Border Terriers were bred to keep up with hounds and horses while hunting and to flush foxes, badgers, and otters out of their dens. These travel-sized terriers are laid-back (for terriers...) and loving.
Originally from the United Kingdom (and named for the border between England and Scotland), this small-sized and medium-energy breed can grow to between 11.5-15.5 pounds and lives an average of 12-15 years. The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and classified as a member of the Terrier group.
| AKC Recognized | Y |
| Breed's original pastime | Hunting |
| Origin | Great britain & scotland |
| Breed group | Terrier |
| Average lifespan | 12-14 years |
| Size | Small |
| Bark factor | Moderate |
| AKC Ranking | 84 |
| Family | Terrier |
| Date of origin | 1700s |
| Original function | Fox bolting, ratting |
| Today's function | Earthdog trials |
| Average size of male | Height: 10-11 Weight: 11.5-14 |
| Average size of female | Height: 10-11 Weight: 11.5-14 |
| Other name | None |
| Energy level | Medium energy |
| Exercise needs | Medium |
| Playfullness | Moderately playful |
| Affection level | Moderately affectionate |
| Friendliness toward other dogs | Friendly |
| Friendliness toward other pets | Shy |
| Friendliness toward strangers | Friendly |
| Ease of training | Hard to train |
| Watchdog ability | High |
| Protection ability | Not very protective |
| Grooming needs | Moderate maintenance |
| Cold tolerance | Medium tolerance |
| Heat tolerance | Medium tolerance |
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
WHAT IS A BORDER TERRIER'S PERSONALITY LIKE?
Border Terriers are smart, friendly, and companionable. These plucky, cheerful dogs are adventurous in the outdoors, but with enough exercise, they can make for calm and affectionate housedogs.
Border Terriers are great with supervised kids and play well with supervised dogs. They can be suspicious of other pets and small animals, but are usually friendly toward strangers.
WHAT IS BORDER TERRIER BEHAVIOR LIKE?
Border Terriers love playing outdoors, particularly with your kids. But their strong prey drive combined with speed and agility means your Border Terrier will need a well-fenced space to run in. They are vigilant watchdogs but tend not to be protective. They're somewhat prone to barking and chewing, particularly if they don't get enough exercise or attention. A neglected Border Terrier can be noisy and destructive if left on their own too much.
HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAIN A BORDER TERRIER?
Border Terriers are very trainable dogs. Your furry friend will be happiest and healthiest if you go out to smell, run, and play for a while several times a day — preferably in a fenced-in area because Border Terriers love to chase squirrels and cats.
This breed is one of the few terriers who you see often in agility competitions. They also excel at obedience in show rings.
CARE & HEALTH
HOW MUCH DO BORDER TERRIERS SHED AND WHAT ARE THEIR GROOMING NEEDS?
A Border Terrier's close, water-resistant double coat is very wiry in its outer layer; its undercoat is soft. Border Terriers are seasonal shedders who need occasional grooming. Schedule a hand-stripping two times a year. Their weatherproof coats repel dirt, so they shouldn't need frequent baths.
WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DO BORDER TERRIERS HAVE?
Border Terriers are a hardy breed. Some develop CECS, a disorder that causes seizures.
