Terrier Breeds Ranked by Popularity
Feisty and Determined Companions
↓ Skip directly to Terrier BreedsTerrier breeds were originally developed to hunt and eliminate vermin, with many specializing in going to ground after their prey. Known for their bold personalities and boundless energy, these spirited dogs can make lively companions for the right owners.
Key Terrier Characteristics
- Courageous and tenacious personalities
- High energy levels with strong prey drive
- Typically low-shedding coats (many wire-haired varieties)
- Independent thinkers with strong wills
Ideal For
These feisty dogs suit active owners who appreciate their spirited nature. While some adapt well to family life, their strong personalities are often best matched with experienced owners who can provide firm, consistent training.
Understanding Breed Popularity
A breed’s popularity ranking often reflects availability. More common terriers typically have more breeders than rarer breeds, which may mean longer waitlists in some regions.
Browse Terrier Breeds
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
Miniature Schnauzer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Ratting, guarding
Height: 12-14"
Weight: 11-20 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #17
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West Highland White Terrier
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Vermin hunter
Height: 10-11"
Weight: 15-20 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #45
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Scottish Terrier
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Vermin hunter
Height: 10"
Weight: 18-22 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #57
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Russell Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Fox bolting
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 9-15 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #60
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Bull-baiting, companion
Height: 14-16"
Weight: 24-38 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #61
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Cairn Terrier
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Vermin hunter
Height: 9.5-10"
Weight: 13-14 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #68
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Airedale Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Hunting, versatile
Height: 22-24"
Weight: 50-70 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #70
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: All-purpose farm dog
Height: 17-19"
Weight: 30-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #76
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Rat Terrier
Miniature & Standard
Origin: United States
Purpose: Farm dog, hunter
Height: 10-13 | 13-18"
Weight: 8-10 | 10-25 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #84
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Bull Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Companion
Height: 21-22"
Weight: 50-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #86
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American Staffordshire Terrier
Origin: United States
Purpose: Bull-baiting
Height: 17-19"
Weight: 40-55; 55-70 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #97
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Border Terrier
Origin: UK/Scotland border
Purpose: Fox bolting
Height: 12-15"
Weight: 11.5-15.5 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #91
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Miniature Bull Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Companion
Height: 10-14"
Weight: 18-28 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #105
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Wire Fox Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Fox hunting
Height: 15.5"
Weight: 15-18 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #107
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American Hairless Terrier
Origin: United States
Purpose: Companion
Height: 12-16"
Weight: 12-28 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #108
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Norwich Terrier
Origin: United Kingdom
Purpose: Vermin hunter
Height: 9-10"
Weight: 11-12 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #109
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Welsh Terrier
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Fox, otter hunting
Height: 13-15"
Weight: 20-22 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #114
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Parson Russell Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Fox hunting
Height: 13-14"
Weight: 13-17 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #121
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Manchester Terrier
Standard
Origin: England
Purpose: Ratting
Height: 15-16"
Weight: 12-22 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #131
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Norfolk Terrier
Origin: United Kingdom
Purpose: Vermin hunting, fox bolting
Height: 9-10"
Weight: 11-12 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #126
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Smooth Fox Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Fox hunting
Height: 15.5"
Weight: 15-18 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #144
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Bedlington Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Vermin hunter
Height: 15-17.5"
Weight: 17-23 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #147
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Irish Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Vermin hunter, guard
Height: 18"
Weight: 25-27 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #149
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Australian Terrier
Origin: Australia
Purpose: Vermin hunter, watchdog
Height: 10-11"
Weight: 15-20 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #150
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Kerry Blue Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Versatile farm dog
Height: 17.5-19.5"
Weight: 33-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #155
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Lakeland Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Fox hunter
Height: 14.5-15"
Weight: 15-17 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #157
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Sealyham Terrier
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Badger, fox hunter
Height: 10.5"
Weight: 23-24 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #163
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Glen of Imaal Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Vermin Hunter/Farm Dog
Height: 12.5-14"
Weight: 32-40 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #165
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Skye Terrier
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Vermin Hunter/Companion
Height: 9.5"-10"
Weight: 35-40 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #181
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Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Origin: Scotland/England
Purpose: Vermin Hunter/Companion
Height: 8-11"
Weight: 18-24 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #186
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Cesky Terrier
Origin: Czech Republic
Purpose: Vermin Hunter/Companion
Height: 10"-13"
Weight: 14-24 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #197
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