Few things are cuter than a bearded terrier. Dogs with copious facial hair have a human quality that delights us, invoking images of distinguished elderly gentlemen or tiny scholars.
Typically bred for the pursuit of vermin and small game, terriers are also some of the most spirited, hardworking, and durable breeds in the canine kingdom.
Their compact size and adaptability make them sought-after pets, with many potential owners wondering, who are the terriers with beards? The following pups combine brains and adorability in equal measure.
10 Very Unique Terriers With Beards
It is worth noting that, while beards on dogs are utterly delightful, they will also require a little more maintenance to stay looking their finest.
1. Scottish Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12 years
Average Size: 18-22 pounds
Coat: medium, wiry, double
The Scottish Terrier is a highly esteemed breed, developed for hunting rats, foxes, and badgers in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. During the 17th Century, England’s King James I, who was Scottish-born, developed an affinity for the terrier and frequently bestowed them as gifts.
The first Scotties arrived in the US in 1883, and the breed reached the pinnacle of its popularity in the 1930s and ’40s when such luminaries as Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart became enchanted by their dignified demeanor and sweetly sophisticated facial hair.
Scottie’s coats can grow quickly and become matted easily, and brushing should ideally take place 2-3 times a week.
2. Sealyham Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 24 pounds or less
Coat: medium, wiry, double
The Sealyham Terrier takes its name from the Sealy Ham Estate on the Seal River in Wales, where they were first bred in the 1800s for the purpose of otter hunting.
At the time, otters were considered pests who diminished the fish population, and the Sealyham Terrier became a formidable adversary, small and fearless enough to dig otters out of their hollows.
One of the most affectionate and playful terriers with beards, the breed’s disposition has made them popular therapy dogs in nursing homes and children’s hospitals throughout successive generations.
In addition to their long facial hair, Sealy’s have a distinctive ‘fall’ of fur that covers their foreheads.
3. Airedale Terrier
Average Lifespan: 11-14 years
Average Size: 50-70 pounds
Coat: short, medium, wiry
The ‘King of Terriers’ earned his (or her) nickname through years of service as an unflagging hunting companion, determined athlete, and steadfast companion.
Bred at the height of the industrial revolution in the Aire Valley of Northern England, they have long been considered the ultimate working dog. Initially hunters of ducks and vermin, they found new esteem during the First World War as messengers, sentries, and guard dogs.
The knowing brown eyes, sweetly folded ears, and of course, the beard of the Airedale give the breed an appearance of gentle intelligence that couldn’t be more appropriate for this patient-yet-determined all-arounder.
4. Cesky Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 14-24 pounds
Coat: medium, wavy, silky
The National Dog of the Czech Republic was the brainchild of mid-20th century breeder and sportsman Frantisek Horak. Horak was determined to create a dog that was both a ratting terrier and capable and bold enough to hunt bigger game in packs.
The result of years of careful breeding was the Cesky as we know it, who usually stands no more than 13 inches at the shoulder, has a fine wavy coat, and possesses an elegant beard that adds to its sense of European sophistication.
Relatively new to the United States, the first Cesky were imported in the late 1980s and remain one of the rarest terriers with beards in America, with only about 600 registered.
5. Wire Fox Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 15-18 pounds
Coat: medium, wiry, double
Established during the 1700s, when the popularity of British Fox Hunts was at its peak, the Wire Fox Terrier is a superior athlete and charming show dog.
Created to bolt foxes from their lairs, the mostly-white coat of the Wire Fox was essential to avoid confusion with their quarry. A hunting companion for many generations, they have subsequently become one of the most successful show breeds, with 15 Westminster Kennel Club Bests in Show to their name.
An air of nobility surrounds the Wire Fox Terrier, with one only having to witness their confident stride around the show ring and behold their precious wiry beards to understand why they are so decorated.
6. Kerry Blue Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 40 pounds or less
Coat: medium, wavy
An Irish breed whose origin has not been firmly established, the nonetheless beloved Kerry Blue Terrier is a versatile farm dog of great beauty. Distinguished by its lustrous coat, the Kerry Blue is born black before its color fades, usually taking on its deep slate to light blue-grey hue by the time the dog is 18 months old.
Preternaturally soft to the touch, the coat is a showstopper, but when coupled with Kerry’s beard it gives the appearance of an undeniably suave and sophisticated dog.
7. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 18-24 pounds
Coat: medium, double
One of the lesser-known amongst our terriers with beards, the Dandie Dinmont is a terrier specializing in dispatching otter and badger, who was bred by border hunters in the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland.
While tough working dogs, the Dandies silky white head hair and beard, as well as their low feathered ears, made them coveted companions for such nobles as French King Louis Philippe and later, Queen Victoria.
Their darling beard aside, perhaps the Dandie’s trademark feature is their wide and dark-rimmed eyes, which endow them with an expression of almost cartoonish innocence.
8. Irish Terrier
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Average Size: 25-27 pounds
Coat: medium, wiry, double
A pitch-perfect representation of the Emerald Isle, the Irish Terrier is known for its courage, steadfastness, and liveliness.
An all-purpose farm dog for many generations, their skills as watchdogs, hunting companions, and guardians are nonpareil. Early versions of the Irish Terrier featured coats of black, tan, grey, and brindle, with the dashing red hue that became their trademark emerging in the 19th century.
A delightful breed to behold even before you consider their dapper beards, many regard them as the ultimate long-legged terrier.
9. Lakeland Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 17 pounds or less
Coat: short, wiry, double
Sturdy and spunky, the Lakeland Terrier was bred by fox-hunters to run alongside small packs of hounds.
Defined as a ‘big dog in a small package’, the Lakeland Terrier shares common ancestors with the Border Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, and Fox Terrier. In the twentieth century, the breed became well known for their prowess inside the show ring, with a confidence that rivals their cuteness.
With their sweet, folded-over ears and stylish beard, they are as exquisite an all-arounder as you could ask for.
10. Welsh Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 20 pounds or less
Coat: medium, wiry, double
Compact and rugged, the Welsh Terrier rounds out our list of terriers with beards. While of mysterious origin, the Welsh Terrier as we’ve come to recognize them emerged in the 1700s as fox, otter, and badger hunters.
They can be surprisingly fearsome for dogs that only stand 15 inches at the shoulder, as they developed a quick wit and audacity beyond their stature in order to face off with their dangerous quarry.
With a beard that perfectly complements their lively countenance, the Welsh Terrier ultimately transcended its hardscrabble origins and became a beloved pet for the likes of John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, who had a Welsh named Charlie!