The Terrier group consists of both big and small dogs, but members of this group more than any other share a common ancestry and similar behavioral traits. Terriers were bred to rid barns and stables of vermin, to dig out unwanted burrowing rodents, and to make themselves generally useful around the stable. Terriers were used in the “poor man’s recreation” of rat killing, especially in England where most of these breeds originated. Upper classes used terriers in foxhunting. They also were bred to fight each other in pits—hence the name pit bulls. During the late 1900s, dogfighting was outlawed in most states and countries of the Western world, and these dogs were thereafter bred for a friendly temperament rather than for aggressiveness.

Selected breeds of terriers

	name	origin	height in inches* dogs (bitches)	weight in pounds* dogs (bitches)	characteristics	comments
*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram
	Airedale Terrier	England	23 (slightly smaller)	40–50 (same)	black and tan; wiry, dense coat; well-muscled	noted for its intelligence; used in law enforcement
	American Staffordshire Terrier	England	18–19 (17–18)	40–50 (same)	stocky, muscular build; short ears; pronounced cheek muscles	originally bred for fighting; excellent guard dog
	Bedlington Terrier	England	17 (15)	17–23 (same)	curly, lamblike coat; ears have fur-tasseled tips	originally bred for hunting; noted for its endurance
	Border Terrier	England	13 (same)	13–15.5 (11.5–14)	otterlike head; hard, wiry, weather-resistant coat	excellent watchdog
	Bull Terrier	England	two sizes: 10–14 and 21–22	24–33 and 50–60	long, egg-shaped head; erect ears; coloured or solid white	athletic breed; playful
	Cairn Terrier	Scotland	10 (9.5)	14 (13)	small-sized but well-muscled; short legs; erect ears; wide, furry face	long-lived
	Fox Terrier (smooth coat)	England	maximum 15 (slightly smaller)	18 (16)	folded ears; white with black or black-and-tan markings	noted for its remarkable eyesight and keen nose; also wire-coat variety
	Jack Russell Terrier	England	two sizes: 10–12 and 12–14	11–13 and 13–17	two varieties: smooth or rough; white with brown, black, or red markings; longer legs than other terriers	developed by the Rev. John Russell for foxhunting; courageous and energetic
	Kerry Blue Terrier	Ireland	18–19.5 (17.5–19)	33–40 (proportionately less)	soft, wavy coat; muscular body; born black but matures to gray-blue	long-lived
	Miniature Schnauzer	Germany	12–14 (same)	13–15 (same)	robust build; rectangular head with thick beard, mustache, and brows	excels in obedience competitions
	Scottish Terrier	Scotland	10 (same)	19–22 (18–21)	small, compact body; short legs; erect ears; black, wheaten, or brindle	also called Scottie; excellent watchdog and vermin controller
	Sealyham Terrier	Wales	10 (same)	23–35 (same)	white coat; short and sturdy	bred for courage and stamina
	Skye Terrier	Scotland	10 (9.5)	24 (same)	long, low body; prick or drop ears; long coat veils forehead and eyes	noted for its loyalty
	Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier	Ireland	18–19 (17–18)	35–40 (30–35)	medium-sized; square outline; soft, silky coat	matures late
	West Highland White Terrier	Scotland	11 (10)	13–19 (same)	small, compact body; rough, wiry coat; small erect ears	originally called Roseneath Terrier; bred white after dark-coloured dog was accidentally shot while hunting

Terriers, because they had to fit in burrows and dig underground, were bred to stay relatively small, although large breeds are not uncommon. Their coats are usually rough and wiry for protection and require minimum maintenance. Unlike hounds or sporting dogs, which only found or chased their quarry, terriers were often required to make the actual kill as well, giving them a more pugnacious temperament than their size might suggest. They are usually lean with long heads, square jaws, and deep-set eyes. However, as with most breeds, form follows function: terriers that work underground have shorter legs, while terriers bred to work aboveground have squarer proportions. All terriers are active and vocal, naturally inclined to chase and confront.

