#8: American Staffordshire Terrier
This terrier resembles the American pit bull terrier, but the two dogs are not the same. The American Staffordshire terrier is smaller overall than the pit bull and was developed in the United States to bait bulls. Despite that, it appears to be a bit more biddable than the pit bull. It also lives longer and can have a lifespan of up to 15 years.
The American Staffordshire terrier stands 17 to 19 inches high at the shoulder and weighs between 57 and 67 pounds. It is an intelligent dog, and its temperament is described as loving, happy, and somewhat comical. Like a well-socialized pit bull terrier, it’s good with children and lives to please and protect its humans. The dog takes well to apartment life as long as it gets plenty of exercise and daily walks, and its short, smooth coat makes it an ideal pet for warmer climates.
#7: Irish Terrier
Another rather scruffy-looking dog, the Irish terrier makes up for its homely looks through its devotion to its family, intelligence, and curiosity. A hardy dog that’s not subject to the sorts of ailments larger dogs suffer from, the Irish terrier stands 18 inches high at the shoulder and weighs between 25 and 27 pounds. Despite its size, this terrier can thrive in an apartment if it’s given lots of exercise and walkies. However, it shouldn’t be allowed to be at liberty since it will chase after any moving body and loves to dig.
Despite its disorderly look, the terrier’s coat is easy to take care of and hardly sheds, especially if the coat is plucked now and then. It’s a great dog for people who are allergic to dog dander.
One of the oldest terriers, the Irish terrier was developed in Ireland in the 18th century to hunt vermin. It lives between 12 and 15 years.
The Airedale Terrier hails from the Aire Valley in the north of England. During the height of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-19th century, factory workers set out to breed the Airedales as large, fearless hunters of rats and ducks. To create these hunting dogs, they included Otterhounds and a few breeds that are now extinct, like the English Black and Tan Terrier. Some believe that the Setters, Retrievers, and some herding dogs also went into the original Airedale.
Though it’s a skilled hunter, the Airdale is calm and eager to please at home with its family. As a social dog, Airedales get along well with people and other animals, and they make a great family pet—but remember that they don’t love being left alone for long. The breed doesn’t generally tend to get into trouble, but the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation can keep them from getting bored.
The Airedale has a short, wiry coat that requires minimal care. If you brush your Airedale’s coat once a week to remove loose and dead hair, their coat should remain strong and healthy. Getting your Airedale professionally groomed three or four times a year, in addition to your weekly sessions, will keep them in even better shape.
The breed went on to serve with the British Armed Forces during the First World War, during which they acted as guard dogs and messengers. In the United States, the Airedale got a reputation for being an apt hunting dog, tracking down animals on land and water. Today, fans of the breed celebrate the Airdale’s versatility and companionship.
10 Most Interesting Terrier Dog Breeds
Even though large terrier breeds are not the biggest dogs in the canine kingdom, big terrier breeds can grow to a size that may surprise many dog enthusiasts.
When someone mentions the word terrier to me, for instance, my mind immediately goes to the petite Yorkie or the itty-bitty Boston Terrier.
But there are some terrier breeds that can get just plain huge well as far as large terrier breeds go, of course.
Below is a list of some of the ten largest terrier breeds around, in order from smallest to largest according to weight.