Terrier Mix Dogs: 21 Amazing Terrier Crossbreeds

Terriers are one of the most popular dog breeds. They’re great family dogs because of their friendliness and trainability. Although lap dogs and small energetic Jack Russels may come to mind, the Terrier group has many breeds of varying sizes. 

These Terriers were bred to accomplish different tasks. If you do decide to bring home a terrier mix breed, you should understand its particular characteristics so you know what to expect and give it everything it needs to become a fantastic pet. Read on to learn more about Terrier mix dogs, their temperament, training requirements, and just how many breeds are included in the Terrier group.

What is a Terrier?

Originally, the Terrier was used to kill small animals and vermin. To accomplish this task, they were bred to be small and quick. Many of the Terriers we have today are related to these Terriers of old. However, breeders who wanted to employ Terriers for different purposes like fighting or hunting bred them with larger dogs. Some common combinations were Bulldog Terriers, Rat Terriers, and Dobermanns. Smaller breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier or the English Toy Terrier might be small, but they still harbor the instincts of hunting dogs. 

How Many Terrier Breeds Are There?

By some estimates, there are 30 different Terrier breeds. However, other organizations put the number over 40 breeds. The vastly different breeding led to the altering estimates. The Terrier group is broken up into different sections depending on size and function. Since they’re commonly used by most people as simple household pets, the distinction of their sizes and dispositions is important to make sure prospective Terrier owners don’t bite off more than they can chew.

Types of Terrier Dog Breeds

Most of the existing Terrier Dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club are listed below. Some other kinds may exist, but for most dog lovers these are the breeds you’ll need to know.

1. Airedale Terrier

One of the most popular medium-sized breeds in this group, the Airedale Terrier has a long, regal face and shaggy fur around the snout.

Photo: Doggie Designer

Standing under 30 inches at its shoulder, this dog is the perfect size for families who want a pooch that will be good with small children. 

Despite that good behavior around owners and children, these dogs will stand up to protect when called on. One of the best family-friendly dogs with very little required in the way of training, Airedale Terriers are great starter breeds.

2. Russell Terrier

A crossbreed just a bit smaller than the dog referred to as a Jack Russell Terrier in some regions, Russell Terriers have similar fur coloring and energy levels.

Photo: Love Your Dog

When training them, you have to keep them entertained. When they play, their attention can shift quickly. Russell Terriers also need plenty of exercise so that they’ll be on their best behavior when it’s time to bring them inside for the evening. They don’t need much grooming to stay looking sharp.

3. Miniature Schnauzer

With similar facial fur to an Airedale Terrier, the mini Schnauzer is versatile enough for city living or patrolling large property thanks to a mixture of its small size and dedication to guard dog duties.

Photo: TheGoodyPet

The long fur of a Miniature Schnauzer requires frequent brushing but these dogs aren’t big shedders. Schnauzers have a strong prey drive and may run off when let off the leash unless they have strict training. 

4. Boston Terrier

Unlike some of the larger pups on this list, the Boston Terrier was bred to live in an urban environment.

Photo: The Blissful Dog

That doesn’t mean it won’t do just as well on a farm, but it doesn’t need to run around quite as much as some of the more feisty breeds. 

Boston Terriers are some of the most naturally funny dogs around. Their buggy eyes and square face make them naturally humorous, and they’re also outgoing enough to interact with other dogs, which can lead to hilarity. They need less exercise than Schnauzers and are way easier to clean. They aren’t tremendous shedders, either. 

5. Cairn Terrier

These fuzzy little dogs are the perfect mixture of lapdog and outdoor companion.

Photo: Pet Place

They can keep up on a brisk walk but they also don’t have endless amounts of energy like Jack Russell Terriers or other entrants on this list. Cairn Terriers need weekly brushing to keep their fur fresh. Although they’re more independent than Boston Terriers, Cairns can still be trained to do the same things with the right dedication and treats. Despite their yappy barking, the Cairn Terrier is usually very even-mannered. 