The small terriers, which were often carried on horseback during foxhunts, were bred to be put to the ground. These dogs have very specific origins. In general, their names reflect the locale where the breed first took shape under the guidance of a small group of dedicated breeders. They are the Australian, Bedlington, border, cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Lakeland, Manchester, miniature schnauzer (of German origin), Norwich, Norfolk, Scottish, Sealyham, Skye, Welsh, and West Highland white. The larger terriers include the Airedale, Irish, Kerry blue, and soft-coated wheaten. In Canada, Lhasa apsos are part of this group. Britain claims the Parson Jack Russell and the Glen of Imaal terriers, both of which are found in the United States but are not registerable with the AKC.

Working dogs

This group of dogs was bred to serve humans in very practical and specific ways. They are the dogs most often associated with guarding, leading, guiding, protecting, pulling, or saving lives. Working dogs range in size from medium to large, but all are robust with sturdy and muscular builds. Working dogs are characterized by strength and alertness, intelligence and loyalty.

Selected breeds of working dogs

	name	origin	height in inches* dogs (bitches)	weight in pounds* dogs (bitches)	characteristics	comments
*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram
	Akita	Japan	26–28 (24–26)	75–110 or more (same)	large-sized; massive, triangular head; curved tail	originally bred to hunt bears
	Alaskan Malamute	U.S.	25 (23)	85 (75)	strong, well-muscled body; thick, coarse coat; broad head with triangular ears	one of the oldest sled dogs
	Bernese Mountain Dog	Switzerland	25–27.5 (23–26)	88 (same)	large-sized; thick, moderately long coat; black with rust and white markings	originally bred to pull carts and drive cows
	Boxer	Germany	22.5–25 (21–23.5)	60–70 (same)	medium-sized; square body; blunt muzzle; cropped ears, long and tapered	bred from several breeds, including the Great Dane and Bulldog
	Bullmastiff	England	25–27 (24–26)	110–130 (100–120)	well-muscled body; short, dense coat; large, wrinkled head	60% Mastiff, 40% Bulldog
	Doberman Pinscher	Germany	26–28 (24–26)	60–88 (same)	medium-sized; sleek, muscular body; typically erect ears	intelligent breed; quick learner
	Great Dane	Germany	not less than 30, 32+ preferred (not less than 28, 30+ preferred)	120+ (same)	regal appearance; large, powerful body; massive, expressive head	tallest Mastiff breed
	Great Pyrenees	Asia	25–32 (same)	90–125 (same)	massive, rugged build; white coat	bred to be a cattle and sheep guardian; loyal and protective
	Newfoundland	Canada	28 (26)	130–150 (100–120)	large-sized; water-resistant coat; rudderlike tail; webbed feet	noted for its lifesaving abilities, particularly in water
	Rottweiler	Germany	24–27 (22–25)	90–110 (same)	compact, powerful body; black with rust markings	used as a guard dog and police dog
	Saint Bernard	Switzerland	minimum 27.5 (minimum 25)	110–200 (same)	large-sized; red and white coat; powerful head	pathfinder and rescue dog
	Samoyed	Siberia	21–24 (19–21)	50–65 (same)	Husky-like; double-coated; white, white and biscuit, cream, or all biscuit in colour	people-oriented breed
	Siberian Husky	northeastern Asia	21–24 (20–22)	45–60 (35–50)	medium-sized; brush tail; small, erect ears	originally called Chukchi

Among the breeds most often associated with guarding home, person, or property are the Akita, boxer, bullmastiff, Doberman pinscher, giant schnauzer, Great Dane, mastiff, Rottweiler, and standard schnauzer. Dogs bred to guard livestock are the Great Pyrenees, komondor, and kuvasz. In England, Pyrenean mountain dogs are recognized in this group, as are all the herding dogs, and, in Canada, Eskimo dogs are included. Also in the Working group are those dogs bred to pull, haul, and rescue. These include the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian husky, the Samoyed, the Bernese mountain dog, the Portuguese water dog, the Newfoundland, and the St. Bernard. Poodles of the three varieties (standard, miniature, and toy) are part of this group in England, as are several other breeds found in the Non-Sporting group in the United States.