Your Pet, Our Passion.
Border Terrier

Border Terrier

One of the most popular terrier breeds, Border Terriers are small to medium-sized terriers with characteristic otter-like heads. Originally bred to help Foxhounds with hunting, these dogs are fast, love to dig and have a high prey drive.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Key Facts

Lifespan: 12–15 years
Weight: 5–7kg
Height: 28–30.5cm
Colours: Border Terriers have a harsh, dense coat that comes in a variety of colours including red; wheaten; grizzle and tan or blue and tan
Size: Small
Kennel Club group: Terriers

Ratings

Family-friendly: 4/5
Exercise needs: 5/5
Easy to train: 3/5
Tolerates being alone: 1/5
Likes other pets: 2/5
Energy level: 4/5
Grooming needs: 3/5
Shedding: 3/5

Personality

The Border Terrier breed is an affectionate, fun-loving one. They are brave, adaptable and good with people, especially with children. Generally easy-going, they have an independent nature and like to make their own decisions. The Border loves to chase rabbits and squirrels but will live in harmony with other household pets, if socialised and introduced carefully. This dog is equally at home in town or country.

The Border Terrier would suit an active owner who loves the ‘big dog in a small body’ attitude of a terrier but who prefers a softer, less feisty - and more social - version.

History and Origins 

The Border Terrier dog breed first appeared in the 18th century and has changed little since. They were used as working terriers in the Scottish Borders, hunting foxes which preyed on livestock. They needed to be fast enough to run with the hounds but small enough to flush the fox out of their den. During their history, they were known as Reedwater Terriers and Coquetdale Terriers but nowadays are referred to as Border Terriers. They are still occasionally working terriers in the countryside but now are mainly family companions.

The Border Terrier is generally a very healthy dog. Although there are some breed-associated problems known to exist such as eye disorders and epilepsy, but these are relatively rare.

The Border Terrier dog breed is very active, bred to follow the hunt and with keen hunting instincts. They need a minimum of an hour's exercise on a daily basis, but will enjoy more. They may chase any small creature that takes their fancy regardless of the situation. This can lead them into trouble, but an owner who is aware of this and starts appropriate training at an early age will find they can be trained to a high standard.

The Border Terrier can be happy as either an urban or a rural companion as long as they have plenty of exercise, but they enjoy countryside walks and exploring the sights and scents of the great outdoors so they do need to get time out in nature.

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

The short, dense coat of the Border Terrier means that grooming requirements are undemanding. Brushing will clean debris gathered during forays into the undergrowth from the coat and they may benefit from stripping occasionally.

The Border Terrier is one of the easier Terriers to train as they are both clever and biddable and have a softer temperament than some of the others. They enjoy learning basic obedience and some have even found success in some of the dog sports such as mini agility and heelwork to music. They also love interactive enrichment toys and are surprisingly skilled at these.

The Border Terrier is one of the better terriers when it comes to living with children as they are active and robust, enjoy getting involved in family activities and outings, and have more patience than many. Even still, they are better with slightly older, sensible children. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with, respect each other and be safe together. Dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Did You Know? 

  • As the Border Terrier was bred to run with the hounds, they are longer-legged than many of the other terrier breeds and are more social than the rest too!  

  • This breed is known for being escape artists, so you’ll need to make sure you have a secure garden to prevent them from getting out.

  • Border Terriers are keen diggers; however, you can prevent ripped up flower beds by providing them with their own space to dig such as a sandbox.

  • They’re usually not yappy but if bored, they may result in nuisance barking.

  • Border Terriers shouldn’t be kept with small furries such as rabbits, guinea pigs, etc as their hunting instinct is too strong.

Found your perfect breed? Take these next steps:

Labrador lying next to the sofa
Finding a pet
Is this the right breed for you?
All dogs have their own unique personality! Try our Dog Breed Selector Quiz and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.
Dog with red collar sitting next to the owner
Finding a pet
Top 21 questions to ask a breeder
If your heart is set on a pedigree puppy, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide.
Puppy walking next to owner on a lead
Finding a pet
Choosing the Right Dog for You
Getting a dog is one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make - and one of the biggest! Like all important decisions, doing your homework before taking on a new pup will make sure that you're choosing the right dog for you and your lifestyle.
Dog with red collar
Finding a pet
Welcoming your dog home
While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.
Dog with red collar lying
Adoption
It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many dogs waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?
Dog with red collar looking out the window
Puppy advice
Everything you need to know
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting for all the family, but it can be quite scary for your new pup. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert puppy advice.
Owner checking dogs collar
Finding a pet
Benefits of having a dog
It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs!