Border Terrier Dog Breed Information

  • AKA:n/a
  • Size:Small
  • Ease of Training:Medium/High
  • Grooming:Medium
  • Shedding:Low
  • Exercise Needed:Daily walk with some running about
  • Energy Level:Medium/High
  • Protection:Medium, barks at strange noises
  • Good with Children:Yes
  • Health Clearances:OFA, CERF
  • Weight:male: 13-15.5, female: 11.5-14 lbs
  • Height:10-11 inches
  • Coat Colour:red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten

Border Terrier Coat

The Border Terrier has a weather resistant double coat. The outer coat is wiry, straight, coarse, and lies close to the body. The under coat is dense and short. The colour of the coat comes in blue and tan, grizzle and tan, red, and wheaten. The muzzle is dark. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Border Terrier Character

This breed is small, compact, lively, and extremely energetic. The Border Terrier possesses vitality, stamina, and endurance. They are hardy, robust, and good-natured. As a member of the herding group they are capable of independent thought and action.

Border Terrier Temperament

Friendly and playful, the Border Terrier is very affectionate and thrives on human interaction and attention. This breed is more placid than is typical of the other terrier breeds. They do best in a home with older considerate children. They will generally get along with other dogs but are not recommended for homes with cats or other small household pets. The Border Terrier does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time and will become destructive and bark excessively if bored or lonely. For this reason a two-career family is not an ideal situation for them. They are wary of strangers but are generally not aggressive. This breed is not recommended for the novice, apathetic or sedentary dog owner.

Border Terrier Care

The Border Terrier must be brushed weekly and have the coat professionally stripped twice a year. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo to preserve the integrity of the coat. This breed has a high tolerance for pain and will rarely show any sign of illness or distress. Therefore, it is imperative to closely monitor their health.

Border Terrier Activity

The Border Terrier needs regular, daily exercise and enjoys being given a job to do. They benefit from securely leashed walks, family play sessions, and a safely fenced area to romp and run freely. This breed will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they receive sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Border Terrier Health and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Border Terrier is around 12-15 years, sometimes longer. There are some health problems to look out for with the Border Terrier and some of these include Legg Perthes, cataracts, luxating patella, thyroid problems, autoimmune problems, seizures, heart murmurs, PRA, HD, and allergies. Parents of the Border Terrier puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.