6. Smooth Fox Terrier

Though it has shorter hair than many other Terriers, the Smooth Fox Terrier tends to shed a bit more frequently.

Photo: Native Breed

They’re also big diggers, which means you might find yourself giving them baths more often. The Smooth Fox Terrier is a Chihuahua mix and as such is very energetic and will need lots of exercise to tire out.

Despite that high energy, they’re easy to train and attentive to their owners. Smooth Fox Terriers are willing to explore but they don’t lash out at people. You might have to fill in a few holes in the yard, but otherwise, the Smooth Fox Terrier is a great dog for families in the city or elsewhere.

7. American Pit Bull Terrier

Most people steer clear of this mixed breed because it looks so similar to its parent breed, the Pit Bull.

Photo: Dog-Learn

Even purebred Pit Bulls can be well-behaved with the right training, though, and this Terrier crossover is much the same. When they are trained, they make great watchdogs and if you give them enough socialization from their earliest puppy days, they can even be made to get along with other dogs. Nonetheless, the American Pit Bull Terrier is banned in many places in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. 

8. Wheaten Terrier

The Wheaten Terrier is medium-sized and optimal for a family dog if you have the space for it.

Photo: IAMS

They have the long face of some other Terrier breeds and they’re more stoic than the smaller dogs in this category. Generally, they enjoy a long lifespan which makes them ideal to raise alongside small children. They’re also very playful dogs, which means they do need to be exercised regularly. If you live in a hot area, consider giving your Wheaten Terrier plenty of water and shade so it doesn’t overheat.

9. Scottish Terrier

A favorite Terrier in Scotland, the Scottish Terrier is a playful dog that sometimes causes mischief due to its surviving hunting instinct.

Photo: Love Your Dog

Their long fur needs brushing several times a week but it’s worth it for their shaggy fur. Scottish Terriers aren’t large dogs, either, so they make a nice family pet if you have small children. Scotties don’t have significant health issues assuming they get regular exercise and a healthy diet. These dogs are fairly independent-minded so you might find them trying to test your limits when you’re training them.

10. Whoodle

The Whoodle is a designer dog created by breeding a Poodle with a Welsh Terrier.

Photo: Pooch Authority

They’re also called Welshpoo Terriers or Welshdoodles. These dogs are big and have fast-growing fur just like poodles, so they’ll need a bit more attention from the groomer than many purebred dogs. 

The Welsh Terrier was a popular Terrier for hunting back in the day, so some Whoodles have the courage that greatly exceeds their size. For that matter, this poodle mix comes in a variety of sizes just like Poodles do. Dog owners who want a more active dog than a Poodle but a less frantic one than many other Terriers often find their perfect match in the Whoodle.

11. West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is a faithful dog that’s easy to train and a loyal best friend from the beginning.

Photo: The Happy Puppy Site

They look fluffy but their fur is more rugged than it looks, which means you won’t have to worry about being delicate. These dogs love to dig and run around. 

When it comes to playtime, the West Highland White Terrier is intelligent enough to do tricks beyond a simple fetch. Their independence and their cute fuzzy faces make it hard to be stern with these dogs during training, but what they learn tends to stick. 

12. The Bugg

Buggs are a mix between Pugs and Terriers. These doggies have the sad face of a Pug but the playful energy of a Terrier.

Photo: Dog Zone

They’re a great choice for families with children and small enough to live well in an apartment. One negative aspect is their proclivity to weight gain. Make sure your Bugg doesn’t overindulge and gets plenty of exercise! These dogs have short fur but they’re not completely hypoallergenic. They do tend to shed their short fur often. The Bugg may experience respiratory problems due to their smushed face. 

13. Chorkie

The Chorkie is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Yorkie.

Photo: Love Your Dog

They’re very small and have longer fur than Terriers of similar size. They’re just the right size for apartments and easy to train. Although they are very cute and manageable, Chorkies can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

14. Pitsky

Cross an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Siberian Husky and you get the Pitsky.

