Terrier Group - Terrier Group Breeds

Terrier Group Breeds

Kennel clubs assign breeds traditionally identified as terriers to their Terrier Group. Some kennel clubs prefer to use another category such as the Toy Group, Companion Group, Utility Group or Non-Sporting Group for certain terriers or terrier-like breeds, but most terriers are placed in the Terrier Group.

The United Kennel Club (US) is unusual in that it recognises Pinschers and Feists in its Terrier Group, along with other US breeds not recognised elsewhere. The United Kennel Club also lists the Hollandse Smoushond with the Terriers, which it resembles, but is elsewhere considered a Schnauzer-type breed. Another Schnauzer, the miniature Schnauzer (or Zwergschnauzer), is sometimes placed in a kennel club's Terrier Group. The Boston Terrier is usually listed by kennel clubs in the Companion Group or the Non-Sporting Group.

The American Kennel Club does recognize the Russell Terrier, although currently the breed is listed within the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) which is not categorized into the Terrier group. Additionally, the United Kennel Club (UKC)changed the classifications of the different types of Russells starting in 2009. The Jack Russell Terrier prior to this time was really a Parson Russell Terrier (by AKC's standards) with an over 12" and under 12" breed types offered. The traditional Parson Russell Terriers were classified within the over 12" category while the traditional Jack Russell Terriers were classified within the under 12" category. The Russell Terrier, prior to 2009, included the shorter legged and longer backed variations of the breed. When the classifications were changed, the dogs within the Jack Russell Terrier breed that were over 12" tall at the withers were moved into the Parson Russell Terrier breed. Any dog in the Jack Russell Terrier breed at this time (within the UKC) may not be over 12" tall. The Russell Terrier breed has been blended into the Jack Russell Terrier breed within the UKC.