Border Terriers were developed in the mid-19th century in Scotland by crossing several breeds to achieve the ideal hunting companion. The foundation of the breed began with the now-extinct Yellow Retriever, which was crossed with the Tweed Water Spaniel, a breed known for its skills in retrieving game from water. This combination provided the basis for the Border Terrier's water-resistant coat and love for swimming.
Top 6 vital stats about Border Terriers...
1
Social
Affectionate and a charming personality
2
Exercise
1+ hours per day
3
Grooming
Every 4-6 weeks
4
Feeding
2 times a day
5
Training
Keep training consistent
6
Shedding
Light
How do Border Terriers interact?
Good with other pets?
Yes, Border Terriers are known for their friendly and adaptable nature, making them generally good companions for other pets when introduced carefully.
Good with people?
Yes, they thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of family activities. Their sociable nature extends to strangers as well, and with proper socialisation, they can be welcoming to guests.
Good with children?
Yes, Border Terriers are particularly good with children, as they are playful yet gentle, making them great playmates.
Border Terrier interaction summary
Border Terriers are a versatile and sociable dog breed that excels in interacting with both humans and other pets. Their friendly and adaptable nature makes them suitable companions for a variety of living environments. Originally bred for fox hunting, these intelligent terriers have a high prey drive, which can affect their interactions with smaller animals. However, when introduced carefully, they can form strong bonds with other dogs and even cats.
Border Terrier personality & temperament
Do Border Terriers need a lot of training?
No, Border Terriers, like many other terrier breeds, are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, they do require consistent and ongoing training to ensure they develop into well-behaved companions.
What energy levels do Border Terriers have?
Border Terriers are known for their high energy levels, which is a characteristic trait of this lively dog breed. Their energetic nature means they thrive in active households where they can participate in various activities that challenge both their physical and mental abilities.
Do Border Terriers bark a lot?
Yes, Border Terriers are known for being vocal dogs, and barking is a natural behaviour for this terrier breed. Originally bred as hunting dogs, their keen senses and alert nature often lead them to bark at unfamiliar sounds or sights.
Border Terrier personality summary
Border Terriers are renowned for their friendly and adaptable nature, making them excellent companions for both individuals and families. This dog breed is characterised by its affectionate demeanor, often forming strong bonds with their owners and thriving on human interaction. Their sociable personality extends to other dogs and pets, provided they are introduced carefully and socialised from a young age.
Caring for your Border Terrier
Do Border Terriers need a lot of grooming?
Yes, Border Terriers are known for their distinctive wiry coat, which requires regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. While they don't need as much grooming as some other dog breeds, their coat does benefit from periodic hand stripping to remove dead hair and maintain its texture.
Do Border Terriers have common health issues?
Yes, Border Terriers are prone to several health problems which include hip dysplasia, heart defects, and cataracts.
What should Border Terriers eat?
A high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is typically recommended. In addition to dog food, some owners choose to supplement their Border Terrier's diet with fresh, whole foods such as lean meats, vegetables, and grains.
Border Terrier care summary
Caring for a Border Terrier involves a holistic approach that addresses their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Known for their energetic and playful nature, these small dogs thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys are important to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Providing a secure outdoor space where they can explore safely is also beneficial, as they enjoy being active and curious about their surroundings.
Did You Know?
Border Terriers have a rich history, originally bred in the border country between England and Scotland. Their primary role was to assist in fox hunting, working alongside hounds to chase foxes out of their hiding places. This background has contributed to their high prey drive and energetic nature, which are still evident in the breed today.
One of the distinguishing features of the Border Terrier dog breed is its wiry coat, which comes in colours like grizzle and tan, blue and tan, and wheaten. This coat is not just for show; it provides protection against harsh weather conditions, a necessity during their fox hunting days.
Border Terriers are an intelligent breed, known for their quick learning abilities and adaptability. They can excel in various canine sports and activities, such as agility and obedience, showcasing their versatility.
Package available for your Border Terrier includes
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Complementary treatment
Up to
£500
per illness/injury
Up to
£750
per illness/injury
Up to
£1000
per illness/injury
3rd Party Liability (dogs only)
Up to
£1M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Death from Illness*
*Death from illness does not apply to dogs aged 9 and over & cats aged 11 and over
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Death from accident
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Border Terrier Training & Exercise
Training tips
- Daily walks are a must, and they enjoy participating in activities like hiking, running, or playing fetch.
- Border Terriers can keep up with more vigorous exercise routines, making them suitable companions for active owners who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Training frequency
- Ideally, training should occur daily, with short sessions that keep their attention and prevent them from becoming bored.
Keeping them happy
- Interactive toys and games that challenge their intelligence, such as puzzle feeders or scent games, are excellent ways to keep them entertained and prevent boredom.
Socialisation
- Regular playdates or visits to dog parks can provide them with the social stimulation they need to stay well-rounded and happy.
Border Terrier maintenance
Feeding
- It's important to incorporate fresh foods like lean meats, vegetables, and fruits into their diet, but be sure to avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.
- Regularly consulting with a veterinarian can help tailor a feeding plan that suits the individual needs of your Border Terrier.
Bathing
- Border Terriers wiry coat is naturally dirt-repellent and weather-resistant.
- So, over-bathing can strip the coat of its essential oils, so it's best to bathe them only when necessary, such as when they've rolled in something unpleasant or are particularly dirty.
Other maintenance
- Dental care is an important part of Border Terrier maintenance. Regular brushing of their teeth helps prevent dental diseases, which are common in small dog breeds.
Grooming routine
- Owners should also pay attention to their nails, trimming them regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
- Ear cleaning is important, as it helps prevent infections by removing excess wax and debris.
Border Terrier common health conditions
Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are common health concerns in Border Terriers, affecting their joints and potentially leading to pain and mobility issues.
- These conditions are hereditary and occur when the joints develop abnormally, causing the bones to rub against each other rather than fitting smoothly.
- Over time, this can lead to arthritis and significant discomfort for the dog.
Cancer
- Lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma are common cancer types in Border Terriers.
- Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which can affect various organs and tissues throughout the body.
- Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, and weight loss. Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer that originates in the blood vessels and often affects the spleen, liver, and heart.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that affects many dog breeds, including Border Terriers.
- This condition involves the gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and, eventually, complete blindness.
- The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that plays a crucial role in vision by converting light into neural signals.
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS)
- Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart defect that is relatively common in Border Terriers.
- This condition involves a narrowing of the area below the aortic valve, which can restrict blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Border Terriers are widely celebrated as one of the best family dogs due to their gentle and friendly nature. Known for their loyalty and affectionate temperament, Border Terriers form strong bonds with family members, making them excellent companions for both adults and children.
Their playful and energetic demeanor aligns well with active families who enjoy spending time outdoors, as Border Terriers thrive in environments where they can engage in physical activities like playing fetch, hiking, or swimming.
Border Terriers are widely recognised for their exceptionally friendly and sociable demeanor, making them one of the most beloved dog breeds worldwide. Their gentle nature and eagerness to please contribute to their reputation as ideal family pets and companions.
Known for their affectionate temperament, Border Terriers form strong bonds with their human families and are often described as loyal and devoted.
Border Terriers are often considered moderate to high maintenance dogs, primarily due to their grooming and exercise needs. Their beautiful, thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and reduce shedding. This involves brushing several times a week and occasional baths to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Border Terriers are known for their affectionate and sociable nature, which means they thrive on companionship and interaction with their human family members.
While they can be left alone for short periods, it's important to ensure that they have been gradually accustomed to being on their own to prevent anxiety-related behaviours.
