Most terrier dog breeds have been bred for centuries across England and Scotland.
Terrier mixes were refined over decades from working canines to excellent working family pets, although it is still possible to find working bloodlines of terrier dogs.
Bred to hunt vermin such as rats on smallholdings, quarries, and farms, these rat terrier dog breeds would also compete in informal ratting competitions, too. Most of the terrier breeds have inherited similar traits.
Known for their fearless temperament and hardy nature, the terrier group is an incredibly diverse category of dog. People love these terrier mix breeds for their versatility. In this article, you’ll find the most popular terrier mix breeds.
Most terrier mix-breeds are English in origin, and since the 1990s interest within the terrier group has shifted from purebred to hybrids.
So if you are considering a terrier breed for your next dog, here are nineteen terrier mix dogs you should know about.
Small Terrier Mix Dogs Breeds
1. Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier Mix
Often called the Jack Chi or Jackahuahua, the Jack Russell Chihuahua mix is a small hybrid terrier cross dog.
Between 10 and 15 inches tall, the Jack Chi is a perfect companion for those looking for a small yet feisty terrier mix dog and one of the smallest mixed breeds.
Jack Chis tend to take the best elements from both of their parents:
- Clever and athletic like the Jack Russell
- Sweet and sassy like the Chihuahua
The Jackahuahua is known to be exceptionally loyal, often described as being stuck to their owners like velcro.
When socialized correctly, this terrier is a great match for homes with older children, their smaller stature makes them better suited to homes with children who can play correctly with dogs.
2. French Bulldog and Boston Terrier Mix
The fabulous Frenchton is a mixed breed of French bulldog and Boston terrier.
Frenchtons are an excellent match for everyone: singles, couples, seniors, even families. And because of that are one of the most popular terrier mix dogs.
Their bubbly personalities are infectious, it’s impossible not to smile around the Frenchton.
Both of the parent dog breeds are bred to be companion dogs, and consequently, this terrier mix dog makes an excellent lapdog.
While somewhat athletic, nothing brings this terrier cross more joy than napping out their days in the company of their favorite human.
Be warned, thanks to their flatter faces, these dog breeds are known for their very loud snoring.
3. Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
This breeds terrier mix is known for being fiery and protective. Standing between 5 and 9 inches, these little mix-breeds don’t let size stop them.
A cross between a shih tzu and a yorkie, the shorkie is a great match for experienced dog owners in an adult-only household.
They are intensely loyal, sticking to their owner’s side like glue and protecting them to the best of their ability, usually forgetting they weigh less than 12 pounds.
While somewhat difficult to look after, the shorkie is not a terrier mix dog to take on light-heartedly.
This terrier mixed breed needs an owner who can completely dedicate themselves to the care of their terrier dog in the same way that they will completely dedicate themselves to their owner.
4. Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
This terrier dog is a great match for those looking for a very hands-on terrier cross.
A Yorkshire terrier mix poodle hybrid, better known as the Yorkipoo, is a sweet and sassy terrier mix dog.
They are a great match for those with allergies, as the poodle’s genetics gives them a hypoallergenic coat.
Their intelligent and yet stubborn nature makes training an interesting challenge for first-time terrier cross owners.
A very social terrier breed means they can be a good match for families. While generally a very mellow terrier, they still have the tenacity of a Yorkshire terrier.
Beyond this, they have a playful spirit like most terrier mix dogs and are happy to play chase and fetch a ball for hours.
5. Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
Since the 1990s, both Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers have been popular in the media thanks to celebrity endorsements.
As a result, the Chorkie was born.
Chorkies are not recommended for busy households, instead, they would be better suited in a home with another larger-than-life personality.
Like other terrier mix dogs, these mixed breed dogs totally devote themselves to their owners and are generally frosty towards everyone else.
Like the Chihuahua, it is not uncommon to find this terrier living life as a handbag dog.
However, this is ill-advised, like all dog breeds, they need daily exercise of around 30 minutes, as well as lots of brain games to keep their clever terrier brains busy.
6. Beagle and Jack Russell Terrier Mix
Not a mix for the faint-hearted, these mix-breeds are an endless font of energy.
