Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a small and sturdy breed known for their loyalty and affectionate temperament. They are alert, active, and make great family pets.

Border Terrier Breed overview

The Border Terrier originated in the border country between England and Scotland where they were bred to hunt vermin such as foxes and rabbits. They are a small but sturdy breed with a wiry coat that can be red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten in color. Border Terriers are known for their affectionate and loyal nature and make great family dogs. They are intelligent and adaptable which makes them easy to train.

They are active and love to play, making them great pets for families with children. They are also good with other dogs and pets. Despite their small size, they are fearless and have a high level of energy which makes them great working dogs as well.

Height:
10-11 inches
Weight:
11-15 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-15 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Border Terrier

Grooming

Border Terriers require regular grooming to maintain their wiry coat. They should be brushed at least once a week and trimmed every few months to keep their coat in top condition. They should also be bathed as needed. Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort.

Nutrition

Border Terriers should be fed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and size. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly to prevent obesity. They should also have access to clean water at all times.

Health

Border Terriers are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. They are prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and allergies. Regular veterinary care and exercise can help prevent these issues. They can also develop dental problems if their teeth are not regularly cleaned.

Exercise

Border Terriers are an active breed and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They enjoy long walks, runs, and playing games such as fetch. They also excel in agility and obedience competitions.

Training

Border Terriers are intelligent dogs that can be stubborn at times. Early socialization and obedience training are important to ensure that they get along well with other dogs and pets. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed.

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Border Terrier Traits & Characteristics

The Border Terrier is a small, well-proportioned breed that is longer than it is tall. They weigh between 11 to 16 pounds and stand between 11 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a coarse and wiry outer coat with a thick undercoat that protects them from cold weather. Their coat can be red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten in color.

