33 Terrier breeds at a glance - all breed descriptions and pictures

Terrier Breeds - Discover the variety of FCI recognized terriers.

Terrier breeds are a versatile and fascinating group of dogs known for their bravery, intelligence and loyal nature. Recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), this category includes a wide range of terriers, from the popular and well-known to rare and exotic breeds. In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at some of these fascinating terriers.

Each of these breeds has its own unique charm that makes them ideal companions and family dogs. Their history goes way back when they were originally bred as hunting dogs and for pest control. Today, many of them have evolved into loving pets, while others still show off their hunting skills.

Throughout this article, we will look at the different traits, characteristics and abilities of each breed. From the majestic presence of the Airedale Terrier to the playful nature of the Yorkshire Terrier, there are a variety of traits that set these terrier breeds apart.

It is important to emphasize that the list of recognized terrier breeds may change as new breeds are recognized or the status of some breeds is changed. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the official FCI website or other reliable sources for the most up-to-date information on breed recognitions and changes.

This blog post is intended to help both newcomers and dog experts learn more about these fascinating terrier breeds. Whether you're interested in a loyal family companion, an active sports partner, or a versatile working dog, the world of terriers offers a wide range of options.

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is the largest terrier and is often called the "King of Terriers". With its intelligent and courageous nature, it makes an excellent guard and working dog. This breed is strong, active and versatile and shows a deep bond with his family. The Airedale Terrier is affectionate and an excellent companion dog that remains confident even in challenging situations.

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hair less Terrier is a rare, hairless breed that dates back to the Rat Terrier. Despite the lack of fur, it is playful, energetic and friendly. This breed is suitable for allergy sufferers as it sheds very little hair. The American Hairless Terrier is affectionate and enjoys the company of his family, he also likes to be on the move and learn new tricks.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the "Amstaff", is a strong, athletic and loving member of the terrier family. Despite its muscular appearance, it is gentle and shows a close bond with its people. With proper training, the Amstaff is a loyal companion and an excellent family dog. It is important to give him clear guidance and early socialization to encourage his friendly and trustworthy nature.

Australian Terrier

The Australian Terr ier is a robust and friendly dog with a lively character. An intelligent and adaptable dog, it is an ideal companion for active families. Loving and showing a strong bond with his family, the Australian Terrier is also a good watchdog, warning of intruders. This breed is well suited for various activities, including playing outdoors and participating in dog sports.

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is distinguished by its characteristic appearance, reminiscent of a lamb. This breed is gentle, playful and curious, but also brave and protective of his family. The Bedlington Terrier requires regular grooming for his shaggy coat. He is an alert watchdog and a loyal companion who loves to be by his humans' side.

Border Terrier

The Border Terr ier is an active and intelligent dog known for its loving personality. This breed is persistent and versatile and is well suited for activities such as agility and dog sports. The Border Terrier shows a close bond with its family and is a loyal companion that gets along well with other dogs.

Brazilian Terrier

The Brazilian Terr ier is a cheerful and lively breed from Brazil. Endowed with energy and intelligence, it shows a strong bond with its family. This breed is an active companion that loves to spend time outdoors and is enthusiastic about games and exercise.

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terr ier is a robust and happy dog with a playful nature. An intelligent and active companion dog, he is popular with the family. The Cairn Terrier shows loyalty to his family and is a good watchdog, detecting potential danger early.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terr ier is a charming and rare breed with a unique, shaggy coat. With its loving, curious nature, it shows a strong personality. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a loyal companion who enjoys spending time with his family and also gets along well with other pets. This breed requires consistent training and loving, but firm leadership.

German Hunting Terrier (Deutsches Jagdterrier)

The German Hunting Terrier, also known as the "German Hunting Terrier", is a versatile and determined hunting dog. With its energy and willingness to work, it is an excellent companion for active people. This breed is intelligent and courageous, which makes it an effective hunter. The German Hunting Terrier shows a strong bond with its owner and is a loyal family dog, but it also needs consistent training and clear boundaries.

Fox Terrier (Smooth)

The Fox Terrier (Smooth) is a lively, smart and courageous terrier that was bred as a hunting dog. With its short, smooth coat, it is easy to groom. The Fox Terrier is happy, active and needs plenty of exercise. He shows a deep attachment to his family and is a loyal companion who gets along well with children.

