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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21. Lakeland Terrier
Named after the Lake District, in England, where it originated, the Lakeland Terrier is currently at risk of extinction due to low breeding numbers. Also known as the Fell Terrier or Patterdale Terrier, they date back to the 18th century. | Canva/Getty Images
22. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
Created in 19th century England by crossing the Old English Black and Tan Terrier and Manchester Terrier, the English Toy Terrier was bred for bloodsports. They were used by Victorians in the 'rat pit' where bets were taken on how many rats a dog would kill. | Canva/Getty Images
23. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
Refered to in their native Ireland as 'the Poor Man's Wolfhound', the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier has been used for over two hundred years as an all-purpose working dog. They share ancestry with the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier. | Contributed
24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the Staffy, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in the Black Country of Staffordshire. They descended from 19th-century bull terriers and were first recognised as a distinct dog breed by the UK Kennel Club in 1935. | Canva/Getty Images