What Dogs Are Considered Bearded Terriers?

Among herding dogs, there's a specific breed known as the bearded collie. Among terriers, there's no dog with "beard" in the breed title, but there's no shortage of terriers sporting substantial facial whiskers. For most of these terriers, their facial hair is part of the American Kennel Club breed standard. It's also part of their charm.

The Scottish terrier, in either the black or white version, is among the best known of the bearded terriers. At maturity, Scotties weigh approximately 20 pounds. They also boast eyebrows as well as beards. The white or tan Sealyham stands 10.5 inches tall when full grown. Unlike most terriers, which hail from the British Isles, the Cesky terrier originated in Czechoslovakia as a cross between the Scottie and the Sealyham. The Lakeland terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds. He tops the scales at 17 pounds. The miniature schnauzer, famous for his beard, is considered a terrier by the AKC. However, the related schnauzer and giant schnauzer are members of the working group.

The soft coated wheaten terrier matures between 17 and 19 inches in height, weighing between 30 and 40 pounds. The black-and-tan Welsh terrier resembles a miniature Airedale. Although he usually weighs about 20 pounds at maturity, he's taller than some of the terriers in the same weight class. Adult Welsh terriers stand about 15 inches tall at the shoulder. The wire fox terrier, approximately the same size as the Welsh terrier, is predominately white and usually has a dark saddle and a brown head and beard.

The Airedale, known as the "King of the Terriers", matures to 23 inches in height at the shoulder. He's a smart, if somewhat stubborn, bearded canine. The Kerry blue terrier not only possesses a soft, slate grey coat, but this dogs -- maturing at 18.5 inches in height --has one of the most prominent beards in the terrier group. The reddish-gold Irish terrier's breed standard calls for a beard that's not "goat-like," but a dog without a beard is considered undesirable. The Irish terrier is roughly the same size as the Kerry blue terrier.

If you don't show your bearded best friend, feel free to clip his muzzle so he's clean-shaven. Otherwise, you'll spend time every day or so cleaning food and other items out of his facial hair. When dogs with beards drink water, expect some dripping as he leaves the bowl. If you live with a bearded terrier, keep the paper towels handy.