Border Terrier Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Border Terrier is a practical working terrier from the Anglo-Scottish borders. It was bred to keep pace with horses on the hunt and to bolt foxes from their dens, so it is leggier and more athletic than many small terriers.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in the Cheviot Hills, where farmers needed a tough terrier with enough leg to follow riders, and a body small enough to enter burrows. Border Terriers have a distinctive otter-like head, small V-shaped ears, a harsh, wiry coat in red, wheaten, grizzle and tan or blue and tan, and a short tail. They are lean and sturdy.

Temperament

Border Terriers are affectionate, cheerful and good-natured. They are often described as the most laid-back of the terriers. They get on with children and other dogs, and are usually easy to live with. They remain terriers, with a strong urge to chase and dig. They tend to be less noisy than other terriers.

Exercise

They need about an hour of daily activity, and are capable of long walks and hikes. They enjoy agility, tracking and earthdog trials. Use a secure fence and a leash outdoors, since they can bolt after small animals. See recall training guide.

Training

Borders are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them among the more trainable terriers. Use positive methods and short sessions. House training is usually easy. Socialization builds confidence.

Coat and grooming

The wiry double coat needs weekly brushing and hand-stripping or trimming twice a year. See wire coat dog grooming guide. Bathe sparingly, since over-bathing softens the coat. Trim nails, check ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

The breed is generally healthy, but topics include:

• Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (Spike's disease), a movement disorder
• Seizures. See dog seizures and epilepsy
• Heart disease
• Hip dysplasia and luxating patella
• Cataracts and other eye conditions
• Allergies. See dog skin allergies
• Kidney and bladder stones

Living with a Border Terrier

They adapt to houses and apartments with exercise. They enjoy family life and are often good travelers and hiking partners.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are lively and curious. Socialize early, use a crate and puzzle toys and start training. Provide a safe place to dig. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for grooming, routine vet visits, dental care and a health fund. The breed is often long-lived. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

Borders handle cold, damp weather well, but dry them after wet walks. In summer, avoid peak heat, and check for ticks. They travel well and are comfortable in many settings.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping coat care, trusting recall near wildlife and over-bathing.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask about heart, hip, eye and patella testing, any history of cramping or seizures and the parents' temperaments. Ask how puppies are socialized.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Border Terrier suits active people who want a friendly, hardy and easygoing terrier. It may not suit someone who dislikes exercise or digging. For a similar breed, see the Norfolk Terrier.

Behavior and daily management

A Border Terrier is happiest when included in the day. Take the dog on errands and outings, and let it sniff on walks, which tires the mind as well as the body. Give plenty of chew toys, teach settling on a mat and keep a harness and leash handy. Most Borders are polite indoors once their exercise needs are met.

The takeaway

Border Terriers are tough, tolerant and tireless, and they need exercise, training and moderate grooming.