What’s the best Terrier mix for you? With so many of these amazing crossbreeds in all sizes, it’s hard to pick just one. Also, you can never be sure what traits they’ll inherit from their parents.
Terrier isn’t a single breed but an umbrella term for several related dog breeds.
So, let’s have a look at different types of Terrier mixes and help you decide on your new puppy.
What Is a Terrier mix?
To answer that question, we must first trace back the history of the Terrier. Great Britain is the home of most breeds falling under that term. The name origins are Latin, from the word “terra”, meaning “earth”, and it references the dog’s activity. Also, nearly all of the early Terriers were responsible for guarding the home against foxes and rats.
Terrier mix dogs are a cross between this breed and another. They come in all types of coats and personalities and are always bold, fun-loving, and stubborn.
According to the AKC there are 32 dogs in the Terrier group, while the UK Kennel Club recognizes only 27. We’ll cover the most popular mixes and their main characteristics below.
1. Boston Terrier mix
This mix is loved all over the world. Tracing back the evolution of dog breeds, this dog was first bred in the 1860s. You can thank the English coachmen that crossed the English Terrier with the English Bulldog. They aimed to create a superior breed that could win all the ratting and pit fighting contests. The AKC recognized Boston Terriers as the first American breed.
These super friendly dogs get along with all family members in just about any type of home, including apartments. Plus, they were the companion choice of many presidents and celebrities.
2. Pit Bull Terrier mix
The Pit Bull, also known as the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, was created in the early 19th century. At that time, England, Scotland, and Ireland mixed Terrier and Bulldog ancestry for hunting. But the AKC didn’t recognize it as a separate breed. In 1898, The United Kennel Club first accepted it and called it the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Unfortunately, the Pit Bull Terrier has been commonly used for dogfighting. Although the stigma surrounding Pit Bulls makes them seem aggressive, Pit Bull Terriers are famous for being gentle with people and forming strong bonds with their owners. Most Pit Bulls are loyal and devoted. And they can always protect their owners if necessary.
3. Wheaten Terrier Mix
The Irish Kennel Club recognized the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in 1937 and exported it to the US in the 1940s. In 1973, the AKC officially accepted this breed, too. This crossbreed is a playful, friendly, and loyal breed with high energy.
The primary difference between this and other terriers is its silky, gently waving coat in golden tan. While it’s low-shedding, it needs special care to avoid matting. Like many terriers, these dogs can be stubborn, though you’ll have little trouble training them.
4. Staffordshire Terrier Mix
The AKC initially registered the Staffordshire Terrier in 1936. In 1969, the breed was renamed as American Staffordshire Terrier to differentiate the English breed from the larger American one. The ancestry of the American Staffordshire Terrier mix includes Bulldogs and Mastiffs.
This breed reached its peak popularity in the first half of the 20th century. One of the early and very famous AKC registered American Staffordshire Terriers was Pete the Pup — dog star of the “Our Gang” short film comedies (later known as “The Little Rascals”). In the US, the American Staffordshire Terrier was used for hunting vermin and game. It was also suitable for farmwork, thanks to the breed’s strength and courage.
5. Yorkshire Terrier Mix
The Yorkshire Terrier, also called Yorkie, is a small breed developed in the middle of the 19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The dog was bred for catching rats in Yorkshire mills and mines during the Industrial Revolution. They were so compact that factory and mine workers could carry them in their pockets and release them to catch rodents. From these unglamorous beginnings, the dogs rose to become a favorite dog of the English aristocracy and royalty. Now, it’s one of the most popular breeds in the US and UK.
6. Cairn Terrier Mix
The most well-known Cairn Terrier was Toto from the Wizard of Oz movie. It’s a breed developed in the 17th-century from a Scotch Terrier. They were used to dig into cairns to rid them of vermin.
The Scotch Terrier split into two classes — Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Skye Terrier. The Cairn comes from the latter. In the early 1900s, the breed was recognized and received its current name.
Generally energetic, playful and hardy, they’re excellent family pets and are quite adaptable. But many are prone to food allergens such as corn, wheat, and soy. To stay on the safe side, get the best dog food for allergies. Also, it’s a hypoallergenic breed — perfect for allergy sufferers.
7. Fox Terrier Mix
This mix was originally bred to catch foxes, hence the name. These dogs hunted both foxes and badgers, identifying their locations when they came to the ground. The two Fox Terrier types — wirehaired and smooth-haired differ in coat texture and ancestry. The wirehaired descends from a rough-coated Black and Tan Terrier, while the smooth — from the Beagle, Bull Terrier and Greyhound.
Fox Terriers are famous as bold, energetic, and spirited. Due to their strong hunting instinct, they have a good sense of smell, incredible eyesight and remarkable power.
8. Jack Russell Terrier Mix
The crossbreed came from 19th century England where it hunted foxes both on the ground and underground. The dog was named after the Rev. John Russell, an avid fox hunter and hunting dog breeder. There’s no information on which dogs he crossbred, but it’s believed they included Bull Terriers and Beagles.
These dogs are brilliant, endlessly joyful, and adorable. In 2013, the AKC renamed the breed the Parson Terrier (“parson” is another word for “reverend”). In 2016, the UK Kennel Club officially registered the Jack Russell Terrier.
