16 Small Terrier Breeds With Big Personalities You Will Love

Terriers pack more personality into their tiny frames than dogs twice their size! These spirited little companions were originally bred to hunt vermin, which explains their tenacious and fearless nature. If you’re looking for a small dog with boundless energy, unwavering loyalty, and a touch of stubbornness, a terrier might be your perfect match.

1. Jack Russell Terrier

Boundless energy wrapped in a compact package, Jack Russells are the energizer bunnies of the dog world. These clever little hunters were originally bred for fox hunting in England and still maintain their working drive today.

Despite their small stature, they require substantial exercise to prevent destructive behaviors born from boredom. Athletic and agile, Jack Russells excel at dog sports like agility and flyball.

2. Yorkshire Terrier

Glamorous and bold, Yorkies strut around with the confidence of dogs ten times their size. Their silky, floor-length coats require regular grooming, but many owners enjoy this bonding time with their pint-sized companions.

Originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills, these tiny terriers have traded their working roots for luxury living. Don’t be fooled by their fancy appearance though – underneath that gorgeous coat beats the heart of a true terrier. Many Yorkie owners carry these four-pound wonders in specialized purses or bags.

3. West Highland White Terrier

Affectionately known as “Westies,” these snow-white terriers bring sunshine wherever they go. Their bright button eyes and perky expressions seem to radiate joy and mischief in equal measure.

Sturdy and robust despite their small size, Westies were developed in Scotland to hunt rats and other burrowing animals. Their strong prey drive remains intact, so keep an eye on them around small pets! Their distinctive white double coat evolved for practical reasons – it made them easier to spot and less likely to be mistaken for prey during hunts.

4. Cairn Terrier

Movie fans might recognize this breed as Toto from “The Wizard of Oz,” but Cairns have been charming families long before Hollywood discovered them. Named for the cairns (rock piles) of the Scottish Highlands where they hunted, these dogs are tough and weather-resistant.

Their shaggy, low-maintenance coat comes in several colors, with wheaten being especially popular. Independent thinkers with a stubborn streak, Cairns benefit from consistent, positive training methods. Despite their independent nature, they form deep bonds with their humans.

5. Norfolk Terrier

Among the smallest of the working terriers, Norfolk Terriers pack tremendous personality into their compact frames. Their expressive eyes seem to communicate a constant readiness for adventure or mischief.

Originally bred to work in packs, they generally get along well with other dogs – a somewhat rare trait in the terrier world. Their wiry coat requires regular stripping to maintain its weather-resistant qualities, though many pet owners simply opt for clipping. Norfolk Terriers can be distinguished from their Norwich cousins by their folded-down ears, while Norwich Terriers have upright, pointed ears.

6. Scottish Terrier

Dignified and independent, Scotties possess a distinctive silhouette that’s instantly recognizable. Their bearded face and eyebrows give them a wise, sometimes grumpy expression that belies their loyal nature.

Scotties were bred to hunt badgers and foxes, which required both courage and independence – traits still evident in today’s pets. Their deep chest and sturdy legs allowed them to dig after prey, and modern Scotties still enjoy excavating gardens when given the chance!

7. Australian Terrier

Developed down under to tackle snakes and rodents, the Australian Terrier combines toughness with cheerful companionship. Their rough, shaggy topcoat protects them from harsh weather, while their alert ears and bright eyes miss nothing.

Standing about 10 inches tall, these sturdy little dogs adapt well to various living situations as long as they get daily exercise. Australian Terriers form strong bonds with their families and typically get along well with children. As Australia’s oldest native breed, they represent the practical, no-nonsense approach of early Australian settlers.

8. Miniature Schnauzer

Sporting a distinguished beard and eyebrows, Miniature Schnauzers bring German efficiency and charm to the terrier group. Unlike many terriers, they were bred specifically as companion animals rather than hunters, though they still excel at rodent control.

Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, while their moderate exercise needs suit various lifestyles. The characteristic arched eyebrows give them an expressive, almost human-like quality that owners adore. Regular grooming maintains their distinctive look, with many owners choosing professional help to achieve the classic Schnauzer cut.

