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.
Most of us tend to assume that terriers are tiny.
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.
So, just how big do terriers get?
Below is a list of some of the ten largest terrier breeds around, in order from smallest to largest according to weight.
Let’s begin!
No 1: The Welsh Terrier – 20 lbs
Where Do They Come From?
Although this is the smallest on our list of large Terrier breeds, the Welsh Terrier is still no tiny pup.
Related to the same large black terrier breeds many other terriers are related to, the Welsh Terrier has a fascinating history.
Hailing from Wales, this ancient breed has been around since before the 1700s. They were originally created as feisty hunters, preying on otter, fox, and even badgers!
The risky lifestyle of the original Welsh Terrier breed meant this dog was no wuss.
Courageous and resilient, the Welsh Terrier has proven to be a worthy adversary time and time again throughout history.
What Are They Doing Now?
Ranking at 111 out of 194 on the American Kennel Club’s list of America’s most popular dog breeds, the Welsh Terrier is a favorite amongst those who love spunky, high energy companions.
They make a wonderful family pet and enjoy participating in doggy sports and, when properly trained, do well in-show.
Defining Characteristics
The Welsh Terrier is a large wire haired terrier dog with a thick coat suitable for a number of climates.
They typically have a black “jacket” covering heir back and neck, while the rest of their body, including legs, belly, and head, are tan or brown.
This unique coat comes in two color combinations:
- black and gold
- grizzle and tan
Personality
Calmer than most other terrier types, the Welsh Terrier does well with people but may not be as well behaved around other dogs as they are around humans.
They require early socialization and obedience training to deter unwanted behaviors.
Luckily, with proper training, many Welsh Terrier enthusiasts and experts agree that this terrier type makes an excellent companion with both humans and other household pets.
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
With a lifespan of 12-15 years, the Welsh Terrier can be prone to a number of health concerns.
Potential health issues can include the following:
- lens luxation
- glaucoma
- cataracts
- epilepsy
- hip dysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
No 2: The Manchester Terrier (Standard) – 12 to 22 lbs
Where Do They Come From?
Coming in as the second smallest on our large terrier breeds list is the Manchester Terrier.
Famous for their history as Manchester, England’s favorite ratting terrier breed.
Created specifically for hunting and the sport of rat killing, the Manchester Terrier is believed to be the result of crossing the Black and Tan Terriers with a Whippet.
What Are They Doing Now?
The Standard Manchester Terrier is an intelligent dog who excels not only as a family pet but also as a sporting and show dog.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them the ideal companion for those who want a dog that has the ability to learn quickly and loves to show off!
Defining Characteristics
With his short, sleek black coat, tapered tail, and brown markings, the Standard Manchester Terrier is often said to look like a miniature Doberman Pinscher.
And while we can’t deny the resemblance, the truth is there is absolutely no shared heritage between the two breeds.
A muscular, dexterous little dog, the Standard Manchester Terrier has large, pointed ears, expressive eyes, and a sleek coat that comes in five colors, including:
- black
- black and gold
- tan
- blue and tan
- blue
Personality
As previously mentioned, the Standard Manchester Terrier is incredibly smart, easy to train, and eager to please.
With early socialization and obedience training, these large terrier breeds make great family pets and get along well with children and other animals.
However, they are quite sensitive and can become very bonded to their families.
If left alone for too long, they can become bored and destructive, meaning they will need lots of family time, as well as lots of exercising and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
Like all purebred dogs, the Standard Manchester Terrier can be prone to a number of health concerns.
Despite a nice long lifespan of 15 to 17 years, the Manchester Terrier can be predisposed to
- von Willebrand’s disease
- patellar luxation
- hypothyroidism
- eye issues like glaucoma and cataracts
No 3: The Terrier Brasileiro (Brazilian Terrier) – 14 to 22 lbs
Where Do They Come From?
This unique looking terrier comes in as third smallest of our ten large terrier breeds.
With a Brazilian origin, this is a breed who is the likely descendant of fox terriers mixed with a number of other small breeds.
What Are They Doing Now?
One of only two native dogs to Brazil, the Terrier Brasileiro could be considered a rare breed hardly ever found outside of their native Brazilian home.
Defining Characteristics
This spritely terrier breed has a short coat, an erect tail that curls slightly over their back, and floppy ears that fold forward. They are alert, expressive, and lean.
Their coat comes in three color combinations.
- blue Belton
- tri-colored
- blue and white
Personality
This friendly, affectionate terrier type enjoys their family and is good with children.
