They’re cute and energetic, but also tend to be confident and a little mischievous. Here’s everything you need to know about these lively mixed breeds.
Terrier mixes are bold, scrappy, and full of personality. Whether they’re chasing after a squeaky toy or burrowing under the blankets, these pups bring their signature mix of determination and charm wherever they go. But although terrier mixes can make incredible companions, they’re not the best fit for everyone.
Terriers were originally bred to hunt and control vermin, which means they tend to be energetic, independent thinkers with an instinct to dig, chase, and yes, bark. If that sounds like a challenge, don’t worry: The right training and environment can bring out their best sides. Our guide will walk you through everything you need to know before adopting a terrier mix, from their most common traits to possible challenges, so you can decide if they’re a fit for your home.
Thinking about bringing home a terrier mix pup but not sure how big they’ll get? You’re not alone! As a dog lover who’s researched countless terrier crosses, I can tell you that predicting the size of these adorable mutts can sometimes feel like a guessing game. But don’t worry – I’ve got all the info you need to figure out just how big your terrier mix might grow!
Understanding Terrier Mix Breeds
Terrier mixes combine one terrier parent with either another terrier breed or a completely different breed of dog. These crosses come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny 5-pound pups to big 90-pound canines. What makes terrier mixes so interesting (and sometimes unpredictable) is that you never quite know which characteristics they’ll inherit from each parent.
Terriers themselves were originally bred to hunt vermin around farms and human settlements When they started being mixed with other breeds, they became more of “designer dogs” with less predictable traits. Most terrier mix owners report their dogs are smart, tenacious, proud, and confident – though specific traits depend heavily on the parent breeds
Small, Medium, or Large? Size Categories for Terrier Mixes
Terrier mixes generally fall into these size categories
- Small Terrier Mixes: 2-20 pounds, standing 6-18 inches tall
- Medium Terrier Mixes: 21-50 pounds, standing 10-25 inches tall
- Large Terrier Mixes: 51-100 pounds, standing 20-30 inches tall
- Extra-Large Terrier Mixes: 100+ pounds, standing 22-42 inches tall
Let’s break down some popular terrier mixes by size to give you a better idea of what to expect!
Small Terrier Mix Breeds (Under 20 pounds)
Small terrier mixes are perfect for apartment living or homes with limited space. These pups typically reach their full size faster than their larger counterparts – usually between 6-8 months of age.
Popular small terrier mixes include:
- Morkie (Maltese × Yorkshire Terrier): The ultimate lapdog, weighing 4-8 pounds
- Highland Maltie (Maltese × West Highland Terrier): Known as the “little white dog,” typically 7-12 pounds
- Chorkie (Chihuahua × Yorkshire Terrier): Popular “handbag pup” weighing 5-9 pounds
- Shorkie (Shih Tzu × Yorkshire Terrier): Stands 5-9 inches tall, weighing 7-15 pounds
- Jackahuahua (Chihuahua × Jack Russell Terrier): Small but athletic, standing 10-15 inches tall
These tiny pups typically reach about 75% of their adult size by 6 months of age. If your small terrier mix weighs 6 pounds at 6 months, they’ll likely weigh around 8 pounds as an adult.
Medium Terrier Mix Breeds (21-50 pounds)
Medium-sized terrier mixes offer a great balance – not too big, not too small. They’re often active and playful without needing quite as much space as larger dogs.
Popular medium terrier mixes include:
- Jackabee (Beagle × Jack Russell Terrier): Active and curious, typically 15-30 pounds
- Whoodle (Poodle × Wheaten Terrier): Teddy bear-like appearance, usually 20-45 pounds
- Yorkipoo (Poodle × Yorkshire Terrier): Can range from small to medium depending on the Poodle parent
- Frenchton (French Bulldog × Boston Terrier): Bubbly companion, typically 15-25 pounds
Medium terrier mixes usually reach about 66% of their adult size by 6 months. For example, if your medium terrier mix weighs 25 pounds at 6 months, they’ll likely weigh around 38 pounds as an adult.