The Border Terrier has a broad, slightly rounded head with a strong jaw and dark, expressive eyes that give them a keen and intelligent expression. Their ears are small and V-shaped, and they have a short, strong neck that leads down to a well-muscled and straight back. They have a deep chest and muscular hindquarters. The Border Terrier's tail is short and carried gaily.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Border Terriers are a loving and loyal breed that bond strongly with their owners. They enjoy spending time with their family and are always up for a cuddle on the couch. They will follow their owners around the house and are happiest when they are included in family activities.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Border Terriers are great with children and are patient, playful, and energetic when it comes to interacting with kids. They have a lot of energy, which makes them great playmates for kids, while their size and friendly temperament make them a safe choice for families with young children.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Border Terriers are generally friendly towards other dogs, but they can be territorial and may not always get along with dogs they don't know. Socialization is key with this breed, as early and frequent interactions with other dogs can help them develop good habits and avoid conflicts.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Border Terriers can be reserved with strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people. However, with proper socialization and training, they can learn to be friendly and welcoming towards new acquaintances.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Border Terriers are a highly playful and energetic breed that loves to have fun. They enjoy games like fetch and tug-of-war and are always up for a good romp in the yard. They make great playmates for children and can keep up with even the most active families.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Border Terriers are highly alert and aware, which makes them great watchdogs. They are quick to sound the alarm when something is amiss and have a strong instinct to protect their families. With proper training, they can be taught to distinguish between real threats and harmless situations.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Border Terriers are a highly adaptable breed that can do well in a variety of living situations. They are just as happy living in a small apartment as they are in a large house with a yard. They are also good travel companions and can adjust to new environments fairly easily.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Border Terriers are low-shedding dogs that require minimal grooming. Their wire-haired coat sheds very little, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies. Occasional brushing is all that is needed to keep their coat looking neat and healthy.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Border Terriers have a wiry coat that requires regular brushing and trimming to keep it in good condition. They need to be stripped twice a year to remove dead hair and maintain their coat's texture. Ears should also be checked regularly and cleaned as needed to prevent infection.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Border Terriers are not heavy droolers and tend to have a dry mouth. They are a good choice for people who prefer a clean and tidy pet that doesn't slobber all over them or their furniture.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Border Terriers are a small breed that typically weigh between 11 and 16 pounds and stand at around 10 inches tall. They are compact and sturdy, with a proportional build and a unique, wiry coat.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Border Terriers are a high-energy breed that require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, runs, and active play, and make great companions for people who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Border Terriers are a highly active breed that require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They should get a minimum of one hour of exercise per day, which can include long walks, playtime in the yard, and interactive games like fetch and tug-of-war.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Border Terriers have a strong work ethic and were originally bred to hunt small game. They make great working dogs, particularly in tasks such as vermin control or search and rescue, and can also excel in obedience and agility competitions.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Border Terriers are a natural hunting breed with a strong prey drive and excellent scenting abilities. They are versatile hunters that can work in a variety of conditions and terrains, making them a popular choice among hunters and outdoorsmen.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Border Terriers are a high-energy breed with excellent stamina and endurance. They can maintain a high level of activity for long periods of time and excel in activities such as running, hiking, and agility competitions.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Border Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to some health issues such as hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin conditions. Regular veterinary checkups and preventative care can help to maintain their health and prevent serious health issues.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Border Terriers can be prone to obesity if not provided with enough exercise and a healthy diet. They enjoy food and can be prone to overeating, so their intake should be monitored carefully to prevent weight gain and associated health issues.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Border Terriers can tolerate moderate cold weather conditions, but are not well-suited for extreme cold. They should be provided with extra warmth and protection in colder temperatures, such as a coat or sweater, to prevent discomfort or hypothermia.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Border Terriers can tolerate moderate heat, but should be provided with adequate shade and water in hotter temperatures. They can become overheated and dehydrated quickly, so it's important to monitor them closely in hot weather.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Border Terriers can do well in an apartment setting, provided they get enough exercise and playtime. They are an active breed that require daily walks and play to stay healthy and happy, but their small size and adaptable nature makes them a good choice for apartment dwellers.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Border Terriers are a curious and adventurous breed that can have a tendency to wander off if left unsupervised. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and investigating new scents, which can make them prone to wanderlust. They should always be kept on a leash or in a secure fenced area.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Border Terriers can be sensitive and may become stressed or anxious in certain situations. They require a patient and understanding owner who can provide plenty of positive reinforcement and emotional support. Early socialization and training can help to build their confidence and reduce sensitivity.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Border Terriers can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and can become stressed if left alone for extended periods of time. They should ideally have a companion or someone to check on them if their owners are away for the day.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Border Terriers are alert and vocal dogs that will bark to alert their owners of anything out of the ordinary. They can be prone to excessive barking if not properly trained, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, their barking can be controlled.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Border Terriers are an intelligent breed that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy learning new tricks and commands, and can excel at obedience and agility training.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Border Terriers can be a good choice for novice dog owners, provided they are willing to commit to training and socialization. They require consistent training and socialization to prevent behavioral issues, but their adaptable nature and friendly temperament makes them a good choice for first-time owners.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Border Terriers are an intelligent breed, but they can be independent and stubborn, which can make training a challenge. They respond best to positive reinforcement and consistency, and early socialization and obedience training is crucial to develop good habits and prevent behavioral issues.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Border Terriers are a loving and loyal breed that bond strongly with their owners. They enjoy spending time with their family and are always up for a cuddle on the couch. They will follow their owners around the house and are happiest when they are included in family activities.