However, in typical terrier fashion, they can be fearless to a fault.
The Terrier Brasileiro needs early socialization and obedience training to ensure they are a happy and adaptable dog.
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
With a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, prospective Terrier Brasileiro owners should keep an eye out for a number of health concerns.
This can include the following:
- ear infections
- orthopedic problems
- skin allergies
- hip dysplasia
No 4: The Irish Terrier – 25 to 27 lbs
Where Do They Come From?
The Irish Terrier is one of a few large terrier breeds on our list hailing from Ireland.
Described by the AKC as an all-around farm dog, this large terrier breed has a number of talents, including ratting, guarding, and hunting both on land and in water.
With standards set around the 1870s, the Irish Terrier continues to be a staple of Ireland’s farm culture.
What Are They Doing Now?
A working dog through and through, the Irish Terrier still makes a great farm dog, but he also does well in family homes and in-show.
Ranking in at number 115 out of 194, this is a breed who is adored by Irish Terrier enthusiasts for their sassy disposition and incredible work ethic.
Defining Characteristics
A muscular Terrier famed for his “reddish” coat, the Irish Terrier actually comes in three colors:
- tan
- red Wheaten
- wheaten
They have a rough outer coat and a softer undercoat. They also have a well-proportioned body, erect ears that fold forward, an erect tail, and alert eyes.
Personality
While the Irish Terrier is adored for their compassionate nature and love for his family, they do best in homes with older children.
Furthermore, this is not a breed who mingles well with other household pets, especially dogs of the same sex.
Early socialization and obedience training are going to be key with this breed.
Their loving nature can make them a wonderful companion as long as they are socialized and trained at an early age.
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
With a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, the Irish Terrier is most prone to
- hip dysplasia
- elbow dysplasia
- hypothyroidism
- von Willebrand’s disease
No 5: The Kerry Blue Terrier – 30 to 40 lbs
Where Do They Come From?
Another Irish dog on our list of large terrier breeds, the Kerry Blue Terrier is named after Kerry, Ireland.
Their history is rich with myth and legend, filled with fables of shipwrecks, leprechauns and more!
This stunning large terrier mixes beauty with brawn, proving to have made a versatile farm dog in rural Ireland.
During the 20th century, the Kerry Blue Terrier became a symbol of independence for Irish patriots.
What Are They Doing Now?
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a show favorite, winning a number of titles since shows became popular in the dog world.
They also make a wonderful family companion.
Defining Characteristics
While the Kerry Blue Terrier may be considered a large black terrier due to the darkness of the blue color, but this is the reason the word “blue” is in the name.
Still, their thick, curly coat actually comes in a number of colors outside of blue including
- black
- blue
- silver
- blue and black
- slate blue
They also have a unique shaped muzzle, an erect tail, and short ears that fold forward, like many of their other terrier counterparts.
Personality
Friendly, intelligent, and full of personality, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a delight amongst families and singles alike.
However, much like the Irish Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier does not do too well with other dogs, especially males that have not been fixed.
Early socialization and obedience training are important for all dogs, and the Kerry Blue Terrier is no exception.
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
The life expectancy of the Kerry Blue Terrier is 12 to 15 years, and they can be prone to the following:
- cataracts
- keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- cataracts
- hip dysplasia
- otitis externa
- spiculosis
- hair follicle tumors
- cerebellar abiotrophy
No 6: The Glen of Imaal – 32 to 40 lbs
Where Do They Come From?
Another of our large Terrier breeds from Ireland, the Glen of Imaal is said to be a tough farming terrier built for hard work and endurance.
Originally used as a badger hunter, the brave Glen was eventually trained to do a number of different jobs.
From hunting to turning meat on an open flame in the kitchen, earning them the nickname of the “Turnspit Dog”.
Arriving in America in the 1980s, the Glen of Imaal is still making a name for themselves outside of Ireland.
What Are They Doing Now?
This hardworking farm terrier of the Emerald Isle is, as previously mentioned, relatively new to many of us.
Still, they are said to have the best disposition when it comes to terrier types, and this makes them an excellent family pet and a show dog.
Defining Characteristics
With short, bowed legs, it may come as a surprise that the Glen of Imaal is the sixth largest of our large terrier breeds. Yet here they are!
This large, rough-haired terrier has a double-layered, weather-resistant coat that comes in two colors:
- blue brindle
- wheaten
They also have a sweet face, floppy ears, and a docked tail.
Personality
Said to be the calmest of the terrier types, the gentle yet animated Glen is a great choice for novice dog owners who love terriers.
