The Terrier Group

Terriers are known for their energetic, feisty personalities. They were originally bred to catch and kill vermin and to fight animals, including other terriers. Though terriers make loyal, engaging pets, they must be socialized early and carefully as they may otherwise be aggressive toward other dogs. Their average lifespan is 10–14 years.

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale was developed in the 1800s in Yorkshire, England, from crosses between old English terriers and otterhounds. After the Airedale’s original use as a badger- and otter-hunter waned, the breed was crossed with Irish and bull terriers in an attempt to enhance its appearance.

Temperament

Personality: Intelligent, headstrong
Exercise needs: High
With children: Playful, protective

Appearance

Size: Medium (45–50 lbs, 22–24" tall)
Color: Tan with black or grizzle saddle
Coat: Medium, thick, wiry
Grooming: Brush 2 times weekly; scissor and clip every 1–2 months

Cairn Terrier

The cairn terrier belongs to the family of Skye terriers developed in Scotland in the 1500s. Originally used to hunt badger and fox, it’s also an excellent swimmer. “Toto” of The Wizard of Oz was a cairn terrier.

Temperament

Personality: Lively, curious
Exercise needs: Moderate
With children: Playful, but can be nippy at times

Appearance

Size: Small (13–15 lbs, 9.5–10" tall)
Color: Any except white
Coat: Medium, hard, thick
Grooming: Brush weekly

Jack Russell Terrier

This breed was developed in the mid-1800s in Devonshire, England, by a parson named Jack Russell. His goal in creating the breed was to obtain a terrier that could kill foxes and keep pace with horses on hunts.

Temperament

Personality: Adventurous, headstrong
Exercise needs: High
With children: Playful, mischievous

Appearance

Size: Small (14–18 lbs, 10–12" tall)
Color: White with tan, black, or brown markings
Coat: Dense, straight double coat
Grooming: Brush weekly

Miniature Schnauzer

Descended from the affenpinscher and the standard schnauzer, the miniature schnauzer was developed in Germany in the late 19th century for use as a farm dog. It’s considered excellent at catching rats.

Temperament

Personality: Lively, amiable
Exercise needs: Moderate
With children: Friendly, playful

Appearance

Size: Small (13–15 lbs, 12–14" tall)
Color: Black and silver, black and white, or pure black
Coat: Short, hard, wiry
Grooming: Brush 1–2 times weekly; scissor and shape every 2 months; clean beard daily

Scottish Terrier

The beloved Scottie hails from Aberdeen, Scotland, where it originated in the 1800s as a vermin hunter. The breed was brought to America in the 1880s and made famous by Franklin Roosevelt—his faithful Scotty was eventually buried beside him.