A medium-sized terrier mix, the Jack Russell beagle cross (otherwise known as a Jackabee) is a very new hybrid.
These terrier mix dogs have a very keen sense of smell and will need a home with a securely fenced yard.
Anything below six feet and your Jackabee will most likely vault over in pursuit of a squirrel or a neighborhood cat, this comes from the Jack Russell terriers ability to jump up to five feet.
In terms of temperament, this terrier cross is a people-oriented breed, getting on well with most people and other dogs.
They are very food-oriented and, that previously mentioned keen sense of smell, ensures they are able to smell chicken from two floors up. It is the terrier mix dog with the highest food drive.
This food drive means that this terrier is quite easy to train, however it means they are somewhat prone to overeating and may need to watch their weight.
7. Poodle and Wheaton Terrier Mix
Wheaton terrier poodle mixes or “whoodles” are a medium size poodle terrier mix breed that are often confused with a very large teddy bear.
Fun and fluffy, whoodles are an excellent match for most households and are a recommended breeds terrier mix to singles and large families as well. There are better-suited terrier mix dogs.
While they are good with other people, this soft coated Wheaton terrier mix is not so great with other pets.
Wheaton terriers originated in Ireland, working on farms, killing rats and other vermin.
Consequently, this instinct to chase is still deeply ingrained within these terrier mix breeds, and they struggle living with smaller pets unless introduced to them at a very early age.
8. Pug and Boston Terrier Mix
This mixed breed is affectionately nicknamed the “Bugg.”
A Boston terrier mix pug cross may be one of the silliest dogs around.
Their comic personalities mean they are usually getting themselves into some sort of trouble, much to the amusement of their owners.
This humorous energy makes them a great terrier mix-match for families with young children.
Their natural food orientation makes these terrier mix dogs relatively easy to train and manage, and they have very low grooming requirements. In essence, this terrier cross is a perfect first pet.
Like the Frenchton terrier mix, they are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a flatter face which may lead to respiratory issues.
Owners should be prepared to make special accommodations for this terrier to ensure their welfare. This includes walking them at cooler times of the day and giving them several shorter walks as opposed to one long one.
9. Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
A cross between the Maltese and the Yorkshire terrier, the Morkie is the ultimate lapdog.
Inheriting loyalty and love from both of its parents, this terrier mixed breed will happily spend the bulk of their lives watching the world go by from the comfort of their owner’s knee.
While terrier crosses can do well in multi-person homes, they are best suited to single occupancy dwellings. This is due to their tendency to bond strongly with one person more than others, earning them their nickname of a “shadow dog.”
This terrier mix dog is not immune to the running crazily around the house every now and again. They can often be found running all over the house, chasing a ball, and running laps.
To try and combat this, give your terrier mix pooch a 20-minute daily stroll, as well as games and activities within the house.
10. Maltese and West Highland Terrier Mix
The Highland Maltie is a loving and friendly dog, devoted to its owners.
This hybrid is the ultimate little white dog.
The West Highland terrier mix Maltese hybrid, nicknamed the Highland Maltie, is an intelligent and caring terrier mix companion cross companion dog.
Both of the parent breeds are recognized to have low shedding coats, meaning this West Highland white terrier cross dog is suitable for those who suffer from dog allergies.
While the Maltese are a companion dog through and through, the West Highland terrier was originally bred to hunt vermin.
This means it is very difficult to predict the temperament of a Highland Maltie terrier mix dog.
Large Terrier Mix Dog Breeds
11. Labrador and American Pit Bull Terrier Mix
Standing between 20 and 24 inches tall, this breed’s terrier mix is a gentle giant.
Often popularized as the Labrabull, this popular terrier cross is slowly working its way into many homes and hearts.
With the correct upbringing, the American pit bull terrier is a kind and affectionate dog, totally devoted to its owner or owners.
The same is true of the Labrabull terrier cross, they are soft and gentle, spending the majority of their days napping in the garden and chasing a ball.
12. Airedale and Poodle Terrier Mix
Stylized as the Airedoodle, the Airedale poodle hybrid was first bred as an alternative to the Labradoodle.
Like the Highland Maltie, both of the parent breeds are hypoallergenic, making the Airedoodle a great choice terrier mix dog for allergy sufferers.
