Border Terrier Breed Guide: Characteristics, Care Tips, and Similar Breeds
Breed guide overview
About Border Terriers
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Border Terrier breed
Border Terriers are small, lively, and affectionate dogs with a rich history of being bred to hunt foxes and small game. Originating in the rugged border region between England and Scotland, their name reflects their geographic roots.
These hardy dogs are compact yet sturdy, with a distinctive wiry double coat that comes in several striking colors, including red, grizzle and tan, or blue and tan. Their coats are designed for durability and weather resistance, making them well-suited for outdoor activities.
Known for their natural talent for digging and burrowing, Border Terriers are true working dogs, originally used to help farmers and hunters by pursuing prey underground.
Weight, height & life expectancy
When it comes to size, males typically stand 25-28 cm tall and weigh between 5-7 kg, while females are slightly smaller, standing 23-26 cm tall and weighing 4-6 kg.
These agile dogs are not only physically resilient but also have an impressive lifespan of 12-15 years, making them wonderful long-term companions.
What Is the Temperament of Border Terriers?
Border Terriers are renowned for their friendly, affectionate, and family-oriented nature. These sociable dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are generally excellent with children and other pets, making them ideal companions for families.
With their lively and spirited personality, Border Terriers are intelligent, alert, and eager to please. They thrive on activity and engagement, enjoying outdoor adventures and mental challenges. However, their strong prey drive, a trait inherited from their hunting background, may lead them to chase smaller animals, so supervision is recommended during walks or in areas with wildlife.
Early socialisation and consistent training are crucial for Border Terriers. Proper guidance helps them channel their natural instincts and develop good manners, ensuring they grow into well-behaved and adaptable pets.
Despite their small stature, Border Terriers are fearless and confident, embodying the bold spirit of a working terrier while maintaining a gentle and loving disposition.
Our Border Terrier community
"Beans is a 6 month Border Terrier puppy. He was originally named after Heinz Beanz but since it’s become fitting that he’s clearly full of them. He is very affectionate, so fast to learn, super engaged and smart."
Beans' owner, Craig from London
"Alan is a grumpy but lovable little guy. His favourite thing is eating! He is an aloof little dog who gives you attention on his terms and he is the sweetest boy, but he definitely is not a lap dog!"
Alan's owner, Nicola from Pudsey
How Much Exercise Do Border Terriers Need?
Border Terriers are highly active dogs that thrive with regular exercise to keep them both physically fit and mentally stimulated. They require approximately 1-2 hours of exercise each day, which can include walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive games that challenge their intelligence and instincts.
These spirited dogs love exploring their surroundings and particularly enjoy activities that tap into their natural hunting instincts. However, it’s important to tailor their exercise routine based on their age and developmental stage.
For Border Terrier puppies, exercise needs differ significantly from adults. While their bones and joints are still developing, excessive exercise can cause harm. Instead, focus on short and frequent play sessions throughout the day. A general guideline for puppies is to provide about 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. For example, a 4-month-old puppy might enjoy two 20-minute play sessions daily. Always consult your veterinarian for tailored exercise recommendations to support your puppy’s growth.
In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is vital for Border Terriers. They thrive with activities such as puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive play, which help to prevent boredom and keep their minds sharp. Engaging their brains is just as important as physical exercise for their overall happiness and well-being.
Do Border Terriers Need a Lot of Grooming?
Border Terriers have a unique wiry and dense double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its condition and functionality. Their coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat, designed to protect them from the elements.
While Border Terriers are not heavy shedders, their coat needs to be hand-stripped or professionally groomed two to three times a year to remove dead hair and maintain the coat’s proper texture. This process ensures their coat remains healthy and weather-resistant, preserving the breed’s natural rugged look.
Regular brushing is also important to prevent matting and keep their coat tidy. A slicker brush or a grooming tool designed specifically for terrier coats is ideal for maintaining their wiry texture. Brushing once or twice a week is usually sufficient to manage their coat and minimise shedding around the house.
In addition to coat care, oral hygiene is crucial for Border Terriers. Ideally, their teeth should be brushed twice daily using a dog-specific toothpaste. If this is not practical, brushing as often as possible will still make a significant difference to their dental health.
By keeping up with their grooming routine, you’ll not only help your Border Terrier look their best but also promote their overall health and well-being.
Are Border Terriers Easy to Train?
Border Terriers are intelligent and eager-to-please dogs, which makes them trainable, but their independent streak can present challenges at times. With consistent training, patience, and the use of positive reinforcement, Border Terriers can become well-behaved and obedient companions.
Early socialisation is key to raising a well-rounded Border Terrier. Expose them to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age to help them develop good social skills and reduce tendencies towards shyness or aggression. Proper socialisation builds their confidence and helps them adapt to different situations with ease.
Positive reinforcement training methods work best for Border Terriers. They respond enthusiastically to treats, praise, and rewards, making motivation a crucial element of their training routine. These methods not only encourage learning but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
To keep their attention, training sessions should be short, fun, and varied. Border Terriers thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy engaging in activities that challenge their intelligence. Incorporating games and interactive exercises into their training helps prevent boredom and maximises their learning potential.
By approaching training with consistency, patience, and a bit of creativity, you can effectively train a Border Terrier while enjoying the process of building a strong relationship with your dog.
What Do Border Terriers Eat?
Feeding your Border Terrier a well-balanced, high-quality dog food is essential to meet their nutritional needs and support their overall health. Their diet should be tailored to their age, size, and activity level to ensure they get the proper nutrients to thrive.
For Border Terrier puppies, their dietary needs are different from adults as they require nutrition that supports growth and development. Puppies should be fed a diet specifically formulated for their age until around 12 months of age. They need to eat more frequently, with 3-4 meals a day recommended until they are about 6 months old. After this, their meals can be reduced to twice daily.
At around 10-12 months, depending on the food brand, your dog’s individual needs, and your vet’s advice, puppies can transition to adult dog food. During this period, consult with your veterinarian to ensure the transition is smooth and their nutritional requirements are still being met.
For adult Border Terriers, maintaining a balanced diet and portion control is crucial to prevent obesity, a common issue in many small breeds. Your vet can recommend the appropriate portion sizes and food types to suit your Border Terrier’s activity level.
By providing a high-quality diet and monitoring their weight, you can help your Border Terrier live a long, healthy, and active life.
Are Border Terriers Healthy?
Border Terriers are generally considered a healthy and robust breed. However, like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Being aware of these potential conditions can help owners provide the best care and ensure their Border Terrier stays happy and healthy.
Common Health Concerns in Border Terriers
Bones and Joints
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: A hip condition where the blood supply to the femur's head is compromised, leading to bone degeneration, pain, and lameness.
- Luxating Patella: A condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal position, potentially causing discomfort and mobility issues.
Neurological Conditions
- SLEM (Spongiform LeucoEncephaloMyelopathy): Also known as shaking puppy syndrome, this rare neurological disorder has been reduced in prevalence through responsible breeding practices.
Skin Conditions
- Atopy: An overreaction of the immune system to allergens, which can result in skin irritation, itching, and discomfort.
General Health Tips
This list of potential health issues is not exhaustive, and regular vet check-ups are essential to monitor your Border Terrier’s well-being. Early detection and treatment of any issues can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life. If you’re considering a Border Terrier or have concerns about your pet’s health, consult with your vet for personalised advice.
Vet top tip
Border Terriers are an active and intelligent breed, so keeping them physically fit and mentally stimulated is key to their overall health and happiness. Regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and consistent training are essential, but don't forget about preventive healthcare! Schedule routine vet check-ups, stay on top of vaccinations, and monitor their weight closely to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint issues.
