terriers Definition

any of various usually small energetic dogs originally used by hunters to dig for small game and engage the quarry underground or drive it out

any of a breed of large terriers with a hard, wiry, black-and-tan coat —called also Airedale

any of a breed of muscular, agile dogs that have a short, smooth coat, were developed to combine the traits of terriers and bulldogs, have extremely powerful jaws and great strength and tenacity, and that were originally bred for dog fighting —called also pit bull terrier

any of a breed of strong stocky dogs that are of similar ancestry to but are larger and heavier than the related American pit bull terrier and Staffordshire bull terrier

any of a breed of small rather short-legged wirehaired terriers of Australian origin usually having a tan and blue or sandy coat

a swift lightly built terrier of English origin with a long narrow head, arched back, and usually curly coat —called also Bedlington

any of a breed of small terriers of British origin having a harsh dense coat and close undercoat

any of a breed of small smooth-coated terriers originating as a cross of the bulldog and bull terrier and being brindled or black with white markings —called also Boston bull

any of a breed of small compactly built hard-coated terriers of Scottish origin

any of a breed of terriers characterized by short legs, a long body, pendulous ears, a rough coat, and a full silky topknot