Border Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 28 to 40 cm
- Weight
- 5 to 7 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- Border regions between England and Scotland
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A small, sturdy working terrier with a harsh, weatherproof coat and a distinctive otter-like head, bred to hunt foxes, with a brave and affectionate temperament.
History and origins
Developed in the 18th century in the Cheviot Hills along the English-Scottish border by farmers and shepherds to hunt foxes alongside packs of foxhounds. It had to be small enough to follow quarry into burrows and have enough stamina to keep up with the horses.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is very hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Spike’s disease (exercise-induced dyskinesia)
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip dysplasia
- Cataracts
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
In our lists
Border Terrier FAQ
How big does the Border Terrier get?
The Border Terrier stands 28 to 40 cm at the withers and weighs 5 to 7 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Border Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide.
Can the Border Terrier live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Border Terrier need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Border Terrier good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Border Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is very hardy. The main health problems to watch for are spike’s disease and epilepsy.
