27 feisty breeds bred to hunt “vermin.” They are uppity and playful as a rule but terribly loyal to their families. However, they are not always thrilled about strangers or other dogs. Their coats need to be “stripped,” a time-consuming project, so most pet terriers are “clipped” by a groomer instead. Terriers are also known to bark and dig and they range in size from tiny to large:

 

Appearance: Westie’s have a distinctive white double coat of hard, straight outer-hair and soft under-hair. Small, hardy and well-muscled, the Westie’s body matches its strong-willed confidence. Eyes are a dark brown, as should be the eye-rims, nose and lips; even the ears should have a black-tint and stand erect, not to the side. Their carrot-shaped tails also stand erect.

 

Profile: Westie’s are tenacious, spirited, friendly little dogs who demand attention from their owners. Truly bred to catch rodents, they can dig and will go after small pets. Westies need exercise and are excellent in “Earthdog Trials” where the dogs are taught to dig, lunge, and leap into holes for vermin. 

 

History: A Scottish breed, the West Highland White Terrier’s origins go back to the 17^th century when King James I, requested “…white earth-dogges” as a gift for the king of France. 400 years ago, the Westie came in multiple colors and is closely related to the Cairn Terrier, but current standards dictate the white color and pricked ears. The white color preserved the breed during the hunt so that they stood out and weren’t easily mistaken for the quarry. 

 

Family Match: Westies bond with the whole family but are not recommended for households with small children or toddlers unless they are socialized very early. They can get over-excited and snappish with strangers, other dogs, small pets. 

 

 

Appearance: The Irish Terrier has a long head, flat and narrow between the ears with a strong and muscular jaw. Their ears are small and v-shaped, dropping forward closely to the cheek. No ear fringe! The eyes should be dark hazel, the darker the better. The shoulders, chest, back and loin all need to be long, strong, and muscular. The Irish Terrier’s hard, wiry coat should be “whole colored” bright red, wheaten red, or yellow red. In outline, they are similar to Irish Wolfhounds but they have no common ancestry.

 

Profile: The Irish Terrier has a proud, swaggering carriage with catlike grace, blinding speed and coordination with unnerving intelligence. They are good-tempered, not snappish. They have earned the title of “dare-devil” for a headlong dash, blind to all significant movement. Irish Terriers are sporting dogs who are natural water dogs. Extraordinarily devoted to their masters, they have been known to track them over incredible distances.

 

History: The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds. The breed began in the 1700’s in Southern Ireland. At the 1873 Dublin dog show, they appeared in their own separate class.   In 1889, the Irish Terrier Club declared all Irish Terriers must have uncropped ears which led to the abolition of cropped ears on any dog breed in the United Kingdom. 

 

Family Match: The Irish Terrier is full of fun and not hyperactive. They are a good family dog, adaptable to various activities from long hikes to naps. They are a happy, quiet companion. Good with kids, they love to play. The Irish Terrier does need to be socialized early with other family pets.

 

 

Appearance: Tallest and newest of terrier breed, Airedales come in black and tan or reddish tan with a grizzled saddle.  Their build is stylish and rather “square shaped.” They have a double coat of thick, hard, wiry hair. Their tail is often docked.  

 

Profile: Smart, athletic dogs, Airedales are used for everything from hunting big game, to police work, to obedience trials. They are good swimmers and trackers. Airedales are adaptable to suburban life but need exercise or they become restless. They are intensely curious with a lovable and deliberate sense of humor.

 

History: Airedales originated in the Valley of the Aire in West Riding, Yorkshire in the mid 1800’s. Bred to hunt otters, called everything from “Old English Black-and-Tan,” to “Broken-Coated Working,” Airedales were crossed with Otter Hounds or possibly Border Collies. These terriers were favored during WWI as messengers and ambulance dogs.

 

Family Match: Airedales are good protectors of their family. They are patient with children; they are strong-willed, while being gentle and affectionate. Airedales are “thinking,” people-oriented dogs.