Terriers are not only known for their hunting prowess, but also for their energetic, tenacious, and determined nature. Terriers are known for their feisty, fiery nature and their love for independence which makes them difficult to train. Terriers are known to nip at children who have a noisy and undisciplined nature. But on the other hand, they are also friendly, loyal, and have a stable temperament. Terriers need to be socialized well as they have a mind of their own. Once they are taught to follow you, dog training becomes a smooth ride. But, if you let the terrier have his way all the time, you are in for some dog behavior problems. Terriers are the best pet dogs you can get as they tend to be best buddies for life. They are low maintenance dogs that need very little grooming. They are very lively and energetic with a great sense of humor. There are many types of terrier dogs and can be divided as working dogs, hunting dogs, and companion breeds. Before you decide if a terrier is the right dog choice for you and your family, let us look as some types of terrier dogs. List of Different Types of Terrier Dog Breeds This is the 'King of the Terriers', that has a small build with a wiry coat. This dog requires a lot of grooming and is extremely energetic. They need to be occupied with some thing or the other, as they may get really bored. These are good-natured pets that are great with children. The Airedale terrier loves water and going outdoors. They can be easily trained and are intelligent watch dogs. The American Staffordshire terrier is a muscular and stocky, and is very agile. It is considered to be the 'all American dog'. American Staffortshire terrier when well-trained become excellent companions for all age groups. They are courageous and loyal dogs that love to please their masters. The American Staffordshire terrier was bred to be a fighting dog and therefore, can become aggressive towards other dogs when it is not socialized properly. These dogs are difficult to housebreak, so if you are bringing home a dog for the first time, do not opt for the American Staffordshire terrier. But, this dog tends to protect the life of its owner at any cost, even if it requires giving up his own life. The Australian terrier is a high-spirited dog that loves to jump and dig. So think twice before bringing one home, specially if you have infants at home. They mean no harm, but get carried away with their enthusiasm. They are short-legged rugged dogs that have feet like a cat. They are the smallest terrier types but are extremely brave. They have an alert temperament and a very endearing companions. They are cheeky little dogs that need to be restrained when left out in open spaces, or else they will chase anything and everything that catches their fancy! The Bedlinghton terrier is very strong, and loves to play. He makes good family pet, owing to his gentle nature. These small terriers can take on any opponent and tend to nip at naughty, noisy children. They are independent, and a bit difficult to train. Border terriers have longer legs, as compared to other terriers. They have a coarse, spunky coat, short muzzle and short tail. The Border terriers have a loving nature and are mild-mannered. They love their owners and are good pet dogs for children. They need a lot of exercise, if you live in an apartment. The Boston terrier is an intelligent, gentle, and sweet-natured dog. Boston terriers love people and are very good family dogs. They are easy to train and love to please the owner. They are loyal and dedicated pets that will get along well with people, animals, and even your neighbors. These are indoor pet dogs that need a lot of attention, love, and care. Bull terriers are playful dogs who get very attached to their owners. They need a lot of attention or they get bored and become destructive. They will chew or dig to overcome their boredom. They tend to bark a lot and children tend to enjoy their endless playfulness and funny antics. The Cairn terriers are small terriers that need to be properly trained. These are suitable for families with children. They have a fox-like expression and very affectionate dogs. They are active and alert, which makes them good family dogs. The Dandie Dinmont terrier were described by Sir Walter Scott as 'big little dog'. They are intelligent, determined, and tend to be reserved with strangers. They have a dignified attitude and are loving, affectionate pets. They love human companionship and need grooming about three times per week. They do not like being babied and are fun-loving. They are stubborn dogs and thus dog obedience training become a very difficult. They need to be trained to live with other pets or they tend to be aggressive towards them. Overall, a delightful family pet. Irish terriers are good-natured dogs who love children as play mates. They are good house pets and devoted family dogs. They are also good as guards and will protect the house, especially children, fearlessly. You need to keep them on a leash, when taking them for a walk, as they can be aggressive. You need to socialize them well or else they will end up fighting with every canine they meet. They have a hot-feisty temper and are very adventurous dogs. The Kerry Blue terriers are loyal and intelligent. They have a muscular built and prominent whiskers, eyebrows, and beard. These are very determined dogs