Mainly bred for hunting vermin and other small animals, Terriers are now popular pets known for their fun, and energetic personalities.
They account for 27 of the 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
And choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
The Kennel Club separates breeds into seven different groups, each of which have a particular set of attributes.
So you are looking for a dog that is determined, brave and independent, then it’s worth considering a breed from the Terrier Group.
The Kennel Club recently released their breed registration statistics for the first quarter of 2025, revealing how many of each breed of dog were registered with them over the first three months of the year.
According to those figures, here are the 11 most popular Terrier dogs in the UK right now.
9. Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier was developed from the original 18th century fox terrier and is the second breeds on this list named after famous breeder Reverend Jack Russell. There have been 78 registrations in 2025 so far. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Wire Fox Terrier
Bred to chase small game from their burrows, the Wire Fox Terrier is known for its intelligence and high energy levels. There have been 70 registrations this year so far, placing them just inside the top ten. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier used to be one of the most popular dogs in the UK and was first recognised as a distinct breed in Dublin in 1873. It's not quite so common now, but completes our list with 65 registrations in the first quarter of 2025. | Canva/Getty Images