Large Terrier Mix Breeds (51-100 pounds)
Large terrier mixes often result from crossing terriers with bigger breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, or Rottweilers. These dogs need more space and exercise.
Popular large terrier mixes include:
- Airedale Shepherd (German Shepherd × Airedale Terrier): Energetic outdoor companion, 70-80 pounds
- Airedoodle (Airedale × Poodle Terrier): Easy-going and relaxed, typically 50-70 pounds
- Pitsky (Siberian Husky × American Pitbull): Very energetic and athletic, 30-80 pounds
- Labrabull (Labrador × American Pitbull Terrier): Loyal family pet, 20-24 inches tall, 50-90 pounds
Large terrier mixes typically reach about 60% of their adult size by 6 months. If your large terrier mix weighs 45 pounds at 6 months, they might weigh around 75 pounds as an adult.
Extra-Large Terrier Mixes (100+ pounds)
Some terrier crosses with giant breeds can produce seriously big dogs! These gentle giants need plenty of space and appropriate exercise.
Notable extra-large terrier mixes include:
- Neapolitan Mastiff × American Pitbull Terrier mix: Can weigh up to 140 pounds!
- Giant Schnauzer × Terrier crosses: Though rare, can reach over 100 pounds
These extra-large terrier mixes typically reach only about 50% of their adult size by 6 months. A 70-pound puppy at 6 months could potentially reach 140 pounds as an adult!
When Do Terrier Mixes Stop Growing?
The growth timeline for terrier mixes varies based on their ultimate size:
- Small terrier mixes (under 20 pounds): Reach full size at 6-8 months
- Medium terrier mixes (21-50 pounds): Reach full size at 8-12 months
- Large terrier mixes (51-100 pounds): Reach full size at 12-18 months
- Extra-large terrier mixes (100+ pounds): May continue growing until 2-3 years of age
As a general rule, small and medium terrier puppies will finish growing at around half the age of their larger counterparts. Most mixed breeds will become fully grown in 12-18 months, though large breeds can take up to two years or more.
How to Estimate Your Terrier Mix’s Adult Size
If you’re wondering how big your terrier mix puppy will get, here are some methods to help you estimate:
1. Check the Parent Breeds
If you know what breeds make up your terrier mix, look at the typical sizes of those breeds. Your dog will likely fall somewhere in between or may take after one parent more than the other.
2. Try the Weight Formula
For a rough estimate when your puppy is between 12-20 weeks old:
(Current weight/Age in weeks) × 52 = Estimated adult weight
For example, if your terrier mix weighs 10 pounds at 16 weeks:
(10/16) = 0.625
0.625 × 52 = 32.5 pounds estimated adult weight
3. Look at Paw Size
While not always reliable (some terrier breeds naturally have larger or smaller paws), oversized paws on a puppy often indicate they have more growing to do.
4. Measure at 6 Months
For the most accurate estimate, weigh and measure your terrier mix at 6 months, then use these guidelines:
- Small dogs: At 6 months, they’re about 75% grown
- Medium dogs: At 6 months, they’re about 66% grown
- Large dogs: At 6 months, they’re about 60% grown
- Extra-large dogs: At 6 months, they’re only 50% grown
Factors Affecting Your Terrier Mix’s Growth
Several factors can influence how big your terrier mix gets:
1. Genetics
The most important factor is genetics. Your puppy inherits growth patterns from both parents, which is why knowing the parent breeds helps predict adult size.
2. Nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy growth. Underfeeding can stunt growth, while overfeeding can lead to obesity and joint problems. Always feed puppy-specific food until your pup reaches full growth (around 11-14 months for most terrier mixes).
