Border Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

5.9-7 kg

Height

30.5-38 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Border Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

The Border Terrier is a small terrier breed that is characterised by its wire-haired coat and broad, scruffy head. The Border Terrier originated in the United Kingdom. They are known to be kind and loving but also have the terrier traits of being stubborn.

Read on to find out more information about the Border Terrier.

What is the history & origin of the Border Terrier?

The Border Terrier was bred along the Scottish-English border and is related to the Bedlington Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont, which also originated from that area.

In the 19th century, farmers in Scotland and England sought an intelligent, athletic, and loyal dog to protect their flocks and deter predators. They needed a dog with long enough legs to keep up with horses but small enough to crawl into fox dens. The popular foxhounds in the region were not suitable for these specific needs.

To meet these requirements, the Border Terrier was developed. By carefully selecting traits such as stamina, loyalty, and agility, breeders created a dog that excelled in both hunting and companionship. These purebred dogs were recognized by the United Kingdom’s Kennel Club in 1920, and the Border Terrier Club was formed that same year. The American Kennel Club registered Border Terriers in 1930.

Today, the Border Terrier is well-loved around the world but remains particularly popular in the United Kingdom.

What is a Border Terrier Breed?

The Border Terrier dog breed consists of active dogs with a gentle nature around their families. This small dog performs well in dog sports because of its need to please and its athletic abilities. Just like other terriers, they are affectionate dogs with a stubborn streak.

Adult Border Terriers are strong and sturdy, with a wiry, weather-resistant coat. They are alert, agile, good-natured, and obedient.

Who is a Border Terrier Best For?

Despite being an active dog, your Border Terrier will cope well in an apartment, as long as it gets enough exercise. Border Terriers are well-suited to active families. Although a 30-minute walk will suffice, they thrive when going for runs or long hikes.

They make good family dogs but can be a little bit nippy around young children and babies. The children and the dog will both have to be trained to respect each other.

Border Terriers get on with other dogs, but their prey instinct might kick in with small animals and other pets.

These scrappy dogs do not enjoy being home alone, and their ability to jump and dig makes them the perfect escape artists if they start getting lonely.

Border Terrier Grooming & Shedding

Border Terriers have a double coat – they have a soft undercoat and a wiry hard outer coat. Their grooming requirements are low. They require brushing 1-2 times a week to remove dead hair and help distribute natural oils. However, it’s advisable to brush every three days or more frequently if they pick up burrs or other debris on their coat during walks.

Although not big shedders, some dogs do undergo shedding season twice a year. Owners can strip the fur daily using a stripping tool to prevent hair from covering the entire house.

The wiry outer coat of the Border Terrier repels dirt, and frequent baths could remove this ability from the coat. It is best to simply wipe down your terrier with a damp cloth before brushing.

Ears should be checked weekly for dirt, and nails should be checked once a month and trimmed if required. You should also aim to brush your terrier’s teeth every day.

Do Border Terriers bark a lot?

Border Terriers are considered frequent barkers, especially when compared to other dogs.

When comfortable at home, the Border Terrier might not bark for no reason. They tend to bark when they feel threatened or experience a new sight and sound. They will also bark if left home alone for too long to express their loneliness, frustration, or boredom.

Even if you are home and you leave your dog outside in the yard, he will bark to let you know he wants to come inside.

What is the average weight & height of a Border Terrier dog?

On average, male Border Terriers weigh between 5.9 to 7 kilograms, while females typically range from 5.2 to 6.4 kilograms. In terms of height, both males and females stand between 30.5 to 38 centimeters tall at the shoulder. This compact size makes them well-suited for both active families and individuals looking for a lively companion.

Are Border Terriers easy to train?

Border Terriers are bright and highly intelligent. They also love to please their humans, making them fairly easy to train using the right methods. Some individual dogs tend to be stubborn and head-strong, which means if you do not start training from a young age, you may have some trouble later on.

You should consider taking your dog (whether a puppy or an adult dog) to obedience classes. These classes will help you to learn positive reinforcement training methods and will also socialise your dog and teach it to interact with dogs and people.