9. Rat Terrier Mix
It comes from the US, and it’s the result of mixing at least seven breeds — Old English White Terrier, Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Bull Terriers, Beagles, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds. They were bred specifically to get rid of pests, like rats and rabbits on farms.
President Theodore Roosevelt owned an early Rat Terrier named Skip, who lived in the White House. According to the AKC, the breed was named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt that popularized it.
10. Chihuahua Terrier Mix
This dog is a result of crossbreeding a Chihuahua with one of the Terrier mix breeds. The most popular options include the Rat Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Fox Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier. Chihuahuas and Terriers are both small dogs, but they differ significantly in their personalities. The mix tends to be affectionate, energetic, and adaptable to environments and lifestyles. The Chihuahua Terrier mix has become highly fashionable in recent years, as the tiny dogs are both loyal and adorable.
11. Beagle Terrier Mix
These dogs are excellent for hunting. Some dogs of this breed are athletic and muscular with an agile body structure, while others are smooth and wirehaired.
It’s an ideal family dog. Apart from being intelligent, cute, and playful, these puppies also love kids. They often need training to control their energetic level, but they’ll become your best friend and watchdog after that.
12. Dachshund Terrier Mix
These dogs can be crossbreed between a Dachshund and a Rat Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, White Terrier, or Silky Terrier. The mix with a Yorkie Terrier is called ‘Dorkie’, while the one with a Scottish Terrier is the ‘Doxie Scott’. Generally, Dachshund Terriers are active and energetic, so they can benefit from long walks, frequent games of fetch, or hiking. Just let them run free and have a great time.
13. Lab Terrier Mix
Mix any of the Terriers with a Labrador Retriever, and you’ll get a unique dog with some of their best qualities. This one is the most popular breed in the US because of its sweet, intelligent, and friendly nature, making them an excellent choice for families.
The coats of the Labrador and Terrier mix are short, thick, and weather-resistant. You can find them in yellow, black, and chocolate. But considering that each Terrier Lab mix can inherit the appearance and personality of either parent, you can’t be sure of the result.
14. Terrier Poodle Mix
The most common Terrier Poodle crossbreeds include the Yorkiepoo, the Westiepoo, the Schnoodle, and the Whoodle.
With two purebred dogs, you can never know what you’ll get. Terrier Poodle Mixes are smart, independent, energetic, fearless, faithful, and joyful. But they can sometimes be stubborn and dominant. Small and easy to care for, these dogs are among the best choices for first-time dog owners.
15. Corgi Terrier Mix
This breed also is known as ‘Corrier.’ It’s intelligent, loyal, and friendly. But you can’t know which parent your Corgi Terrier will take after.
Generally, this Terrier mix is small and has a dwarf-breed, but that doesn’t mean they can’t protect you. These dogs respond well to new tasks and provide a lot of joy to the family.
16. Border Collie Terrier Mix
This crossbreed is often called Collie Terrier, Terrier Border Collie mix, or Border Terrier. Border Collies are brilliant and independent, while Terriers are famous for their energy. So you can expect a combination of this. The crossbreed needs regular exercise and playtime to expend its energy. Border Collie Terriers are playful, caring, and protective, making them perfect for families with kids. Generally, they get along with older kids and even cats.
17. Schnauzer Terrier Mix
Because Schnauzers were crossbred with Terriers for centuries, the current mix has more of a Schnauzer look. Since they’re both intelligent breeds, you can rest assured that you’ll get quite the Einstein dog. The breed has a distinctive Schnauzer beard and a medium-length coat. The coat can come in many colors depending on the inherited genes, but the eyes are generally brown. Schnauzer Terrier mixes are bright and quick learners. Early training and lots of playtime will help this mix stay healthy and active.
18. Shih Tzu Terrier Mix
Both Terriers and Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic dogs, meaning they’re an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
Their personality varies depending on the temperament of the breeding pair. Smaller Schnauzer Terriers are very playful and energetic; medium-sized representatives are often intelligent and active, while the giant Schnauzer Terriers are mostly loyal and calm.
19. Boston Terrier Pug Mix
This cross between Boston Terrier and Pug is also popular as a Bugg. The Bugg breed may have existed for a long time, but designer breeders intentionally mixed Boston Terriers and Pugs in the late 1980s.
The primary Bugg colors include black, white, and brown. They’re most famous for their beautiful looks and gentle nature. That’s also why some people call them the American Gentleman. Although this breed can sometimes be stubborn and territorial, it’s a bright and friendly dog that brings happiness wherever it goes.
20. Maltese Terrier Mix
This breed may have existed naturally for a long time, but they were developed in the end of the 90s, likely in the US. Breeders wanted to create a lapdog with low-shedding fur and ended up with this cutie.
While both the Maltese and Terrier are AKC recognized, the Maltese Terrier hasn’t been granted the same status. Affectionately called a Morkie by dog lovers, this breed is famous for being playful, intelligent, and loyal.
Wrap Up
From little lap dogs to gentle giants, you can find everything you’re looking for in a Terrier mix.
But you’ll never be quite sure of what exactly you’re getting into at the beginning. That’s why we recommend doing a DNA test for puppies. It can help you understand the personality traits and genetic health concerns of your pet.
But generally, all Terrier mixes are a perfect fit for families. They get along well not only with people but also with guests and other pets too. Secondly, they’re pretty active, energetic, loyal, and protective pets. Representatives of the Terrier mix are caring animals who will look after their owners with a keen and watchful eye.