3. Health Issues
Some health issues can affect growth rate, including:
- Improper nutrition
- Worm infections (hookworms or roundworms)
- Over-feeding (can cause joint problems)
4. Gender
Male terrier mixes typically grow slightly larger than females of the same mix.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
You should talk to your vet if:
- Your puppy isn’t gaining weight like you think they should
- Your puppy seems to be growing too quickly
- You notice any joint problems or limping
- You’re unsure about proper feeding amounts
Final Thoughts
Terrier mixes come in all shapes and sizes – that’s part of what makes them so special! While we can estimate how big your terrier mix might get, remember that each dog is unique. The joy of adopting a terrier mix is embracing that bit of mystery.
Whether your terrier mix ends up being 8 pounds or 80 pounds, with proper care, nutrition, and lots of love, they’ll grow into a wonderful companion. And isn’t that the most important thing?
Other pets and family members
If you have other pets, especially small animals, consider the terrier’s prey drive. Some mixes get along well with other dogs and cats, while others may require slow introductions and training to coexist peacefully. Occasionally, terrier mixes may need to live in homes without cats or other small animals.
Common terrier breeds in mixes
Terriers are a diverse group, and their mixes can inherit a variety of traits depending on their lineage. Some terrier breeds are more commonly found in shelters and rescues, often mixed with other popular breeds. If you’re considering adopting a terrier mix, here are some of the most common types you’ll come across and what to know about their typical traits.
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FAQ
How big does a terrier mix dog get?
Terrier mix dogs can vary in size depending on their breed. Some are tiny enough that you can carry them around with you at all times, whereas others can reach over 60 lbs! They normally get their size from their parents, so taking a look at the parent breeds will give you an indication as to how big your Terrier mix might get.
Are all terrier mixes small?
Not all terrier mixes are small. When we mix one of the large Terrier breeds with another large breed the result can be a very big dog. The biggest terrier by far is the Airdale and with their course curly coat, an Airedale mix can bring a new dimension to another breed.
How long does a terrier mix live?
The lifespan of a terrier mix largely depends on the size of the dog and the breed of the other, non-terrier dog. Experts say that one of the best predictors of lifespan in dogs is size and weight, with longevity declining as size goes up. What’s nice is that breed mixes tend on average to live longer than purebred dogs.
How many terrier mix dogs are there?
The word “terrier” means a group of breeds, not just one. This includes Yorkshire Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers and West Highland Terriers. Today, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 31 breeds of Terriers. How big do Terrier Mix Dogs get? Terrier mix dogs can vary in size depending on their breed.
How big do poodle terrier mix dogs get?
Most Poodle terrier mix dogs tend to be small, with a medium to long length coat that is curly or wavy. The Whoodle is bit larger than toy Poodle terrier cross breeds, ranging from 20 to 30 pounds. The cute and popular Yorkipoo can be as small as 4 or 5 pounds, depending on the size of the Poodle used.
What is a terrier mix?
Sometimes a Terrier mix is the result of breeding two Terrier breeds together, although more often than not it is the result of a Terrier breed crossed with a purebred dog. Terrier mixes can come in all shapes and sizes, from large breeds to small breeds.
Are terrier mix good dogs?
Is a terrier a good house dog?
Yes, terriers can make good family pets for the right owners, but they require active owners who can meet their high energy, strong hunting instincts, and independent nature through consistent training, early socialization, and plenty of physical and mental exercise. While intelligent and loyal, their need to chase, dig, and bark means they are not ideal for homes with very young children or small, prey animals, and may need secure outdoor spaces and regular companionship.
What is the most popular terrier mix?
The American Kennel Club recognizes over 30 different terrier breeds–so there is an endless list of terrier mix combinations. The most common mixes are the Chihuahua Terrier Mix and Jack Russell Terrier Mix.
Does terrier mix shed a lot?
Yep, they shed. Both breeds have little bristle like hairs which will awe and amaze you with their ability to stick to things. When you sweep, you’ll wonder if you have a 2nd dog hiding somewhere. You can’t eliminate the hair, but you can alleviate it.