In terms of temperament, these dog breeds are known to be very easy going, happy to live life in the slow lane. Their naturally relaxed nature means they are great with children, other dogs, and pets.
This terrier mix breed is at its happiest when outside. This is not just limited to a stroll around the block, this includes activities such as swimming and sunbathing too.
Potential owners should ensure that their poodle terrier mix dog will have constant access to a well-fenced outdoor space.
13. German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier Mix
If you are looking for a handbag dog, this isn’t it.
Weighing 70 to 90lb and standing at around 26 inches, the American pit bull terrier mix German Shepherd mix is not a mixed breed for the faint-hearted.
Like other pit bull breeds, this terrier mix dog has a reputation for being aggressive.
Provided they get enough physical exercise and mental stimulation, the German Shepherd pit bull mix is a great family pet, known to be relaxed and easy-going.
They need upwards of 90 minutes of exercise daily.
This terrier mix breed is an excellent student, excelling at trick training and canine agility, amongst other things.
14. Labrador and Giant Schnauzer Terrier Mix
Despite what you might think, the giant schnauzer is actually considered to be a terrier.
Originally bred to work on farms, when crossed with a Labrador they create an energetic and friendly terrier dog.
This is one of the rarer mix breeds, and as a result, not a lot is known about the offspring.
Although they are generally friendly and social, the schnauzer’s origin as a guard dog can make meeting new people a difficult experience requiring lots of training to overcome.
Their terrier mix dog’s active personality and intelligent temperament will provide a test of ability for any budding dog owner.
15. Siberian Husky and American Pit Bull Terrier Mix
Often nicknamed the pitsky, the American pit bull terrier mix husky hybrid is a charming, kind dog.
Naturally athletic and intelligent, this is a good pet for anyone looking for a slightly different twist on two very well-known dog breeds.
The key part of owning a pitsky is being able to keep up.
Potential owners need to be able to dedicate themselves to the care of this very active terrier group. In return, this white terrier mix will completely dedicate themselves to you, loving you unconditionally.
Owners should create a training and exercise regime.
If your pet takes after their husky parent, they will have natural stamina inherited from long days pulling sleds.
16. Neapolitan Mastiff and American Pit bull Terrier Mix
While this breed’s terrier mix can be between any of the mastiff breeds, the most common hybrid is the Neapolitan mastiff and the American pit bull terrier.
Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, the pit bull mastiff mix is both kind and loyal.
They love their owners fiercely which makes them excellent family pets, especially for those looking for a guard dog.
Their total devotion to their owners, combined with their sensitive disposition, means they do not do well with being left on their own for extended periods.
Consequently, those looking to invest their love in this terrier mix breed should make sure they have the time to dedicate to all 140lb of this gentle giant.
17. German Shepherd and Airedale Terrier Mix
An Airedale terrier crossed with a German shepherd makes for one active dog.
Affectionately nicknamed the Airedale shepherd, these terrier mix breeds love hiking, walking, running, swimming… and just generally being outside.
These terrier breeds need around 90 to 120 minutes of exercise daily.
Naturally curious and obedient, the Airedale shepherd is a great beginner’s terrier mix dog as they are relatively easy to train.
18. Rottweiler and American Pit Bull Terrier Mix
The Rottweiler pit bull mix, also called the pitweiler, is a playful terrier mixed breed suited to those who have experience with larger breeds of dog.
This breed’s terrier mix is known to retain its puppy-like nature, never tiring of play, and consequently, time to dedicate to the pitweiler is essential.
Despite their large size of between 40 and 100lb, this terrier mixed dog truly believes they are a lapdog. Often this ginormous dog will be found trying to climb into the laps of those they hold dear.
This terrier group also requires upwards of 60 minutes of exercise each day. As a family pet, this exercise can be split up among all members or taken as a family unit.
19. Boxer and American Pit Bull Terrier Mix
The bullboxer is a medium to large cross between an American pit bull terrier and a boxer.
This terrier mix dog is an active one, and as such is a great match for energetic families who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.
Bullboxers are very friendly canines, who enjoy the company of new people. These terrier mix dogs love to meet new people, they will happily trot up to strangers to say hello.
