Border Terrier

Temperament and Personality

Despite their small size, the Border Terrier personality really packs a punch! These pint-sized pooches have bundles of energy and a fun-loving, excitable attitude to life. If you want a couch companion, the Border Terrier might not be for you!

In true terrier form, they’re intelligent, loyal, and fearless dogs with a keen desire to hunt and dig out prey. Originally bred to work on their own, the Border Terrier – or Border for short – has an independent streak, making them a bit headstrong at times.

However unlike other feisty terriers, Borders are big softies who are loving and affectionate with all people. They’re definitely happiest when they’re involved in all their family’s activities, whether it’s playing in the living room or heading out to the great outdoors for an epic adventure. 

With its scruffy good looks, the cheeky, charming, and always entertaining Border Terrier is sure to make a lasting impression on everyone they meet. From zipping around and playing with toys, to bouncing up and down to give everyone kisses, Borders know how to bring the party! 

However, a bored Border Terrier is a mischievous one, so they need lots of playtime, exercise, and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. If not, they can resort to digging, destroying furniture, and other unwanted behaviours as a way to expel their endless energy. 

These curious explorers are also known to be skilled escape artists, squeezing through small gaps in the garden fence to investigate an interesting smell or sound. This stems from their high prey drive and working roots, as they were bred to hunt down foxes. Keeping them safe while in the garden or on walks is essential for any Border Terrier owner. 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for an energetic dog with a lively, friendly spirit, the Border Terrier could be the breed for you.

Border Terrier paw-sonality traits

• Highly energetic

• Super high prey drive

• Strong hunting instincts

• Friendly and social

• Bouncy and excitable

• Intelligent and eager to please

• Loving and affectionate

• Forms strong bonds with owners

• Adores people of all ages

• Cheeky and mischievous 

• Brave and determined

• Independent and self-assured

• Can sometimes be headstrong

• Gets bored easily

• Gets on well with other animals

• Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise

Border Terrier pros and cons

Are Border Terriers good family dogs?

Yes, Border Terriers are a wonderful choice for active families that lead an outdoorsy lifestyle. They adore human company and are incredibly playful and entertaining. However, they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation each day – a walk around the block isn’t enough – so owners need to dedicate time for exercise and fun games to keep this pooch happy. While they might be less prone to developing separation anxiety, they form strong bonds with people and can still become distressed if left alone for too long. 

Are Border Terriers good with children?

Yes, Border Terriers are generally good with most children due to their energetic, playful nature – they’re basically little kids themselves! However, while they’re more patient than other terriers, they can be a bit too rambunctious for babies and toddlers. This means Borders are better suited to households with slightly older children over the age of five.

Are Border Terriers good with other pets?

Yes, Borders tend to get on well with most dogs, and can live with cats too if they’ve been raised together from a young age. However, due to their high prey drive, they’re still likely to chase the neighbour’s cat, and they shouldn’t be trusted with pet birds, hamsters, or rabbits. 

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Border Terrier properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Border Terrier need?

Fully grown Border Terriers need a minimum of 1 hour of exercise a day, which includes walks, off-lead play in a secure area, and lots of mentally challenging games. These dogs are keen and curious explorers who thrive on being busy, so it’s vital they get a good daily workout to burn off all their energy.

They’ll need plenty of enrichment toys and puzzles, and long games of fetch with their owner to satisfy their desire to hunt. Along with lengthy walks and fun activities, these athletic doggos excel in canine sports like agility and flyball, and they’re great companions for people who love to hike. 

If these dogs aren’t given the physical and mental exercise they need, it can lead to destructive behaviours such as chewing on furniture, excessive barking, and putting on weight. 

How do you train a Border Terrier?

Border Terrier training can be a tale of two halves. On the one hand, they’re highly intelligent and eager to please, but on the other, they have an independent streak and don’t always decide to obey commands. However, with patience, consistency, and lots of paw-sitivity, training your Border Terrier can be a very rewarding experience.