The Border Terrier dog breed is a popular competitor in canine sports due to its athletic abilities, endurance and willingness to please its owners.

One area where you might struggle to train your Border Terrier is to get along with other animals. Their prey drive makes them unsuitable animal companions for cats and other small pets.

How do Border Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The temperament of the Border Terrier can be described as bright, dynamic, affectionate, and scrappy.

Just like other terriers, Border Terriers are loving and friendly but have a fiercely independent streak. They love to play with other dogs and their family members but will need proper training around small children.

They can be impulsive and intense, making them challenging dogs to walk off-lead (they will chase any animal that crosses their path), but at the same time, they are lively and clever and fairly easy to train.

Does the Border Terrier have any common health issues?

Generally, a healthy dog breed, Border Terriers are prone to certain genetic health problems that other terrier breeds also struggle with. These health conditions include:

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint, leading to pain and mobility issues. Severe cases may require surgery.
Heart Disease and Heart Murmurs: These conditions can affect blood flow and heart function. Heart murmurs may indicate underlying heart problems that require monitoring and treatment.
Juvenile Cataracts: This condition involves the development of cataracts in young dogs, leading to clouded vision. Surgical intervention may be necessary to restore sight.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of genetic disorders that cause the retina to degenerate over time, leading to vision loss and, eventually, blindness.
Seizures: Various factors, including genetics and environmental triggers, can cause seizures in dogs. They may require medication for management.
Epilepsy: Characterized by recurrent seizures that may require long-term medication.
Allergic Reactions: Border Terriers can be sensitive to certain foods, environmental factors, or parasites, leading to skin irritations or gastrointestinal issues. Identifying and avoiding allergens is crucial.

What is the lifespan of a Border Terrier?

The expected lifespan of the Border Terrier is 12 to 15 years.

How much does a Border Terrier need to be fed?

Border Terriers should be fed high-quality dog food. This food can be from the store or could be prepared at home. The food should be appropriate for the age of the dog and also suitable for the dog’s size.

The type of diet and amount you feed your Border Terrier will depend on the age, level of exercise, and any health conditions it might have.

Border Terriers are food motivated, so if you use treats for training, factor this into the overall feeding schedule of the dog to prevent obesity. Avoid feeding your dog human food or table scraps, as this can also result in an overweight Border Terrier.

Always make sure your terrier has access to clean, fresh water.

How much can you expect to pay for a Border Terrier in Australia?

Purebred Border Terriers can cost anywhere from $990 to $1,840. Some championship bloodline puppies can cost more than $2,100. The price of the Border Terrier will depend on the bloodline, breeder, and age of the dog.

Border Terrier FAQs

Are Border Terriers cuddly?

Border Terriers may have been naturally bred to run around and hunt foxes, but these scrappy little dogs are loyal and affectionate and love spending time with their owners.

Even a working terrier will enjoy cuddling up on the couch with his owner, especially as it gets older and lose some of that puppy energy.

Are Border Terriers good swimmers?

The wiry coat of Border Terriers is a natural water repellent, which helps them to glide through the water. Their body shape and size, and strong legs, make them excellent swimmers.

Whether your Border Terrier enjoys swimming or not will be up to the individual dog, but all Border Terriers are able to swim well.

At what age should a Border Terrier be neutered?

There is no answer that is 100% correct, but it is generally recommended to neuter a dog after puberty. Although there is no consensus on when exactly a Border Terrier completes puberty (as it differs between dogs), it is considered appropriate to neuter a small dog breed between the age of six to nine months.

Neutering your terrier after puberty will have some health benefits, like preventing aggression and marking behaviour.

Are Border Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Border Terriers are considered to be hypoallergenic. Their wiry outercoat barely sheds, and any excess hair can be removed by frequent brushing. This breed also does not drool a lot and does not produce a lot of dander.

The low levels of shedding, slobbering, and dandruff make these dogs the perfect companions for people suffering from allergies.