Australian terriers have lively, outgoing personalities. Though loyal and affectionate, these are not lazy lap dogs. This terrier breed does best when given a “job” to do and may get bored if left alone for too long. Engage the Australian terrier in activities that engage the mind and body to keep them happy and healthy.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 15 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Companionable, affectionate, courageous
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, wiry, waterproof double coat; blue and tan, red, or sandy
Life Span: 11 to 15 years
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Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington terrier originated in England, in the 1800s, where they hunted rats and other vermin on farms and in coal mines. With a sleek, sighthound shape, they look and feel like little lambs. The soft coat does not shed much (if at all) but requires professional grooming every few months.
Although they are known for being sweet and gentle, they are mightily courageous and tenacious when they have a furry critter in their sights. This is also one of the fastest terriers, thanks to their long, slender legs. As always, training and socialization will help your terrier become a well-mannered companion.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 15.5 to 17.5 inches
WEIGHT: 17 to 23 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, good-tempered
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Crisp coat is mixture of hard and soft hair; blue, sandy, or liver, sometimes combined with tan
Life Span: 11 to 16 years
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Border Terrier
The border terrier was developed during the 19th century in the region of the Scotland-England border, but their ancestry likely goes back hundreds of years before then. Farmers used dogs to protect sheep from predators, but they needed smaller dogs who could flush out foxes from their dens.
Today’s border terrier is small yet sturdy and highly energetic. These intelligent dogs need plenty of exercise and will benefit from activities that engage their minds as well as their bodies. Training and socialization are important to provide structure and enable your dog to feel comfortable in a variety of situations. Also, these terriers bark loudly to alert you of anything unusual.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 12 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 11.5 to 14 pounds (females), 13 to 15.5 pounds (males)
Personality/Temperament: Bright, affectionate, lively
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Short, wiry coat; blue and tan, grizzle and tan, red, or wheaten; muzzle is usually darker.
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Bull Terrier
The bull terrier is famous for being the Target mascot, but was originally bred in England to be a fierce competitor in dogfighting rings. When that brutal sport was outlawed, this breed was tweaked into the distinguished and sweet companion that they are today.
The bully is brimming with personality and has one of the most unique faces of the dog kingdom, with a long face that resembles that of a horse. They can be stubborn, so early, consistent training is a must. Also, compared to other terrier breeds, the bull terrier is more likely to be born deaf.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 21 to 22 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, lively, affectionate
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short and smooth; almost any color, including white, red, fawn, black, blue, or brindle (or a combination of these)
Life Span: 12 to 13 years
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Cairn Terrier
Made famous as Dorothy’s little dog Toto in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, the cairn terrier originated in the Scottish Highlands more than two centuries ago. The hardy, fierce little dogs rooted out rats, foxes, and other furry critters from piles of rocks called cairns, from which the breed derived its name.
Friendly and outgoing, cairn terriers typically make wonderful family dogs. Care includes weekly brushing and moderate exercise.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 9 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 15 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, friendly, courageous
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Wiry double coat; black, brindle, cream, gray, red, silver, wheaten, or any combination with brindle
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
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Irish Terrier
With a fiery red coat and intense expression, the medium-sized, sturdy Irish terrier is unmistakable. As the breed name suggests, this dog comes from Ireland, where they were a jack of all trades—hunting down rats and mice, guarding the farmstead, and serving as a devoted family companion.
Strong-willed and full of energy, the Irish terrier needs a good amount of daily exercise and consistent training.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 15.5 to 17.5 inches
WEIGHT: 17 to 23 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Protective, lively, intelligent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Dense, wiry coat; bright red, golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
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Jack Russell Terrier
The AKC changed the name of the Jack Russell terrier breed to the Parson Russell terrier in 2003. This breed was developed in England in the 1800s by a vicar by the name of John “Jack” Russell. He created two varieties of hunting terriers, one with longer legs (the Parson Russell terrier) and one that was slightly smaller with shorter legs (the Jack Russell terrier). Both types of terriers were excellent fox and rabbit hunters, as well as vermin dispatchers.
Intense little dogs with endless energy, Jack Russell terriers need a lot of exercise, play, mental stimulation, and training.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 13 to 17 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Quirky, fearless, intelligent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short; smooth or rough; white with black, tan, or brown markings
Life Span: 13 to 18 years
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Kerry Blue Terrier
A working terrier breed that originated in the mountains of County Kerry, Ireland more than a century ago, the Kerry blue terrier had varied talents, including hunting, retrieving, and even herding livestock.
All Kerry blue terrier puppies are born black. The coat gradually fades to the distinctive blue-gray color as the dog matures. The final color of adult Kerry blue terriers can vary from a deep slate blue to light blue-gray. Kerries do not shed much, but they require professional grooming every few months.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 17 to 19 inches
WEIGHT: 30 to 40 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Bright, attentive, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, soft, wavy; blue-gray
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Manchester Terrier
The Manchester terrier is a small dog named after the city in England, where they were used to hunt rabbits and participate in the “sport” of killing rats, two popular pastimes in that region during the 19th century. Manchester terriers were developed from black and tan terriers (who were similar to today’s Manchester) and crossed with whippet-type dogs.