Fox Terrier (Wire)

The Fox Terrier (Wire) is a variant of the Smooth Fox Terrier with a wiry coat. It has a bold and spirited nature and is also an excellent hunting dog. This breed shows a strong personality and is active as well as intelligent. The Fox Terrier needs consistent training and proper socialization to be a good family dog.

Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier

The Irish Glen of Imaal Terr ier is an Irish variety of the Glen of Imaal Terrier. With its calm and loving temperament, it is a pleasant family dog. This breed is strong and versatile and shows a strong bond with his family. The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy.

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a gentle, affectionate dog with a soft, silky coat. This breed is playful and intelligent, making it an ideal family dog. The Wheaten Terrier shows a strong bond with his family and enjoys being active and outdoors.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terr ier is known for its energy and intelligence. He is an active dog that needs mental and physical challenges. This breed is loyal, courageous and shows a strong personality. The Jack Russell Terrier needs consistent training and is happiest in an active household where he is challenged and can spend lots of time with his family.

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terr ier is a medium-sized breed known for its soft, curly bluish-gray coat. These dogs are intelligent, courageous and have a strong personality. They are loyal companions and form close bonds with their families. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a versatile dog and can be used in various activities such as dog sports, obedience training and even as a therapy dog. However, this breed requires consistent training and proper socialization to ensure balanced behavior.

Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is a small but robust dog with a temperamental character. This breed is active, courageous, and exhibits loving behavior toward his family. The Lakeland Terrier was originally bred as a hunting dog and still retains its hunting instincts. He is an excellent watchdog and is often described as alert and watch ful. As a companion dog, the Lakeland Terrier requires sufficient mental and physical activity to avoid undesirable behavior.

Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is an elegant and intelligent dog with a loving personality. This breed is alert, active and shows a strong bond with its family. The Manchester Terrier has a penchant for fast movement and can be exuberant and playful outdoors. It is a good watchdog and was once known for fighting rats and rodents in English cities. The breed requires consistent training to master its clever and sometimes stubborn nature.

Miniature Bull Terrier

The Miniature Bull Terr ier is a smaller version of the Bull Terrier with a prominent head and muscular build. These dogs are energetic, friendly and bold. The Miniature Bull Terrier is a loving companion dog that often develops a strong bond with its family. Although it has a rugged appearance, it is usually playful and can get along well with children and other pets. However, the breed needs sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation to ensure a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent and active companion dog known for its distinctive moustachioed appearance. This breed is friendly, affectionate and often displays a strong personality. The Miniature Schnauzer is an ideal family dog and will get along well with children and other pets. It is also a good watchdog and is often described as alert, loyal and reliable. The breed requires regular grooming to keep its dense, wiry coat in good condition.

Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terr ier is a small, robust dog with a characteristic rough coat and a friendly nature. This breed is intelligent, lively and has a strong bond with its family. The Norfolk Terrier is a versatile dog and does well in both a rural and urban environment. It is an excellent companion that likes to be involved in activities, whether it is playing outside or exercising. The breed is also a good watchdog, warning his family of possible dangers.

Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terr ier is similar to the Norfolk Terrier, but with erect ears. This breed is friendly, intelligent and active. The Norwich Terrier shows a strong bond with his family and is an excellent companion who enjoys being around his people. He is also a good watchdog and can warn unwanted visitors with his alert behavior. The Norwich Terrier needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier, also known as the "Jack Russell Terrier" (when it is named in honor of its original breeder), is an energetic and intelligent dog. This breed is bold, active and often displays a strong personality. The Parson Russell Terrier is a versatile dog and can excel in various activities such as dog sports, agility and obedience training. It is a loyal companion that develops close bonds with its people. However, the breed needs consistent training and sufficient exercise to ensure happy and balanced behavior.

Russian Black Terrier (Black Russian Terrier)

The Russian Black Terr ier is an imposing and powerful breed with a protective nature. These dogs are intelligent, loyal and often show a strong bond with their family. The Russian Black Terrier was originally bred as a service dog and is an excellent guard dog. He is wary of strangers and shows a strong determination to protect his family. Although this breed has a calm and even-tempered personality, it requires consistent training and adequate physical and mental exercise.

