Border Terriers are small dogs that originated in the United Kingdom where they were developed to chase foxes out of burrows. However, they were also often used to hunt such other game as rodents, otters and badgers. These are good-natured, lively dogs that make great companions for kids or active adults. It is thought that the Border Terrier is the oldest terrier breed in the U.K. and has been around since the 18th century. They were most commonly used by farmers to flush foxes out of their dens. Foxes were a common pest to farmers during this era. They got their name because they originated in Northeast England near the border of Scotland. They were first registered as a distinct breed in 1920 with the England Kennel Club. However, they were not recognized by the American Kennel Club until the year 1930. Today, these all-around great little dogs excel in many different areas including obedience, hunting, tracking, agility, performing tricks and providing companionship to their owners.
The Border Terrier is a small dog breed that is fast, agile and tireless. It has a small body that can chase small vermin or foxes. It has a dense undercoat with a coarse overcoat. In terms of grooming, it is low in maintenance. The average weight for an adult Border Terrier is 11 to 16 pounds. This is a sturdy little dog with solid legs and a somewhat narrow body. Their coat is rough textured and can grow to about one inch long when not stripped. Acceptable colors include wheaten, blue and tan, red, or grizzle and tan. Their triangular ears are set close to the forehead and drop forward towards the cheeks. The eyes should be hazel-colored and possess an inquisitive, bright appearance. The muzzle should be square-shaped with a black nose and a “beard” around the front of the mouth. The tail is long and straight.
Personality
The Border is an easygoing, friendly little dog who likes to make its own decision and be independent. It needs moderate exercise in the form of a walk or fun game. It’s good with children and other animals and pets. It’s also friendly with strangers. They like to chase rodents and will run away to roam if given the chance. Border Terriers are extremely active dogs that are overflowing with energy. They are also very agile and curious, and due to their hunting instincts, they love to explore and dig. As such, if you choose to add one of these dogs to your household, you will want to be sure to dog-proof your home and yard. Additionally, it is not recommended for you to get a Border Terrier if you have such small pets as cats, rabbits, birds or rodents. Although small in stature, these dogs are sturdy enough and friendly enough to withstand the rough play of children. While Border Terriers may bark when strangers are about, they are typically not aggressive.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Hunters |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Terriers |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Scottish Sheep Dog, Welsh Sheep Dog, English Sheep Dog |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Border Terrier Build Information
The Border Terrier is a small dog breed that is fast, agile and tireless. It has a small body that can chase small vermin or foxes. It has a dense undercoat with a coarse overcoat. In terms of grooming, it is low in maintenance. The average weight for an adult Border Terrier is 11 to 16 pounds. This is a sturdy little dog with solid legs and a somewhat narrow body. Their coat is rough textured and can grow to about one inch long when not stripped. Acceptable colors include wheaten, blue and tan, red, or grizzle and tan. Their triangular ears are set close to the forehead and drop forward towards the cheeks. The eyes should be hazel-colored and possess an inquisitive, bright appearance. The muzzle should be square-shaped with a black nose and a “beard” around the front of the mouth. The tail is long and straight.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 10-12 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Border is an easygoing, friendly little dog who likes to make its own decision and be independent. It needs moderate exercise in the form of a walk or fun game. It’s good with children and other animals and pets. It’s also friendly with strangers. They like to chase rodents and will run away to roam if given the chance. Border Terriers are extremely active dogs that are overflowing with energy. They are also very agile and curious, and due to their hunting instincts, they love to explore and dig. As such, if you choose to add one of these dogs to your household, you will want to be sure to dog-proof your home and yard. Additionally, it is not recommended for you to get a Border Terrier if you have such small pets as cats, rabbits, birds or rodents. Although small in stature, these dogs are sturdy enough and friendly enough to withstand the rough play of children. While Border Terriers may bark when strangers are about, they are typically not aggressive.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
You will need to brush your Border Terrier’s coat several times a week to prevent mats from forming. If you wish, you can strip its coat twice a year to help make it easier to groom. If you are not experienced with hand-stripping, it is best to leave this task for your local dog groomer. You should only need to bathe your pet when necessary using a shampoo made especially for dogs. Check your dog’s ears occasionally for any excess wax, and if necessary, you can wipe it out with the corner of a damp cloth. Lastly, if you need to clip your dog’s nails, you can do so with a guillotine-type clipper made for pets. However, be careful not to cut into the small veins that grow within each nail.
| Colors: | Black & Tan, Blue, Grizzle, Red, Tan, Wheaten |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Rough |
Border Terrier Common Health Conditions
Border Terriers are generally a very hardy breed that can live as long as 14 years old. But just as many other breeds are subject to developing various health issues, the Border Terrier is prone to a few health problems as well. The most common of these problems can be found listed here: Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome, Legg-Perthes Disease, Juvenile Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia, Various Heart Problems, Patellar Luxation, Cryptorchidism and Hypothyroidism. If you are looking for a robust little dog that will alert you to strangers, the Border Terrier may be the breed for you. This is a sturdy dog that gets along quite well with children and loves to run and play. If you choose this breed for your family, you will want to make sure you provide it with a secure yard.
Border Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
Daniel Radcliffe of “Harry Potter” owns two Border Terriers. Border Terriers have particularly thick skin that protects them from being bitten by foxes when flushing them out of dens. Border Terriers have a long, narrow body that allows them to squeeze through amazingly tight spaces.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
