Border Terrier Breed Profile: Essential Facts
These small, scruffy dogs were once known to hunt foxes and vermin on the border between England and Scotland.
Border Terrier
- AKC Group: Terrier
- Weight: 11.5–15.5 lbs.
- Height: 12–15 in.
- Life Span: 12–15 years
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Key Characteristics of Border Terriers
Border Terriers are small, scruffy dogs once used to clear foxes out of their holes and hunt vermin and pests.
These dogs have dark-colored, V-shaped ears and dark hazel eyes. Their tail is tapered, and their feet are small and compact.
A Border Terrier's weather-resistant double coat consists of a short, wiry outer coat and a dense, short undercoat.
Coat colors include grizzly and tan, blue and tan, red or wheaten. It's also possible that some of these dogs carry white markings on their chest.
Where Border Terriers Came From
Border Terriers originated in Cheviot Hills, near the border (hence the name) of England and Scotland. This older breed of Great Britain hunted foxes, otters, vermin and badgers, to name a few.
The dogs were not well known throughout Great Britain, but the breed was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1920. The Border Terrier Club was also formed that year, and shortly thereafter the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1930.
How Friendly Are Border Terriers?
Border Terriers are alert, agile, friendly and affectionate. They are easy to train and get along well with other dogs.
You shouldn't leave yours alone with other pets, though -- their high prey drive may kick in. However, they usually get along fine with cats if they were raised or socialized with them.
These dogs are fine with children and are usually good watchdogs, though they are not aggressive. We recommend training and socialization to eliminate the possibility of small dog syndrome.
Border Terriers like to dig, so set aside an area for your dog to fulfill this need.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
HIGH: These little hunters need daily exercise. Borders have plenty of energy and stamina, although these gradually lower as the dogs get older (they are still active in puppyhood and for years after).
Border Terriers may chase non-canine pets, so keep your Border on a leash or in an enclosed area when outdoors.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: Brushing a few times per week is enough to keep your Border’s coat healthy. However, because the coat must be professionally groomed or hand-stripped 2–3 times a year or more, depending on the cut, we rank their coat maintenance as a medium.
A Border Terrier's coat doesn't shed much, but regular grooming is important to prevent matting and knotting, according to Debbie Dee, author of The Complete Guide to Border Terriers.
"Most Border Terriers can benefit from at least monthly bathing, but if your dog has a penchant for getting dirty, you may want to do it as often as once a week," notes Dee. "Make sure you pick a no-tear shampoo because the Border Terrier's eyes and skin are delicate."
Health Problems
LOW: The most prevalent health problem in Border Terriers is canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS), a condition that mimics epilepsy in its symptoms. Other health problems may include: Hip dysplasia Legg-Calve-Perthes disease Heart defects Juvenile cataracts Progressive retinal atrophy Seizures
Watch this rowdy Border Terrier puppy get rid of some pent-up energy:
Where to Adopt a Border Terrier
We found several purebred and mixed-breed Border Terriers available for adoption during a recent search.
Check with your local shelters and rescues to see what dogs they have, or start your search now with Petful's free online pet adoption search.
If you decide to buy a puppy through a breeder, be sure to inquire about the parents and health clearances (hip, eye and elbow, because a test to screen for CECS is not available and the condition is difficult to diagnose).
As always, keep vigilant for the warning signs that the breeder is operating a puppy mill.
Border Terriers in the Movies
A number of movies and TV shows have featured Border Terriers over the years. Here's a sampling.
Movies
- There’s Something About Mary
- Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
- Good Boy!
- Return to Oz
TV Shows
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Border Terriers have high energy levels, a strong prey drive, and can be stubborn, making training essential. They also require regular grooming and may dig or chase small animals.
Yes, but only for short periods. They are social dogs and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long without proper training and stimulation.
Yes, Border Terriers are great family dogs. They are affectionate, friendly, and good with children, but they need exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.
No, they are moderate maintenance. They require regular brushing, occasional hand-stripping of their wiry coat, and daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Yes, they enjoy cuddling, but they are also independent and energetic, preferring playtime and outdoor activities before settling down for affection.
They are not excessive barkers but will bark when alerting to strangers or excited. Proper training can help manage barking behavior.
Additional Resources
- AKC’s Border Terrier Page
- Border Terrier Club of America
- Border Terrier Canada
- The Border Terrier Club (UK)
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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