Unleash your Border Terrier’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats – ideal to help prevent dental issues too.

2. Avoid harsh corrections. Borders are very sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh correction or raised voices. A gentle but firm approach works best to ensure they put their best paw forward from day one.

3. Be consistent. If you let your Border Terrier on the sofa one day, but not the next, this can become confusing, so make sure your commands are the same and the family is aligned with training.

4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the affectionate Border Terrier – after all, they’re still determined little dogs with a scrappy terrier mentality! Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Prioritise recall. Border Terriers are known to run off in search of prey and adventure, so it’s vital they have good recall. Use a long line lead and tempting treats such as these low fat Peanut Butter Probiotic Nutty Treats to master the art of recall and keep them safe.

5. Get them used to a lead. Practice indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable.

6. Keep the barking at bay. Border Terriers are big barkers, so gradually expose them to their triggers as a way to desensitise them. This could include people walking past the house or the sound of a car door closing. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.

7. Dispel the digging. Bred to flush prey out of their dens, Border Terriers love to dig, so get a sandpit or carve out an area of the garden where they can dig without being destructive.

8. Do trick training. Channel their high energy and intelligence by incorporating tricks into their obedience training. When motivated, Borders are quick to learn, so teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ and prepare to be entertained! They also do well at agility, flyball, or heelwork to music, so enrol them in some classes to give their brains and bodies a good workout.

9. Prevent separation problems. While the Border Terrier is quite self-assured and independent, they’re still capable of developing separation anxiety. Help them feel more comfortable on their own by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Border Terriers need?

Border Terriers are relatively easy breezy on the grooming front. They have a dense undercoat and a short, coarse, wiry top coat that’s very low shedding, making the Border Terrier hypoallergenic and a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers. 

You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to Border Terrier colours. Choose from red, blue, black, blue and tan, wheaten (pale yellow), or grizzle (two fur colours mixed together with no clear pattern). 

Here are some Border Terrier grooming tips to keep them looking their best all year round.

• Brush their coat once a week using a bristle brush. This will help get rid of dirt caught in their fur, as well as remove dead hairs from the undercoat. 

• Border Terriers should be handstripped a couple of times a year. This can be done by a professional who will also give them a pamper session and check their coat and skin for anything that might need your vet’s attention. 

• If you want to handstrip at home, you’ll need a stripping knife and some tips and advice from a professional. 

• Clipping isn’t generally recommended for Border Terriers, as it can cause the coat to lose its colour and texture.

• They only need to be bathed if necessary, but always use a dog-friendly shampoo.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. These pups are prone to dental disease, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Border Terrier lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. However, like all dogs, they’re prone to a few health problems.

Common Border Terrier health problems

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.

• Cushing’s Disease. This occurs when the body produces too much cortisol – the stress hormone – and is typically seen in older Border Terriers. It can be managed through medication and dogs can lead a normal life. If left untreated though, it could lead to blood clots, diabetes, high blood pressure, or bladder stones. 

• Gallbladder Mucocele (GBM). This condition occurs when the gallbladder becomes distended due to an excessive build-up of mucus. It’s usually caused by a blockage of the cystic duct, but it can be caused by other conditions such as Cushing’s Disease, hypothyroidism, or a diseased gallstone. It can sometimes be detected through an ultrasound and treated through diet changes, but it’s usually not noticed until surgery is required.

• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.

• Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS). This is a genetic condition that causes muscles to randomly cramp, spasm and seize. It can sometimes be treated through special diets, such as grain-free, hypoallergenic, or low-protein dog food. 

• Dental Disease. Their small mouths and abnormal bites can cause tartar buildup and gum and root infections. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and Nutrition

Feeding your Border Terrier a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Border Terrier eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Border Terrier will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. 

A good suggestion for full grown Border Terriers is 2 times a day, ensuring they’re well fuelled for all their activities. However, despite their active lifestyle, these pocket rockets can quickly pile on the pounds, so make sure they’re not overfed. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on a pooch’s joints and internal organs, reducing their quality of life.

The best food for a Border Terrier is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Dog food made especially for small breeds is also recommended as the size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Protect their joints

Borders are lively terriers who love to run, jump, and bounce about through life. But to help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t encourage them to jump up or down from high platforms too often. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.

Go grain-free

Some Border Terriers can develop Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome, but gain-free dog food is sometimes used to manage the condition. Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.

Monitor weight

A healthy Border Terrier weight is anywhere between 5kg and 7kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as extra weight puts pressure on a dog’s joints and internal organs, reducing their quality of life.

Look after their eyes 

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Look after their teeth

Border Terriers are prone to dental disease, so a portion of their daily calories should be allotted to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy. Schedule in a professional clean once a year to remove tartar and plaque build up. 

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Border Terrier’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Border Terrier is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Border Terrier puppy?

The price of a Border Terrier can cost anywhere between £900 and £1,300. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Border Terrier is around £70.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, the monthly range of feeding a Border Terrier is around £25 to £50 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

All breeds are prone to a few health problems, so it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Border Terrier even more with these fun tidbits and tales!

• A painting by Arthur Wentworth dating back to 1754 depicts two Border Terriers, proving they’re one of the oldest breeds of terriers.

• They’ve been Hollywood stars! Being highly intelligent quick learners, they’re a popular choice when it comes to film and TV, having appeared in Lassie, Anchorman, There’s Something About Mary, Return to Oz, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. 

• The Border Terrier has a thick, loose-fitting hide, and is the only terrier that has this as a standard requirement. It helped to protect them from bites and scratches when hunting foxes in the field. 

• Border Terriers have an otter-shaped head and are instantly recognisable with their scruffy, but ruggedly handsome appearance. 

• They’re eager to please owners however they do have an independent streak. They were bred to work independently at a distance from their handlers, so they’re used to making decisions on their own. 

• Border Terriers are Houdini in dog-form! They’re renowned escape artists, either digging under boundaries or climbing their way over them. A high fence that’s thoroughly secure is vital for Border Terrier owners.

• You can get Border Terrier cross breeds. The Border Terrier Jack Russell cross is called a Border Jack, the Border Terrier Yorkshire Terrier cross is called a Border Yorkie, and the Border Terrier Poodle mix is simply called a Border Terrier Poodle. 

History and Origin

Born on the borders of England and Scotland in the 18th century, the Border Terrier was bred to help farmers keep the fox population under control. They were originally called the Coquetdale Terrier or the Redesdale Terrier depending on which area they were bred. However, by the late 1800s, they were called Border Terriers, probably due to their association with the Border Hunt of Northumberland.

The breed was developed by local farmers to help protect livestock from foxes, and it shares its ancestry with the Bedlington Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Farmers needed a strong, robust dog that had speed and stamina, but who was also small enough to flush foxes out of their dens when they’d ‘go to ground’ during hunts. This is where Borders would chase foxes underground and alert their handlers to the location. They weren’t trained to attack or kill though. The fearless Border Terrier just had to be threatening and tenacious enough to drive foxes from their hiding places. Their rough, coarse coats also helped protect them from the harsh climate and bleak conditions seen on the Scottish borders.

They grew in demand when fox hunting became a popular sport in the 19th century, however Border Terriers weren’t really known outside of Border Country, which is what the area between England and Scotland is sometimes called. It wasn’t until 1920 when the breed was recognised by the England Kennel Club and they started to gain in popularity. 

They’re sometimes still used as working dogs in the countryside, but they’ve unsurprisingly managed to find their way into hearts and homes on both sides of the pond, making them a beloved family pet for many. 

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Border Terrier.

1. Research the breed. Border Terriers need a lot of physical and mental exercise and prefer to spend their days outdoors, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Border Terrier puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Border Terriers and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Border Terrier, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Borders in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.