If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, 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’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) to lovable mongrels.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
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.
Terriers are a type of dog that are hugely popular both in the UK and worldwide, perfect for people who have active lifestyles (they need plenty of exercise).
The Royal Kennel Club recognises over 30 breeds of these canine characters – issuing Kennel Club Pedigree Certificates to pups that make the grade.
Here are all 33 – and how they got their names.
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17. Kerry Blue Terrier
Also known as the Irish Blue Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier is named after the part of Ireland in which it was first used to control vermin and herd animals. A Kerry Blue won Best in Show at Crufts for the first time in 2000. | Canva/Getty Images
18. Jack Russell Terrier
Hugely popular as family pets, the Jack Russell Terrier is named after the man who first bred them - a parson and hunting enthusiast called Reverend John Russell who was born in 1795. They come with a range of coats - from smooth to rough. | Canva/Getty Images
19. Parson Russell Terrier
The original Fox Terrier of the 18th century, the Parson Russell Terrier is named after the Reverend Jack Russell, who the Jack Russell Terrier is also named after. Most Kennel Clubs don't distinguish them as two different breeds - but the Royal Kennel Club does. | Canva/Getty Images
20. Manchester Terrier
Nicknamed the 'Gentleman's Terrier' in Victoria times, the Manchester Terrier was developed from crossing the Black and Tan Terrier and the Whippet. Its talent for eradicating vermin made it highly prized in 19th-century rat-infested Manchester. | Canva/Getty Images