They are mild-mannered, eager to please, and easy to train!
Still, we always recommend early socialization and obedience training.
Health Concerns and Life Expectancy
Living roughly 10 to 15 years, the Glen of Imaal is a hardy dog who is prone to only a few health issues.
These can include hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
No 7: The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier – 35 to 40 Lbs
Where Do They Come From?
And here we have another large terrier breed from Ireland!
Related to a few other large terrier breeds on this list like the Kerry Blue and the Irish Terrier, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a farm dog at heart
Other skills up their sleeve including guarding, ratting, and herding.
However, along with farm chores, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier was also a beloved family companion.
They were known to live in the home with their family, who adored them for their sweet nature and easy-going personality.
What Are They Doing Now?
This big terrier breed is as beloved now by families as they were in their rural Irish farming days.
Not only do they make a wonderful family pet, but their ability to learn quickly and devoted nature makes them a great contender in shows.
Defining Characteristics
The Wheaten is known for being cute. And of course, as the name suggests, has a soft, wheaten-colored coat.
Personality
Referred to as a “gift to civilization” by the AKC, the Wheaten Terrier is one of our favorite large terrier breeds.
This is owing to their happy-go-lucky personality, an ease with children and pets, and zest for life.
While he can be stubborn, they are full of love for everyone around them.
Still, as with all of the large terrier breeds on this list, we always recommend early socialization and obedience training beginning in puppyhood.
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
Living 10 to 12 years, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is most prone to
- hip dysplasia
- retinal atrophy
- renal dysplasia
- Addison’s disease
No 8: The American Staffordshire Terrier – 40 to 70 lbs
Where Do They Come From?
One of the largest of the large terrier breeds, the American Staffordshire Terrier may not be the type of terrier that comes to mind when you hear the word terrier.
The AmStaff, as they are sometimes called, comes from 18th and 19th century Britain when the sad and violent practice of blood sports was a legal and popular pastime.
While he is a terrier type, the American Staffordshire Terrier shares a common ancestor with other fighting dogs, which is the Bulldog.
The genetics of the AmStaff terrier is the source of some debate, with many experts insisting the White English Terrier, a large white terrier, is in the AmStaff’s DNA.
Others insist the Black and Tan Terrier makes up the other side of the mix.
Regardless, most experts agree that the American Staffordshire Terrier is much different than the AmStaff of old, who was originally bred for fighting—especially when it comes to personality.
What Are They Doing Now?
As previously mentioned, the modern day AmStaff is a different dog than their ferocious, dog-fighting ancestor.
Due to their sweet disposition, a well-socialized and trained American Staffordshire Terrier enjoys life as a beloved family pet.
Defining Characteristics
With a long tail and naturally floppy ears, the AmStaff is often compared to other dogs with fighting histories such as the Pitbull.
They are muscular, stocky, and sweet-faced, and their short, sleek coat comes in a number of colors and combinations:
- black
- brindle
- fawn
- brown
- blue
- sable
Personality
As previously mentioned, the American Staffordshire Terrier is said to be much different in disposition than their predecessor.
Still, experts agree these dogs do best in homes with children who are six years or older.
This is more because of their muscular build and playful personality, which could be a bit much for very young kiddos.
Described by those who love them as a “true family dog”, this breed is said to be gentle, loving, and intelligent.
Still, the AKC warns that the AmStaff can be prone to dog aggression, even after being well socialized. For this reason, they should not be left alone with other dogs.
Early socialization and obedience training are especially important in breeds with histories like the AmStaff.
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
Living 12 to 16 years, the American Staffordshire Terrier is said to be prone to a number of heritable health conditions a future owner should be aware of, such as
- hip dysplasia
- elbow dysplasia
- skin issues
- allergies
- demodectic mange
- skin tumors
- skin cancer
- eye diseases
- heart issues
- thyroid disease
No 9: The Bull Terrier – 50 to 70 lbs
Where Do They Come From?
The Bull Terrier hails from Britain and is another of the large terrier breeds on this list who got their start due to blood sports and bull baiting.
Created by dog fighters looking for a dog who was more agile and quick than the Bulldogs of old, the Bull Terrier is a cross that went from vicious fighter to family lover rather quickly.
Luckily, once blood sports were outlawed in Britain, the Bull Terrier became a favorite amongst young men who were intrigued by their unique look during the 1800s.
Due to the breed’s growing popularity, Bull Terrier enthusiasts worked on refining the breed to create a sweeter, more family-friendly Bull Terrier suitable for the general public.
