Terriers have been a beloved dog breed for centuries because of their unique personalities, working statuses, and adorable appearances.
The AKC recognizes a whopping 31 breeds of terriers, who all have individual and unique histories. Join us as we learn about 10 varying breeds of terriers with long legs!
10 Different Terriers With Long Legs
In this article we will discover 10 differing breeds of terriers with abnormally long legs in relation to the overall size of their other body parts. Let’s get right into it!
1. Airedale Terrier
Average Lifespan: 11-14 years
Average Size: 50-70 pounds
Coat: short, medium, wiry
The Airedale Terrier, a long-legged terrier, hails from England, where they were extremely popular for hunting large animals, otters, and rats, as well as performing a wide variety of tasks. This breed is often described as being exceedingly outgoing, intelligent, and loyal.
Because of their breed history as hunting dogs, they are known to not be great with other pet, and need to be socialized from an early age to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors toward humans.
The Airedale Terrier would be best suited with an owner who is patient during their training process, as harsh training methods will not be effective on this breed. Due to their high levels of intelligence, they can be fairly easy to train when consistently worked with.
2. Border Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 11.5-15.5 pounds
Coat: short, wiry
Border Terriers originate from the UK and were popular because of their ability to assist Foxhounds during their hunting due to how fast they are, their high prey drives, and their love of digging.
This breed is often described as being intelligent, loving, fearless, and loyal. Border Terriers are known to be great family pets, and if properly socialized from a young age can get along well with other pets.
Border Terriers would be best suited with an owner who has some knowledge of training and could pair well with a first-time owner that is dedicated to properly training them.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Average Lifespan: 11-16 years
Average Size: 17-23 pounds
Coat: medium, curly
The Bedlington Terrier, originating in Rothbury, Bedlington, earns its place among the long-legged terrier breeds, as its name suggests. Initially bred and utilized by poachers, these terriers are valued for their ability to swiftly and efficiently dispatch prey.
Bedlingtons are often described as affectionate, loyal, playful, and intuitive. Commonly known as great family dogs, Bedlington Terriers can be great with children and other pets if properly socialized and trained.
The Bedlington Terrier would be best suited to an owner who has plenty of time to love and dote on them, as they genuinely enjoy being the center of attention and will reward their owner greatly by providing their professional watchdog services.
4. Kerry Blue Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 20-40 pounds
Coat: medium, wavy
Originating in County Kerry, Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier is characterized by its long legs. Originally bred for pest control across a wide variety of tasks, including herding sheep and cattle, the Kerry Blue Terrier possesses a great personality often described as gentle, friendly, affectionate, and loyal.
This breed is known to interact greatly with small children, and with proper and dedicated socialization from a young age could get along well with other pets.
This breed would do best with an owner who knows how to use motivational training with strong positive reinforcement, as they can be stubborn at times, but eager to please if encouraged enough.
5. Lakeland Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 15-17 pounds
Coat: short, double, wiry
Our favorite breed of terriers with long legs is the Lakeland Terrier, which hails from Northern England and was originally bred for sheep protection and fox hunting.
This breed is often described as being incredibly intelligent, happy, confident, and friendly. Their proclivity for loyalty makes them extremely trainable. The Lakeland Terrier could be a great family pet with proper training and socialization.
Lakeland Terriers would be best suited with an owner who is patient and knows how to train a puppy with respect. They do need a fair amount of daily exercise and have been reported to thoroughly enjoy swimming.
6. Irish Terrier
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Average Size: 25-27 pounds
Coat: medium, double, wiry
The Irish Terrier is considered the oldest breed of terrier, originating from Ireland where they were originally bred as all-purpose farm dogs. The Irish Terrier is described as being intelligent, dominant, and loving, with high levels of affection and energy.
They can be very protective of their family, so proper socialization and obedience training is highly recommended to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors.
This breed would be best suited to an owner who knows a good deal of information when it comes to training, and is extremely patient as Irish Terriers are known to be daredevils.
7. Wire Fox Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 15-18 pounds
Coat: medium, double, wiry
This breed originates from England where they were primarily used for fox hunting, their size making it possible for them to flush foxes out of holes they made in the earth.
They are known to have outgoing, bold, and intelligent personalities which makes them ideal dogs for families, however, some breeders may not want to place a Wire Fox Terrier in a home with small children because of their high energies.
The Wire Fox Terrier would do best paired with an owner who is well-versed in positive obedience training and socialization methods as to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors as they age.
8. Welsh Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 15-20 pounds
Coat: medium, double, wiry
The Welsh Terrier, as it’s name suggests, originates from Wales and was originally bred for hunting badgers, foxes, and a variety of rodents. Today, they are primarily bred for professional dog shows.
The Welsh Terrier has distinctive personality traits and are often described as being intelligent, alert, and friendly. This breed is not recommended for starter dogs, and they can be difficult.
The Welsh Terrier would pair best with an owner who has owned dogs and has experience in obedience training, as this breed is known to be difficult to train.
9. Parson Russell Terrier
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Average Size: 13-17 pounds
Coat: short, double, smooth
Another breed that originates from the UK, the Parson Russel Terrier was originally bred for fox hunting, as their small frame allowed them to flush fox out of their holes.
Parson Russell Terriers are often described as having confident, playful, and sweet personalities. With proper socialization, this breed is known to do well with children an other pets. However, they do not enjoy rough treatment.
The Parson Russel is extremely intelligent, and thus would do best with an experienced dog owner. They are often said to be on the more difficult side when training.
10. Smooth Fox Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 15-18 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Ending our list of terriers with long legs with a bang is the Smooth Fox Terrier! This leggy breed originates from England and was popular for their versatile hunting and tracking capabilities.
Often described as having playful, active, affectionate and intelligent personalities, this breed would do well in a family household who are very active. They are recommended as great companions for children as they have similar energies.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is similar to a lot of terriers on this list, and would do best with an owner who has some background knowledge in obedience training, as they are known to be challenging at times.