Manchester terriers are seen in toy (extra small) and standard sizes (small). Smart and playful, these dogs can make excellent family companions. As always, training and socialization are necessary to provide structure. Be aware that, like most terriers, these dogs may chase small animals, including wildlife, cats, and exotic pets.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy/Terrier
HEIGHT: Toy: 10 to 12 inches; Standard: 15 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: Toy: under 12 pounds; Standard: 12 to 22 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Devoted, alert, active
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat; black and tan with mahogany markings
Life Span: 15 to 17 years
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Miniature Schnauzer
The miniature schnauzer is considered the most popular terrier breed. They are a bred-down version of the larger standard schnauzer. Both schnauzer breeds, as well as their cousin, the giant schnauzer, originated in Germany, where they were indispensable working farm dogs and rat catchers.
Miniature schnauzers are spirited and playful and need moderate daily activity. The wiry coat, which forms the breed’s trademark beard, mustache, and eyebrows, requires professional grooming every few months.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 11 to 19 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, friendly, lively
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Wiry double coat; salt and pepper, black and silver, or solid black
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Norwich Terrier
Named after their city of origin in England, the Norwich terrier hunted foxes, working in large packs and running alongside the hunters. The Norwich terrier is one of the smallest of all the terrier breeds, but brave as they come and big on love.
This dog is closely related to the Norfolk terrier, whom they resemble closely (the main difference being the Norfolk’s folded ears versus the Norwich’s upright ears).
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 inches
WEIGHT: 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, bright
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Hard, wiry, straight coat; red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Rat Terrier
Though most terrier breeds originated in Great Britain, the rat terrier was developed in the United States in the early 1900s, where they were used to hunt and kill rats and other rodents on farms.
Rat terriers come in two sizes: miniature and standard. They are high-spirited, energetic, and determined little dogs that need a good amount of daily exercise and play to stay content.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: Miniature: 10 to 13 inches; Standard: 13 to 18 inches
WEIGHT: 10 to 25 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Inquisitive, loving, intelligent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Smooth, shiny, short coat; pied patterns (one or more colors with large patches of white)
Life Span: 12 to 18 years
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Scottish Terrier
Scottish terriers were prized fox and badger hunters for centuries in the Scottish Highlands, where they also earned their keep killing rats and other vermin on farms.
Scotties have short legs, but their bodies are long and substantial. Although the black Scottish terrier is very well-known, the breed also comes in wheaten (lighter tan) and brindle (darker tan with tiger stripes).
Today’s Scottie will gladly dispatch any rats or mice in and around your home. Like many other terriers, Scotties are scrappy and bold, and may not get along with other strange dogs.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 inches
WEIGHT: 18 to 22 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Fearless, affectionate, alert
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium-length, wiry double coat; black, brindle, red brindle, wheaten, black brindle, or silver brindle
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The soft-coated wheaten terrier hails from Ireland and shares ancestry with the Kerry blue and Irish terriers. The breed’s origins are unclear, but these dogs can be traced back about 200 years when they were bred to be all-purpose farm dogs.
Soft-coated wheaten terriers are affectionate, active dogs that need plenty of exercise. Training and socialization will help create a confident, well-mannered pet. With proper care, wheatens can be wonderful companions for active homes.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 17 to 18 inches (females), 18 to 19 inches (males)
WEIGHT: 30 to 35 pounds (females), 35 to 40 pounds (males)
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, lively, friendly
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Wavy, silky, medium-length coat; wheaten
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Welsh Terrier
The Welsh terrier’s ancestors were black and red terriers that can be traced back to 15th century Wales, where they were used by farmers to hunt and deter vermin such as foxes and badgers. By the 18th century, they were valued by both hunters and farmers to help pursue a variety of smaller game.
Welsh terriers have retained their working abilities and high energy levels, so these dogs are not ideal for first-time owners. Bold and vivacious, the breed needs a lot of exercise and should be properly trained and socialized from a young age. While they can make excellent companions for active households, these dogs tend to retain an independent streak.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 15 inches
WEIGHT: 20 to 22 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, friendly, confident
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Dense, hard, and wiry; soft undercoat; tan and black
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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West Highland White Terrier
Several small, short-legged terriers claim Scotland as their birthplace, including the Cairn terrier, Dandie Dinmont terrier, Scottish terrier, and Skye terrier, but of all the Scottish terrier breeds, the West Highland white terrier is the only one that comes in just pure white.
So the story goes, a Scottish colonel developed an all-white terrier after losing his red terrier in a hunting accident (the dog was shot because they resembled the foxes they were pursuing).
Active and full of personality, without enough exercise and attention Westies might turn to destructive behavior. Train and socialize these dogs properly for a well-behaved, happy companion.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 13 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, playful, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length double coat; white
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
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American Hairless Terrier
The American hairless terrier is also known simply as the AHT. This is the only hairless dog breed native to the U.S., and the breed dates back to the 1970s, so it’s a newer terrier breed that started when a hairless rat terrier was born. It wasn’t until 2016 that the AKC recognized the AHT.