that need firm handling or they tend to be aggressive. They do well around people and love challenges. Jack Russell Terriers are high-spirited dogs who love to play. They get bored easily like other types of terrier dogs, but they tend to invent their own games to keep them occupied. They are devoted to their owners and love children. The Lakeland terriers have folded ears, an elongated muzzle, with docked tails. They look as if they are standing on their tiptoes. The Lakeland terrier is a confident dog breed that loves to be with children. These dogs bark a lot and dig around. They guard their toys and become aggressive when it comes to sharing. Therefore, do not bring home Lakeland terriers if you have infants and babies at home. They can get along with other dog breeds and should be taught not to chase felines. The Manchester terriers are good house pets and excellent watch dogs, being agile and strong. The toy Manchester terriers are just about 12 pounds and resemble a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher. Miniature bull terrier or Bull Terrier Miniature is just a smaller version of bull terrier. They are playful dogs who tend to be obedient. They are fearless dogs with very high energy levels. These terriers become very attached to their owners and are very protective towards them. They do not like to be teased and irritated, so do not opt for them if you have very young children. The Miniature Schnauzer has a very expressive face with mustache and eyebrows that add to their expressiveness. They are energetic and affectionate pets that are also tough and quick. They need consistent, firm dog training or else they tend to be pushy and aggressive towards other dogs. They have a very inquisitive nature and make good companions. They are clever family dogs, but may be a little stubborn at times. These are barkers that are good pet dogs for children. The Norfolk terriers are very playful dogs. They become good dogs for children due to their spirited and playful nature. They love to be a part of the family and are affectionate. You need to keep them occupied or else they begin to mess up their surroundings. The Norwich terrier is similar in looks to its cousin the Norfolk terrier. These are one of the smallest types of terrier dogs that have a wiry and straight coat. These dogs are highly inquisitive and want to know what goes on, why is it going on, and who's going to do it. They want to be a part of everything you do and get along well with other pets and children. The Scottish terrier also known as the Scottie or Aberdeen terrier is a sturdy and strong dog. It has a compact build and has a sharp expression. It loves to be pampered and is very loyal towards its owner. This alert dog breed tends to be reserved with strangers and aggressive with other dogs. The Sealyham Terrier is a family dog that is very friendly and extroverted. It is moderately active and loves a good walk. They become very good watchdogs. The Skye terrier is an agile, strong, and fearless dog. They are very good-tempered dogs and very friendly with people they know. An excellent watchdog that is reserved and cautious with friends. The smooth fox terrier is a strong, fast, and playful dog. They are impulsive dogs and are known to bite, so you need to be watchful when they are around children. They are very courageous watchdogs and tend to bark a lot. They love to explore and hunt down small birds and animals, when they get a chance. The Soft Coated Wheaten terrier is a very intelligent dog that does great around children. They are very devoted and friendly. They are sweet-tempered, but do not do well around cats. The loyal Staffordshire bull terrier is a loving family dog that loves to be around children. They are aggressive towards people they do not know. They are difficult to housebreak and Staffordshire bull terrier puppies love to chew around. These terriers are very obedient dogs. They are cute looking, sweet terriers with wiry coats. They have bushy beard, mustache, and eyebrows. The Welsh terrier is a very friendly dog that is intelligent and playful. They are patient dogs that makes them good pet dogs around children. They do well in an active family, as they are happy and active. The small, elegant, and compact West Highland white terrier is an affectionate dog. It loves human and animal companionship. But it tends to be a very independent and stubborn dog. It is timid around strangers and very playful with owners. Wire fox terriers are playful, impulsive, and affectionate dogs. They have a tendency to bite, so watch over them if you have kids at home. They are very devoted and courageous dogs. Another feature about them is that they bark a lot. The Yorkshire terriers are energetic, alert, and intelligent dogs. They should be allowed to socialize early on in their life. This will help reduce timidness and tendency to bite. They love to please and are always up for a new adventure. Terriers tend to become very attached to their owners and need a lot of care and attention. These dog breeds need a lot of exercise and activity to keep away boredom. Speak to a pet shop owner and people who already own a terrier breed for some feedback about the breed's temperament and nature. If you decide to buy a terrier as a pet, be sure to give them a proper, consistent training for a lifetime of fun, frolic, and excitement.