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the "Scottie", is a distinctive and robust breed with a bold and independent nature. These dogs are intelligent, loyal and often display a strong personality. The Scottish Terrier is an excellent watchdog and is often described as alert, proud and territorial. Despite its sometimes stubborn behavior, the Scottie can be a loving companion that is closely bonded to its family. However, the breed requires consistent training and loving but firm leadership to control its temperamental nature.

Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terr ier is a charming and robust breed with a wiry white coat. These dogs are bold, intelligent and show a loving bond with their family. The Sealyham Terrier was originally bred to hunt small prey, but is also an excellent companion dog. With its friendly and even-tempered nature, it fits well in families with children and other pets. However, the breed requires consistent training and proper socialization to ensure obedient behavior.

Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier is a small and lively breed with silky, blue and tan coats. These dogs are intelligent, friendly and often display a strong personality. The Silky Terrier is a playful companion dog and is well suited for active families. He is affectionate and enjoys spending time with his humans. Although small, the Silky Terrier has a keen alertness, which makes it a good watchdog. The breed needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced.

Skye Terrier

The Skye Terr ier is an elegant and robust breed with a long, thick coat. These dogs are intelligent, loyal and have a calm nature. The Skye Terrier develops a close bond with his family and is a loyal companion who enjoys being around his people. Although he can sometimes be reserved with strangers, he shows a loving devotion to his owners. The breed is known for its calmness and balance, but needs consistent training and adequate exercise to live a happy and healthy life.

Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier, also known as the "Bully", is a stocky and muscular breed with a friendly and controlled nature. These dogs are bold, lively and show a strong bond with their family. The Bull Terrier is known for its excellent qualities as a protector. The breed is also a good guard dog that protects its family. Proper training and loving but firm leadership are important to encourage the Bull Terrier's best behavior.

Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terr ier is a medium-sized breed with a long, thick coat and a friendly nature. These dogs are intelligent, gentle and show a deep bond with their family. The Tibetan Terrier was originally bred as a companion dog and guard dog in the monasteries of Tibet. It is a loyal companion that gets along well with children and other pets. The breed is also known as a hypoallergenic dog because it sheds little hair. The Tibetan Terrier requires regular grooming to keep its long coat in good condition.

Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier is a robust and friendly breed with a wiry, black and tan coat. These dogs are intelligent, playful and often display a strong personality. The Welsh Terrier is an excellent companion dog and is well suited for active families. He shows a strong bond with his family and likes to be involved in all activities. The breed is also a good watchdog and can warn unwanted visitors with its alert behavior. The Welsh Terrier needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to ensure a happy and balanced demeanor.

West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the "Westie", is a small and hardy breed with a friendly and spirited nature. These dogs are intelligent, active and often display a strong personality. The West Highland White Terrier is a versatile dog and can be used as a companion dog as well as a hunting dog. It is a loyal companion that develops close bonds with its people. The breed is known for its bright, white coat color and requires regular grooming to keep its coat in good condition.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small and lively breed with a long, silky coat. These dogs are intelligent, playful and often display a strong personality. The Yorkshire Terrier is a popular companion dog and is a good match for individuals or families with older children. He is affectionate and enjoys spending time with his humans. Although small in size, the Yorkshire Terrier often displays a brave nature and can engage well in various activities. The breed requires regular grooming to keep its long coat

The world of terriers - diversity, charm and loyalty.

Terrier breeds fascinate and delight dog lovers around the world. Recognized by the FCI, this group of dogs encompasses a wide range of characters, sizes and abilities. From the majestic Airedale Terrier to the lovable Yorkshire Terrier, there are a variety of breeds that are ideal as family companions, active sports partners or versatile working dogs.

Each terrier has its own history and characteristics that make it unique. From the brave nature of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to the playful personality of the Miniature Schnauzer, these dogs offer an impressive range of characters that have made them popular pets around the world.

As a dog lover, it's important to choose the right breed to fit your lifestyle and needs. The world of terriers offers numerous options for people looking for a loyal, intelligent and loving companion.

Before choosing a terrier breed, it is advisable to do extensive research and learn about the specific characteristics and needs of each breed. Remember that the list of recognized breeds is subject to change, so it is always advisable to consult the official FCI website or other reliable sources for the most up-to-date information on breed recognitions and changes.

No matter which terrier breed you choose, one thing is for sure: these charming dogs will be loyal and loving companions that will enrich your life with joy, activity and affection.