Unlike other terriers, this one is usually hairless, with whiskers and eyebrows. They are affectionate and energetic, and like having a job to do. Extra care needs to be taken to protect their skin, but there’s no fur to worry about brushing unless you get the coated variety.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 12 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, playful, intelligent
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Hairless except for whiskers and guard hairs on eyebrows and muzzle; coated variety has a soft, short, and dense coat; any color combination; hairless variety has solid or patterned skin pigmentation that can vary greatly
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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Miniature Bull Terrier
The miniature bull terrier, or MBT, is a smaller version of the standard bull terrier. They have an egg-shaped head and triangular eyes. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1999, and this is a popular dog for individuals and families who are experienced dog parents.
These loving and loyal dogs prefer being around their people, but they are not the best choice if you have other pets. They are affectionate and playful, and can get bored easily or exhibit stubbornness. They also need proper training and socialization, along with a lot of exercise.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 25 to 35 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, stubborn
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short, coarse coat; colors include white, red, fawn, brindle, or black (solid or mixed with white)
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
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Russell Terrier
The Russell terrier was bred for hunting foxes, and shares a history with Parson Russell terriers, as both breeds date back to the 1800s and were developed by Rev. John “The Sporting Parson” Russell. These are two distinct breeds, each recognized by the AKC. Compared to the Parson Russell terrier, the Russell terrier is shorter and smaller, but they otherwise look similar.
These dogs are confident and curious. They are very affectionate with their family, and good with other dogs. They’re also friendly working dogs who are open to strangers and playful. But they have a lot of energy and need to be mentally stimulated in addition to getting exercise daily.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 9 to 15 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Lively, affectionate, playful
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Smooth, rough, or broken coat; white
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Smooth Fox Terrier
Referred to as the “gentleman of the terrier world,” the smooth fox terrier is related to the wire fox terrier. They are yet another breed that was developed in England for fox hunting. In addition to having a different coat than the wire fox terrier, the smooth fox terrier has a V-shaped head.
These strong dogs need to be brushed weekly and bathed monthly. They are also athletic, requiring a lot of exercise, and you need to be careful that they don’t run off chasing prey while outside. They also love to dig. And like all other breeds, they will benefit from training and socialization from a young age.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 15.5 inches
WEIGHT: 15 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, protective, playful
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short, flat, dense coat; white with tan, black, or black and tan markings
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire bull terrier is also known as the Staffy, Staffie, or Stafford. The breed dates back to the 19th century, when it was developed in England for dogfighting. Small terriers were crossed with bulldogs to create a compact, fast dog. After dogfighting became illegal in the 20th century, the dogs became popular as companion animals.
This athletic dog might look tough, but is actually known for their “nanny-like” personality, and they are very affectionate and gentle, getting along with children. But because of their high prey drive, they aren’t best for homes with other pets. They can also chase wildlife and can show aggression towards other dogs, so training and socialization are important.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 14 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: 24 to 38 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Reliable, intelligent, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Short and smooth; red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle (any shade); with or without white
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Wire Fox Terrier
The wire fox terrier was bred in the 18th century to hunt foxes. It’s believed that they were developed from black and tan terriers in Wales. They were small and capable of getting foxes out of their dens. Although they were considered the same breed as the smooth fox terrier, the AKC separated them into two breeds in 1985.
These energetic dogs have high exercise needs. At least an hour per day of physical activity is what they need. Their coat also needs to be brushed and trimmed. These intelligent dogs learn quickly, can get bored easily, and need proper training from a young age.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 14 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 15 to 19 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, alert, courageous
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Wiry coat; white or white with black and/or tan
Life Span: 13 to 14 years
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Biewer Terrier
The Biewer (pronounced “beaver”) is also known as the BT, and is a breed that originated in the 1980s. This is a little dog that can make a wonderful family pet, and is also a good option for first-time dog parents. Hailing from Germany, this toy dog has a long and silky coat, and is a descendent of the popular Yorkshire terrier.
If you are looking for a lap dog that will love spending time with you, the Biewer may be the perfect fit. They are fun, bright, sweet, and friendly, as well as social and easygoing. They can get along with other pets, but because they’re small, they should be supervised when around young children who may not know how to handle them gently.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 7 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 4 to 8 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, playful, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky, single coat; blue/black, gold/tan, or white
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
Terrier Breed Characteristics
Many terrier breeds are affectionate and create a strong bond with their family. Typically energetic, playful, adaptable, and outgoing, terriers love to be in the middle of the action. They are generally well-suited to active homes that are looking for a dog with bags of personality.
Some might be small, but terriers generally need plenty of exercise and attention, or they might turn to destructive behavior like digging, barking, chewing, and escaping.
Due to their original purpose, terriers can have a high prey drive (the instinct to chase and kill furry and feathery creatures) and you may need to put in some extra work when it comes to recall cues.
While every dog is an individual, and appropriate socialization and training are important for every breed, typical terrier traits are bravery, feistiness, and tenacity. Not all terrier breeds are known for being highly social with dogs they don’t know and some might not be so tolerant of young children.