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Border Terriers are great with children and are patient, playful, and energetic when it comes to interacting with kids. They have a lot of energy, which makes them great playmates for kids, while their size and friendly temperament make them a safe choice for families with young children.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Border Terriers are generally friendly towards other dogs, but they can be territorial and may not always get along with dogs they don't know. Socialization is key with this breed, as early and frequent interactions with other dogs can help them develop good habits and avoid conflicts.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Border Terriers can be reserved with strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people. However, with proper socialization and training, they can learn to be friendly and welcoming towards new acquaintances.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Border Terriers are a highly playful and energetic breed that loves to have fun. They enjoy games like fetch and tug-of-war and are always up for a good romp in the yard. They make great playmates for children and can keep up with even the most active families.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Border Terriers are highly alert and aware, which makes them great watchdogs. They are quick to sound the alarm when something is amiss and have a strong instinct to protect their families. With proper training, they can be taught to distinguish between real threats and harmless situations.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Border Terriers are a highly adaptable breed that can do well in a variety of living situations. They are just as happy living in a small apartment as they are in a large house with a yard. They are also good travel companions and can adjust to new environments fairly easily.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Border Terriers are low-shedding dogs that require minimal grooming. Their wire-haired coat sheds very little, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies. Occasional brushing is all that is needed to keep their coat looking neat and healthy.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Border Terriers have a wiry coat that requires regular brushing and trimming to keep it in good condition. They need to be stripped twice a year to remove dead hair and maintain their coat's texture. Ears should also be checked regularly and cleaned as needed to prevent infection.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Border Terriers are not heavy droolers and tend to have a dry mouth. They are a good choice for people who prefer a clean and tidy pet that doesn't slobber all over them or their furniture.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Border Terriers are a small breed that typically weigh between 11 and 16 pounds and stand at around 10 inches tall. They are compact and sturdy, with a proportional build and a unique, wiry coat.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Border Terriers are a high-energy breed that require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, runs, and active play, and make great companions for people who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Border Terriers are a highly active breed that require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They should get a minimum of one hour of exercise per day, which can include long walks, playtime in the yard, and interactive games like fetch and tug-of-war.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Border Terriers have a strong work ethic and were originally bred to hunt small game. They make great working dogs, particularly in tasks such as vermin control or search and rescue, and can also excel in obedience and agility competitions.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Border Terriers are a natural hunting breed with a strong prey drive and excellent scenting abilities. They are versatile hunters that can work in a variety of conditions and terrains, making them a popular choice among hunters and outdoorsmen.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Border Terriers are a high-energy breed with excellent stamina and endurance. They can maintain a high level of activity for long periods of time and excel in activities such as running, hiking, and agility competitions.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Border Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to some health issues such as hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin conditions. Regular veterinary checkups and preventative care can help to maintain their health and prevent serious health issues.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Border Terriers can be prone to obesity if not provided with enough exercise and a healthy diet. They enjoy food and can be prone to overeating, so their intake should be monitored carefully to prevent weight gain and associated health issues.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Border Terriers can tolerate moderate cold weather conditions, but are not well-suited for extreme cold. They should be provided with extra warmth and protection in colder temperatures, such as a coat or sweater, to prevent discomfort or hypothermia.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Border Terriers can tolerate moderate heat, but should be provided with adequate shade and water in hotter temperatures. They can become overheated and dehydrated quickly, so it's important to monitor them closely in hot weather.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Border Terriers can do well in an apartment setting, provided they get enough exercise and playtime. They are an active breed that require daily walks and play to stay healthy and happy, but their small size and adaptable nature makes them a good choice for apartment dwellers.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Border Terriers are a curious and adventurous breed that can have a tendency to wander off if left unsupervised. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and investigating new scents, which can make them prone to wanderlust. They should always be kept on a leash or in a secure fenced area.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Border Terriers can be sensitive and may become stressed or anxious in certain situations. They require a patient and understanding owner who can provide plenty of positive reinforcement and emotional support. Early socialization and training can help to build their confidence and reduce sensitivity.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Border Terriers can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and can become stressed if left alone for extended periods of time. They should ideally have a companion or someone to check on them if their owners are away for the day.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Border Terriers are alert and vocal dogs that will bark to alert their owners of anything out of the ordinary. They can be prone to excessive barking if not properly trained, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, their barking can be controlled.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Border Terriers are an intelligent breed that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy learning new tricks and commands, and can excel at obedience and agility training.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Border Terriers can be a good choice for novice dog owners, provided they are willing to commit to training and socialization. They require consistent training and socialization to prevent behavioral issues, but their adaptable nature and friendly temperament makes them a good choice for first-time owners.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Border Terriers are an intelligent breed, but they can be independent and stubborn, which can make training a challenge. They respond best to positive reinforcement and consistency, and early socialization and obedience training is crucial to develop good habits and prevent behavioral issues.

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History of the Border Terrier

The Border Terrier originated in the border country between England and Scotland in the 18th century where they were bred to hunt vermin such as foxes and rabbits. They were highly valued by farmers for their ability to control pests on their land. The breed was first recognized by the Kennel Club in 1920 and quickly gained popularity due to their loyalty and affectionate nature. Today, they are still a popular breed, both as working dogs and as family pets.

Border Terrier Puppies

Border Terrier puppies are lively and energetic. They require regular exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy. They are intelligent and can learn quickly, but can also be stubborn at times. They should be socialized from an early age to ensure that they get along well with other dogs and pets.

They should be fed a high-quality puppy food that is appropriate for their age and size. It's important to monitor their growth and adjust their diet accordingly to prevent obesity. They should also receive regular veterinary care including vaccinations and deworming.