Like some of the smaller terrier mix breeds, the flatter-faced boxer is considered to be a brachycephalic dog, meaning they may have something of a snore on them.
Summary
From little lapdogs to gentle giants, whatever you are looking for in a pooch there is a breeds terrier mix for you as terrier mix breeds make great pet friends.
If you have young children at home, steer clear of terrier hybrids such as the Chorkie, Highland Maltie, or Airedale shepherd. Instead, consider dog breeds like the Jackabee, bugg, pit bull mastiff mix breeds, or the giant schnauzer Labrador terrier mix dog.
This being said, with the right socialization and upbringing, there is potential for some of the more aversive terrier mix dogs to become family-friendly. The same applies to all terrier mix breeds crossed with a dominant breed.
Do you have a terrier mix dog at home? Make sure you leave us your thoughts in the comments below and share your favorites.
Terrier mix FAQ
Are terrier breeds good dogs?
There are many sizes and shapes of mix-breeds in the terrier group, all feisty and mischievous with an energetic nature. Terrier mix-breeds are highly intelligent and trainable, best for people with patience and a great sense of humor; fun, alert, and like to live life to the fullest.
Do terrier mix breeds shed?
The Terrier group is full of small dog breeds that don’t shed or shed minimally. Wiry and coarse-haired terrier mix dogs shed less than other breeds, making terrier mix breeds ideal for people who don’t enjoy excessive shedding. Although, all dogs shed a little hair at some time.
Are terrier cross dogs aggressive?
Bred as solo hunting dogs to chase down and kill small animals, terriers are notoriously feisty with other dogs. With humans, they can be either timid or aggressive with strangers. Pit bull terriers have a reputation as aggressive dogs, but this is down to training or a reflection of the owner.
Are terriers mix dogs good pets?
Terrier mix dogs are appealing. They vary in both size and temperament but are generally small to medium-sized with lively and perky personalities. Ideal for kids and adults as they love to interact with people, but they’re also bold and energetic dogs that may not go well with other pets.
We have a chihuahua Jack Russell terrier mix. Not the kind of dog I thought I have but I love her. She fits in my small family.
The ultimate dog in the world and of the highest intelligence of all breeds including Border Collies and Poodles is a West Highland Terrier Female mated with a cross between a Havanese and Yorkshire Terrier. The mix produces one of the cutest and most highly intelligent animals on earth. They are dedicated to you but independent and don’t need your constant attention. They cannot be left alone and must be a dog who travels by your side!
We have a Jack Russell Terrier. He is the second one we have had of this breed. These dogs are so intelligent. He hears things that we don’t hear. He has caught rats and even earthworms. Once he gets focused on something in the backyard he can’t forget about it. We also have a female terrier mix. She is also super intelligent. Some people say she looks like the little dog on Wizard of Oz, Togo!
We have a Blue Queensland Heeler and Pitt mix named Menja (German for little man). He is all white with black over the right side of his face and spots all over his body. He is extremely intelligent, almost to a fault. He wakes us mornings with kisses and will sit on one of us until we agree to get up! He sleeps in between my wife and I, and has to be touching us when he sleeps. He loves to sit and watch tv with us. He is very hyper active, and if he cant burn off some energy, he’ll let you know it by laying in his bed wining, and throwing us dirty looks. He does NOT like being left alone, he will sit at the door and howl until we get home.
I believe it is very irresponsible of you to promote mixed breed. The puppy mills, backyard breeders have caused much suffering for the doodle mixed breeds. When I go anywhere all I see are doodle mixes. From labradoodles to husky doodles and everything else in between. I have Airedales both rescues and want you to know how appalling it is to hear about mixing this bred on purpose. Airedales are wonderful dogs with the right person they require much exercise and training with love. You are just adding to the over breeding and homeless dog problem.
I find the opposite to be true. Mixed breed dogs often make better pets than full breed dogs. Full breed dogs are also found in puppy mills. Not everyone can afford to purchase full breeds which can cost upwards of 1000.00 dollars to purchase. One other thing, adopted dogs from shelters or rescue places are often neutered or spayed which obviously cuts down on strays having litters. In my experience over my past 65 years, My mutts have been much better behaved than my full breed pets.