What Are They Doing Now?
You may recognize the Bull Terrier from TV, as they are the recurring star in a number of Target commercials!
Furthermore, the intelligent and sweet-mannered Bull Terrier makes a great family pet and a wonderful show dog.
Defining Characteristics
Unique and hard to mistake for any other of the large terrier breeds on this list, the Bull Terrier is known for their arch-shaped head, long muzzle, and muscular frame.
They have small eyes, erect ears, and a compact body.
Their sleek, short coat comes in a number of colors:
- white
- brindle and white
- fawn and white
- tri-colored
- red and white
- white and black brindle
Personality
The Bull Terrier was refined during their history to be a more mild-mannered, sweeter tempered dog, but that doesn’t mean they a suitable pet for everyone.
They do best in families with older, more respectful children and do not get along with dogs of the same sex. However, they should be okay with dogs of the opposite sex.
The Bull Terrier will need lots of early socialization and obedience training to ensure they are a well-rounded, well-behaved adult dog.
They are eager to please, easy to train, affectionate, and highly active.
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
The Bull Terrier has a lifespan of 12 to 13 years. They can be prone to the following:
- heart issues
- allergies
- kidney failure
- deafness
- compulsive actions
- patellar luxation
No 10: The Airedale Terrier – 50 to 70 lbs
Where Do They Come From?
Last on our list of large terrier breeds is the Airedale Terrier, who comes in as largest out of all our large terrier types!
Another British dog, the Airedale Terrier was created in the Aire Valley during the 1800s for duck and rat hunting.
They are believed to have been created by mixing several breeds, including the Otterhound, English Black and Tan Terrier, Irish Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier.
Many also believe that setter types, retrievers, and other herding dogs are mixed in the Airedale Terrier’s DNA.
What Are They Doing Now?
Known as the “King of Terriers”, the Airedale Terrier is a large rough-haired terrier who has played a number of different roles in their lifetime.
From police dog and herding dog to a big-game hunting dog and ratting dog.
However, most commonly, they enjoy life as a family companion and show dog.
Defining Characteristics
Standing beautiful and proud, the large Airedale Terrier is long-legged and sturdy with a thick, curly coat.
They have black on their back, and gold markings on their legs, face, and tail. With an erect tail, forward-folding ears, and unique, long muzzle, the Airedale Terrier is a showstopper indeed.
Personality
This large terrier breed is known for their outgoing, friendly nature, and do so well with children that they were once employed as a babysitter!
Loved for their clever mind and courageous nature, the Airedale Terrier can get along well with just about everyone.
As long as they are properly socialized and undergo obedience training early on in puppyhood.
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
Being the largest of the large terrier breeds on this list does not mean the Airedale Terrier comes without health issues.
Living a good 11 to 14 years, the Airedale Terrier can be prone to suffering from
- colonic disease
- hip dysplasia
- hypothyroidism
- bloat
Large Terrier Breeds – Picking a Puppy!
If you’re in love with big terrier dogs, and you want a large terrier dog to call your own, we have a few tips on how you can pick the healthiest large terrier puppy possible.
Since all the large terrier dog breeds on the above list are prone to some health issues, we first and foremost recommend early health screening.
Luckily, reputable breeders of any big terrier dog breeds will have already health screened their litters and should be able to provide you with the paperwork to prove it.
Keep in mind that breeders will typically charge anywhere from $500 to over $1000 for a large terrier breed, and sometimes more if the parent breeds are show quality.
If you want to go through a shelter, adoption fees are usually around $50 to $100, with many shelters covering the initial vet costs.
So, do you own one of the large terrier breeds on this list? Tell us which one in the comments!
References and Further Reading
Gallagher B et al. 2012. Geographical, Clinical, Clinicopathological and Radiographic Features of Canine Angiostrongylosis in Irish Dogs: A Retrospective Study. Irish Veterinary Journal.
Schalke E et al. 2008. Is Breed-Specific Legislation Justified? Study of the Results of the Temperament Test of Lower Saxony. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Application and Research.
Vila C, Maldonado JE, and Wayne RK. 1999. Phylogenetic Relationships, Evolution, and Genetic Diversity of the Domestic Dog. Journal of Heredity.
Howell TJ, King T, and Bennett PC. 2015. Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. Veterinary Medicine. Research and Reports.
Sutter NB and Ostrander EA. 2004. Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System, Nature Reviews Genetics.
Acumen L. 2011. The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition.
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