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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9. 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 were a total of 313 registrations in 2025, placing them just inside the top ten when it comes to popularity. | Getty Images
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10. Scottish Terrier
Another breed created to hunt vermin, the Scottish Terrier is also known as the Aberdeen Terrier or Scottie. The first Earl of Dumbarton nicknamed the breed 'the diehard' due to their bravery. There were 312 of these hairy heroes registered in 2025. | 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 there were still 308 registrations in 2025. | Canva/Getty Images
12. 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 were 292registrations in 2025, with this breed completing our list. | AFP via Getty Images