Terrier Group – American Kennel Club (2025)

FAQs

What does the Terrier group do? ›

Terrier Group

All but two of the terriers evolved in the British Isles. The geography of the specific area (water, rocky terrain) helped to determine the exact duties of each breed, but it usually involved hunting vermin and varmints ranging from rats to badgers to otters and more.

AKC Terrier Group

Short-legged: Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Cesky Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Skye Terrier, West Highland White Terrier.

Despite their brutal origins, Bull Terriers are some of the most sweet-natured, fun-loving dogs you're ever likely to meet. This cheeky canine loves a game just as much as they love getting up to mischief, and they've got a whole lot of affection to share with their human family.

The Biewer Terrier (/ˌbiːvər ˈtɛriər/) is a toy dog of German descent that is the result of two Yorkshire Terriers with a recessive piebald gene breeding. It is usually kept as a companion animal or a show dog.

West Highland White Terrier

If you're considering a small- to medium-sized dog for your new easygoing companion, a Westie makes an excellent pet. Most are moderately energetic, easy to train, and relatively healthy. This breed requires some grooming but does not need trimming regularly.

There are three schnauzer breeds, with the miniature schnauzer being the most popular. These short and stout little terriers are defined by a bushy beard and outgoing personality. Miniature schnauzers were first recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1926. They were the 18th most popular breed in 2021.

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds. Males stand about 23 inches at the shoulder, females a little less. The dense, wiry coat is tan with black markings.

Terrier. A high energy dog needs a similarly lively collective noun - hence a tornado of Terriers.

Terrier (from Latin terra, 'earth') is a type of dog originally bred to hunt vermin. A terrier is a dog of any one of many breeds or landraces of the terrier type, which are typically small, wiry, game, and fearless.

What is the best behaved terrier breed? ›

Yorkshire Terrier

Despite being small and considered “lap dogs,” Yorkshire terriers aren't likely to jump on others or whine.

Boston Terrier

Nicknamed the "American Gentleman," Boston terriers are affectionate dogs with a silly streak. They love to make new friends, and they're usually up for a play session. They also tend to be adaptable, meaning they're at ease in many situations.

Depending on pedigree and availability, a Biewer terrier can cost between $1,500 and $5,000 with the average price being about $3,500. For more information to help you find a Biewer terrier, check out: BTCA Member Biewer Terrier Breeders.

Silky Terrier Size, Appearance, and Coloring

Silky terriers are also diminutive but are just slightly larger than the Yorkie, usually standing around 10 inches tall and weighing around 8 to 10 pounds.

Terrier work as vermin control

A wide variety of game is hunted below ground with terriers, including red foxes, groundhogs (also known as woodchucks), raccoons, opossums, nutria (also known as coypu), and European and American badgers.

Working Group

They were developed to assist humans in some capacity—including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks and homes, and protecting their families—and many of these breeds are still used as working dogs today. Breeds in the Working Group tend to be known for imposing stature, strength, and intelligence.

Terrier. A high energy dog needs a similarly lively collective noun - hence a tornado of Terriers. Photo: Canva/Getty Images.

The Dog Squad provides support for police operations where the use of a dog may assist in incident detection, prevention or resolution. The Dog Squad has two areas of operation: general purpose dogs and specialist detection dogs.