9. Border Terrier

Rugged yet sweet-natured, Border Terriers originated along the English-Scottish border where they helped farmers hunt foxes. Their wiry, weather-resistant coat comes in wheaten, blue and tan, grizzle and tan, or red colors.

Among the most good-natured of terriers, Borders typically get along well with other dogs and adapt easily to family life. Their otter-shaped head is distinctive to the breed and serves a practical purpose – it allowed them to squeeze into fox dens during hunts. Despite their working heritage, they’re equally content snuggling on the couch after a good walk.

10. Rat Terrier

American farmers created the Rat Terrier as the ultimate farm dog and vermin hunter. President Theodore Roosevelt reportedly gave the breed its name after his own terrier eliminated a rat problem at the White House.

Available in two sizes – miniature (10-13 inches) and standard (13-18 inches) – these dogs combine impressive speed with remarkable agility. Their short, easy-care coat comes in a variety of patterns and colors, with tri-color being particularly common. Rat Terriers form deep bonds with their families and often show an uncanny ability to understand human emotions.

11. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Named after a character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Guy Mannering,” the Dandie Dinmont sports a distinctive topknot of silky hair that adds to its charm. Their long, low body and serious expression give them a dignified appearance that sets them apart from other terriers.

Relatively rare today, Dandies were once popular hunting dogs in the border country between England and Scotland. Their short legs and elongated body allowed them to follow prey into burrows, while their surprising strength made them formidable opponents. Despite their serious look, they’re affectionate and gentle with family.

12. Cesky Terrier

Created in Czechoslovakia in the 1940s, the Cesky (pronounced CHESS-key) combines the best qualities of the Scottish and Sealyham Terriers. Their soft, silky coat differs from the wiry coat of most terriers and requires professional grooming to maintain the breed’s distinctive look.

Calmer than many terrier breeds, Ceskys make excellent family companions while still maintaining enough spunk for activities. Their long, lean head and dropped ears give them an elegant appearance that matches their more reserved temperament. As a relatively new breed, they remain somewhat rare outside their Czech homeland.

13. Sealyham Terrier

Once the darling of Hollywood celebrities like Humphrey Bogart and Elizabeth Taylor, the Sealyham Terrier has become one of the rarest terrier breeds. Their all-white coat and distinctive mustache give them a distinguished appearance that belies their playful nature.

Created by Captain John Edwards at Sealyham Estate in Wales, these terriers were bred to hunt otters, badgers, and foxes. Despite their working background, they adapt well to apartment living as long as they get daily walks. Known for being less excitable than other terriers, they combine independence with devotion to their families.

14. Norwich Terrier

Fearless and friendly, Norwich Terriers emerged from eastern England where they worked as barn dogs and hunters. Their fox-like expression and compact body hide a fearless spirit that once made them excellent ratters and fox bolters.

Despite standing only 10 inches tall, Norwich Terriers approach life with remarkable confidence. Their wiry coat comes in red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle colors and requires regular stripping to maintain its texture.

15. Affenpinscher

Often described as having a monkey-like face (“Affen” means monkey in German), these little imps combine terrier-like temperament with toy-dog size. Their shaggy, wiry coat frames an expressive face that seems perpetually ready to get into mischief.

Originally bred to hunt rats in German kitchens and stables, Affenpinschers later became companion dogs for ladies of the house. Their confident, sometimes stubborn nature makes training an exercise in patience and positive reinforcement. Despite their small size – typically under 10 pounds – they fearlessly stand their ground with much larger dogs.

16. Manchester Terrier (Toy)

Sleek and athletic, Toy Manchester Terriers resemble miniature Dobermans with their black and tan coloring and elegant lines. Despite their refined appearance, they were originally bred as ratters in 19th century Manchester, England.

Their short, glossy coat requires minimal grooming, making them low-maintenance companions. Intelligent and observant, they form strong bonds with their families while maintaining the independent streak common to terriers. The Toy variety stands under 12 inches tall, while the Standard Manchester Terrier reaches 16 inches – both varieties share the same spirited temperament.