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A persistent worker with great agility and endurance, the Border Terrier was bred in the 18th century to protect farm stock along the border of Scotland and England. An admirable hunter that learns quickly and responds well to obedience training, the breed makes a good-tempered, affectionate family companion. An active dog, the Border Terrier does best with a job and when well-exercised. His water-resistant coat requires regular brushing and biannual stripping.
DID YOU KNOW? Famous Border Terriers in film include “Puffy” from "There's Something About Mary" and “Baxter” from "Anchorman."
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 5–7kg |
| Height: | 28–30.5cm |
| Colours: | Border Terriers have a harsh, dense coat that comes in a variety of colours including red; wheaten; grizzle and tan or blue and tan |
| Size: | Small |
| Kennel Club group: | Terriers |
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 2/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
The Border Terrier breed is an affectionate, fun-loving one. They are brave, adaptable and good with people, especially with children. Generally easy-going, they have an independent nature and like to make their own decisions. The Border loves to chase rabbits and squirrels but will live in harmony with other household pets, if socialised and introduced carefully. This dog is equally at home in town or country.
The Border Terrier would suit an active owner who loves the ‘big dog in a small body’ attitude of a terrier but who prefers a softer, less feisty - and more social - version.
The Border Terrier dog breed first appeared in the 18th century and has changed little since. They were used as working terriers in the Scottish Borders, hunting foxes which preyed on livestock. They needed to be fast enough to run with the hounds but small enough to flash the fox out of their den. During their history they were known as Reedwater Terriers and Coquetdale Terriers but nowadays are referred to as Border Terriers. They are still occasionally working terriers in the countryside but now are mainly family companions.
As the Border Terrier was bred to run with the hounds, they are longer legged than many of the other terrier breeds and are more social than most too!
This breed is known for being escape artists, so you’ll need to make sure you have a secure garden to prevent them getting out.
Border Terriers are keen diggers; however, you can prevent ripped up flower beds by providing them with their own space to dig such as a sandbox.
They’re usually not yappy but if bored, they may result to nuisance barking.
Border Terriers shouldn’t be kept with small furries such as rabbits, guinea pigs, etc as they’re hunting instinct is too strong.
