March 27th is National Terrier Day, and let’s be honest—life would be far less entertaining without these bold, busy little companions. Whether they’re chasing shadows, barking at their reflection, or burrowing under blankets, terriers bring a whole lot of heart (and hilarity) into our homes.
With 27 terrier breeds officially recognized globally, March 27th is all about honouring their sass, smarts, and signature scruff. Let’s dive into our top picks—each one packed with personality, history, and a whole lot of zoomies.
Schnauzer: The Bearded Bandit with Boundless Brains
Though technically part of the working group, the Miniature Schnauzer is often lumped in with terriers thanks to its size, sass, and small-animal instincts. Originally bred in Germany to rat out rodents on farms, this dapper dog with bushy eyebrows and a bold heart is now a family favourite.
Fun Fact: Mini Schnauzers love to “talk.” Expect quirky grumbles, howls, and excited “stories” when you walk in the door.
Recommended Food:
Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer Adult Dry Dog Food – great for coat shine and urinary health.
Montego Karoo Small Breed Puppy – ideal for active lifestyles with quality protein from ostrich or lamb.
Jack Russell Terrier: The Pocket Rocket
Born from the fox-hunting fields of England, the Jack Russell Terrier is a muscle-packed ball of energy. Smart, scrappy, and always game for a chase, this pup thrives in an active household and needs both physical and mental workouts to stay balanced.
Fun Fact: Jack Russells can jump up to five times their height. That’s right—you’ve got a built-in circus act.
Recommended Food:
Royal Canin Jack Russell Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food – maintains muscle tone and skin health.
Eukanuba Active Advantage Small Breed Puppy – perfect for fueling young Jack Russells through those energetic first months.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: The Sweet Muscle Muffin
Staffies are South Africa’s sweetheart breed—stocky, strong, and unbelievably loving. Originally bred in 19th-century England for bull-baiting, they've become ultimate companions, especially in homes with children.
Fun Fact: The Staffie “smile” is real. They’re famous for their wide-mouthed grins and full-body tail wags.
Recommended Food:
Montego Karoo Adult – Beef & Lamb – high in protein and omega oils to support muscle and skin.
VetsBrands Performance Dog Food – ideal for Staffies who get lots of daily exercise and need sustained energy. Available at Vetworld.
Eukanuba Active Advantage Medium Breed Puppy – Lamb & Rice – supports rapid growth in Staffie pups with a sensitive tummy.
Yorkshire Terrier: The Boss Babe in a Bow
Don't let the glittery bows fool you—Yorkies are mini powerhouses. They were originally bred to catch rats in English textile mills and still carry that confident, take-no-prisoners attitude.
Fun Fact: Some Yorkies only weigh 2kg but act like they run the whole street. It’s giving “CEO in a fur coat” energy.
Recommended Food:
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Adult – designed to keep that silky coat luscious and the appetite satisfied.
Acana Small Breed Puppy – grain-free and protein-rich for Yorkies with gourmet tastes.
Bull Terrier: The Comedic Egghead
The Bull Terrier is one part athlete, one part comedian. With their distinctive egg-shaped head and cheeky grin, they’re endlessly entertaining and incredibly affectionate. Originally bred for blood sports, they’ve come a long way to become family favourites.
Fun Fact: Bull Terriers are obsessed with their humans. Some won’t even go to the loo without an audience (you’ve been warned).
Recommended Food:
Montego Monty & Me Essential – a balanced, budget-friendly option with enough energy for playful Bull Terriers.
Royal Canin Medium Adult – supports active, medium-sized breeds like the Bullie.
Scottish Terrier: The Aristocrat of the Terrier World
Stoic, sharp, and slightly aloof, the Scottie is an icon of Scottish heritage and charm. They were bred to hunt badgers, which explains their low-to-the-ground build and “I do what I want” attitude.
Fun Fact: Fala, President Roosevelt’s Scottie, had his own press secretary during WWII. Yes, really.
Recommended Food:
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Digestion Adult Lamb & Rice - great for Scotties prone to food sensitivities.
Hills Science Diet Small & Mini Breed Adult - contains balanced levels of protein, fat and carbohydrates plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for health and wellbeing.
West Highland White Terrier: The Cloud with Attitude
The Westie is cute enough to be in commercials (and often is) but has the heart of a lion. Brave, outgoing, and a bit mischievous, they’re always up for a game.
Fun Fact: Westies have no clue they’re small. They’ll bark at a German Shepherd and then nap like nothing happened.
Recommended Food:
Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Adult – supports skin health and coat brilliance.
Montego Classic Small Breed Adult – tasty kibble for everyday vitality.
Cairn Terrier: The Original Toto with Tons of Mojo
Built to hunt among the rocky cairns of the Scottish Highlands, Cairns are all about curiosity and courage. Spunky and scruffy, they’re loyal companions who love a challenge.
Fun Fact: “Toto” from The Wizard of Oz was a Cairn Terrier—and apparently had better on-set behaviour than some of the human actors.
Recommended Food:
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Adult Mini Breed Lamb, Pumpkin & Blueberry - Grain-free and rich in lamb protein and antioxidants, it's tailored for small breeds' muscle, digestion, and immune support.
Ultra Pet Superwoof Small To Medium Breed Adult Turkey & Rice - contains all of the necessary nutrients that dogs need to live their lives to the fullest.
Boston Terrier: The Dapper Little Gentleman
Boston Terriers may not be terriers in the traditional sense, but they’ve got all the spunk, smarts, and charm to fit right in. Originally bred in the U.S. as a cross between Bulldogs and now-extinct White English Terriers, they’re compact, cheerful companions with a heart of gold and a clownish streak.
Fun Fact: Boston Terriers are natural comedians. Many owners report their dogs making “snort-laugh” noises when excited—and their expressive eyes tell entire stories without a bark.
Recommended Food:
Optimizor Premium Adult 2In1 Gravy Coated – The gravy coating enhances the flavor, making mealtime more enjoyable and appetizing for your dog.
Complete Elite Small to Medium Breed – locally made, with balanced nutrition and energy for playful companions. Available in-store.
Terrier-ably Good Companions, Every Single Day
From their fearless roots in the fields and farms of Europe to their starring roles in our homes (and hearts), terriers have always done life on their own terms—boldly, loudly, and with endless tail-wagging charm. National Terrier Day is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of scruffy faces, stubborn streaks, and the kind of loyalty that only a terrier can give.
So, whether your terrier is a couch-surfing cuddle bug or a backyard explorer with Olympic-level digging skills, today’s the perfect day to toss that ball a little further, offer an extra treat, or simply say, “You’re my favourite little troublemaker.”
After all, life with a terrier isn’t always tidy—but it sure is terrier-ific.
Explore our terrier-approved foods in-store or online at www. petworld.co.za.