Photo: Doggie Designer

They are a designer breed that is surprisingly common in shelters. Nonetheless, they respond well to training and are very loyal companions. 

15. Terrier Spaniel

These small or medium-sized crossover dogs are easily attached to their owners.

Photo: Love Your Dog

During training, this can make them seem a bit more well-trained than they are. They enjoy a long life span compared to other dogs on this list and they’re also affectionate. Although they are usually fairly easygoing, any disruption to the family life in the household can make the Terrier Spaniel upset. They might lash out or whine if things change too much.

16. Yorkshire Terrier

One of several Dachshund Terriers, the Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog that needs mental stimulation frequently throughout the day.

Photo: K9 Web

The Yorkshire Terrier is a great family pet anyway because it’s easy to train and accommodates well to change. Many times, people see this breed in dog shows and assume it is a very high-maintenance dog, but it doesn’t have to be. 

17. Frenchton

Smaller dogs that have an easy temperament, Frenchtons are a cross between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog.

Photo: Happy French Bulldog

While they don’t mind company, they can get frantic when left alone. If there is no one but family members or owners around, the Frenchton has no issue.

18. Maltese Terrier

Maltese Terriers are small, which makes them great for dog owners who live in apartments.

Photo: Mad Paws

But they are also fairly fragile, so they aren’t the ideal choice for a family dog when small children are around. Without sufficient mental stimulation, a Maltese will chew anything in sight. Maltese don’t shed too much. Although they make fine family dogs, Maltese Terriers are very sensitive to outside stimuli and may turn into loud barking pets without the proper training.

19. Jackabee

Yet another cross with the well-known Jack Russell Terrier, the Jackabee brings the Beagle breed into the mix.

Photo: K9 Web

The long whine of a Beagle and the high-pitch whine of a Jack Russell Terrier combine and may annoy some. However, these dogs are easy to train if you take the time and make the effort. 

20. Jack Chi

Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers breed together to make the Jack Chi.

Photo: Dog Time

They are small dogs that look very sweet, however, they have very little resistance to drastic changes in temperature. They are small dogs and might need a vest or jacket for colder weather. The Jack Chi is a playful, kid-friendly breed with a wide appeal for families in urban or suburban environments. 

21. Lab Terrier

Crossing the energetic Terrier with the immensely popular Labrador Retriever.

Photo: Alt 1017

The Lab Terrier breed presents both the loving care of a Retriever and the intelligence and sharp personality of a Terrier for single pet owners or small families that want to have a pet without taking on too much. Popular examples of this type of dog include the Rat Terrier Lab Mix and the Bull Terrier Lab Mix. 

Conclusion:

Terrier mixes retain the feisty energy and working skills of their parent breed. They’re fantastic family pets, with many of them being just the right size for apartments or smaller homes. Some of the Terrier mixes in this guide are suitable as watchdogs or just furry friends for kids and adults alike. 

Like any dog, Terrier mixes have to be trained so that their urge to dig, escape, or hunt other animals is quelled. Luckily, they have an easy temperament that makes them easy to train. With smaller breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier, you might have to deal with a little barking when strangers arrive.

One of the most important traits that Terrier mixes take from their Terrier ancestors is intelligence. Even the Bugg, with its funny-looking bug-eyes, is smart enough to learn tricks or work through obstacles. If you aren’t going to train your puppy for shows, that intelligence will still make them more entertaining to play with since they can understand more than a simple game of fetch.

Overall, Terrier breeds are one of the most versatile kinds of dog you can get. They don’t cause nearly as many headaches as smaller dogs or present the same risk of aggressive behavior as bigger breeds. They are independent enough to do their own thing as long as they receive some attention and have enough time dedicated to exercise. If you’re looking for a Terrier mix, consider one of the breeds in this guide. All of them are friendly, smart, and loyal enough to make great playmates, guardians, or furry friends.