Border Terrier at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 25–28 cm
- Weight
- 5–7 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Border Terrier right for you?
Like every breed, the Border Terrier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- You have children and can supervise them with the dog.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot commit to brushing several times a week.
How would the Border Terrier fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a small, active terrier with a characteristic otter-like head, a harsh, dense coat and a big personality. It is intelligent, affectionate and good-natured, and it is as prized today for its friendly family temperament as for its working past.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed took its name around 1880 from the borders of Northumberland and Scotland, where it worked as an earth dog alongside the Border Foxhounds. It had to be fast enough to run with the hounds but small enough to flush a fox from its den. Locally it was also known as the Reedwater Terrier and the Coquetdale Terrier. The type first appeared in the 18th century and has changed little since.
The breed standard still describes it as essentially a working terrier, and some still work in the countryside. Most are now family companions, equally at home in town or country.
Border Terrier temperament
Border Terriers are typically affectionate, loyal and fun-loving, with a brave, adaptable nature. Because they were bred to run with foxhounds, they tend to be more sociable and less dog-aggressive than many terriers, and they usually get on well with other dogs when properly socialised.
They keep a strong prey drive and a natural urge to dig and chase. They also form very strong bonds with their owners, and many develop separation anxiety if left alone for long. A worried or bored Border can be destructive.
They are not usually noisy dogs, but they may bark if bored or unhappy, or to get your attention.
Size and appearance
Border Terriers are small dogs. Adults typically stand 25–28 cm at the shoulder and weigh 5–7 kg. Working-line dogs are often leaner and slightly smaller than show-line dogs.
They have a short, dense undercoat with a harsh, wiry topcoat, and thick but loose skin. Breed standard colours include red, wheaten, grizzle and tan, and blue and tan, along with other shades of grizzle. Black is not a breed standard colour.
How much exercise does a Border Terrier need?
Border Terriers need at least an hour of exercise a day, split into a couple of walks, and will happily do more. They love long walks in new places and exploring the sights and smells of the countryside.
Keep a firm hold of the lead: one whiff of something to chase and they may be off. Add playtime, training and enrichment toys to prevent boredom-related habits such as digging and chewing. A secure garden is ideal, because they are keen diggers and skilled escape artists.
Training a Border Terrier
Border Terriers are quick learners and eager to please, and they are considered one of the easier terrier breeds to train. Some can be independent, so be fair, firm and consistent.
- Use positive, reward-based methods, as they are sensitive and do not respond well to other approaches.
- Start recall training early and keep practising it throughout their life.
- Socialise your puppy with lots of places, people, dogs and experiences.
- Consider training classes if you are a first-time owner.
Ask breeders whether a puppy comes from working or show lines. Working-bred dogs are often more independent and driven, while show-bred dogs can be somewhat calmer.
Border Terrier grooming
The coat is fairly easy to care for. A brush a couple of times a week helps keep on top of dead hair, and many benefit from hand stripping now and then, often by a professional groomer in spring and autumn. Some owners prefer a shaggier look. They love digging and adventures, so expect the occasional muddy bath.
Living with a Border Terrier
Border Terriers are affectionate, loyal and good with children, and well-socialised dogs usually love spending time with children of all ages. They can get over-excited, though, so calm things down if play gets too boisterous. Purina suggests they do best with slightly older, sensible children. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Border Terrier health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Border Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but some conditions are recognised in the breed. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every Border will be affected.
Spongiform leucoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)
Also known as shaking puppy syndrome, this inherited condition affects the nervous system, causing tremors, and often affects growth and development. The Royal Kennel Club recommends a DNA test before breeding.
Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS)
Causes tremors, muscle spasms, cramps and seizures that can affect all or part of the body.
Canine gallbladder mucocoele
A condition in which the gallbladder has difficulty emptying properly.
Patellar luxation
The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place. Parents can be checked by a vet before breeding.
Skin and ear problems
Skin problems, including atopy, where the skin reacts to allergens in the environment and becomes sore and itchy, and ear problems are also seen in the breed.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Border Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Border Terrier cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Border Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Border Terrier
If you have decided the Border Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Border Terrier
Border Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Border Terriers looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Border Terrier adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Norfolk Terrier
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View breed guideCairn Terrier
Fearless, assertive, hardworking, cheerful, alert, lively, extrovert and affectionate.
View breed guide
Border Terrier FAQs
Is the Border Terrier good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Border Terrier live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Border Terrier need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Border Terrier shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Border Terrier need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Border Terrier easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Border Terrier be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Border Terrier bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Border Terrier good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Border Terrier live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Border Terrier get?
Adults typically stand 25–28 cm at the shoulder and weigh 5–7 kg.