Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
The Royal Kennel Club separates breeds into seven different groups, each of which have a particular set of attributes - and recently published data showing how many of each breed was registered with them in 2025.
So you are looking for a dog that is determined, brave and independent, then it’s worth considering a breed from the Terrier Group.
Here are the 12 most popular breeds of terrier that had the most Kennel Club registrations last year.
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5. Jack Russell Terrier
It's been a good year for the Jack Russell Terrier - named after Reverend Jack Russell. There were a total of 503 2025 registrations compared to 318 in 2024. They're now the fifth most popular terrier, having only squeezed into the top 10 last year. They were first bred in the early 19th century and used to hunt vermin. | Getty Images
6. Cairn Terrier
Originating from the Scottish Highlands, the Cairn Terrier is recognised as one of the oldest breeds of working dog and just misses out on a top five spot. There were 467 Kennel Club registrations in 2025. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Airedale Terrier
Known as the King of Terriers, due to it being the largest of the group, the Airedale Terrier originated near the River Aire in Yorkshire. There were 420 registrations last year. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Norfolk Terrier
Only officially recognised as an independent breed in 1964, the Norfolk Terrier is a close cousin of the Norwich Terrier - distinguished by its folded ears. There were 365 Kennel Club registrations in 2025. | AFP via Getty Images