If you’re always on the go, you’ve met your perfect dog match in the Border Terrier. Energetic and full of beans, Border Terriers love nothing more than being active with you and the family. Bubbling over with personality, these small dogs are affectionate and known for being happy-go-lucky. They’ve got an independent, feisty streak which is sure to keep you on your toes! But their thirst for learning means training them is pretty easy and they’ll happily learn to live with other pup pals.
Border Terrier Facts
Short but leggy, those in the know can tell a Border Terrier from other small terriers by their otter-shaped heads. For the rest of us, constant movement and high energy will be a giveaway. They’re also easy to spot thanks to their wire coat that’s normally blue and tan, grizzle and tan or wheaten.
- Breed Group: Terrier
- Height: 30-38cm
- Weight: Female: 5-6kg, Male: 6-7kg
- Life Span: 12-15 years
- Coat: Double, short, wiry
- Colour: Blue and tan, grizzle and tan or wheaten
What Does a Border Terrier Look Like?
If you can get them to stay still long enough, you’ll see a Border Terrier is a small dog that looks as bright as a button, thanks to their alert dark eyes. Although they’re small, they’re strong and they’ve got longer legs than other small terriers - all the better for always being on the go and running a lot! Their v-shaped ears fold forward, making these mischievous scamps look very cute. This is helped by their short dark muzzle, black button nose and whiskers.
Border Terriers have a short double coat, with a wiry topcoat that helps protect them from rain. Their coat is usually a combo of tan, or a mix of black, grey and tan.
Border Terrier
Border Terrier Temperament: Busy Bee
A Border Terrier thrives on being active and having a job to do. Although they’re friendly, affectionate dogs, their greatest joy is moving and being busy so if you’re looking for a low-key pup who’ll spend the day happily snoozing by your side, a Border Terrier may not be for you.
Known for being happy-go-lucky, their enthusiasm for life will soon rub off on you. They love their independence so daily training and lots of time spent with you is a must. This will help ward off any boredom and channel their energy into desirable behaviours - a bored Border Terrier will soon find inventive ways to amuse themselves. Looking for a garden makeover? They’ll happily oblige by digging up your lawn or tunnelling under the fence. Keep them busy to keep them happy (and out of your flowerbeds).
Energetic and sturdy, Border Terriers make great family pets who will spend hours running around with kids. They’ll live well with other pups, especially if they’re a match for their playfulness. Confident and outgoing, they’re not particularly needy. As long as their family is in eyesight, they’re happy to watch whatever you’re doing before deciding if they want to join in (remember that independent streak?). On your daily walks, expect them to make friends wherever they go - they love meeting new people.
Keeping Border Terriers Healthy: 5 Issues to Watch Out For
Bred to be working dogs and to protect sheep and their lambs from foxes, Border Terriers are strong, healthy dogs. There are still a few health things to be aware of though.
Joint Problems
Like most small dogs, Border Terriers can develop joint problems including hip dysplasia and luxating patella. In both conditions, the joints don’t fit well together, causing lameness and pain. They can be treated surgically or with medication.
Gluten Sensitivity
It’s not known why but Border Terriers are prone to developing paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia (PGSD). This can cause twitches and spasms, an upset stomach and even collapse. If you think your Border Terrier is suffering from this, your vet can confirm it. A gluten-free diet can help manage their symptoms.
Tooth Decay
Lots of dogs suffer from teeth problems, but small dogs like Border Terriers are even more at risk of developing them. Keep problems in check by brushing their teeth everyday and booking them in for a thorough vet clean every year.
Heart Conditions
Some heart conditions Border Terriers can develop are genetic. Responsible breeders should screen for these to ensure their puppies are healthy and free from them. Heart conditions they can experience include pulmonic stenosis (PS) and ventricular septum defects (VSD). These can be spotted by a vet as a heart murmur.
Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)
Another genetic condition, Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM) is also called shaking puppy syndrome. It causes your Border Terrier to uncontrollably shake and normally affects their hind legs. Again, this should be screened for and test results provided so you know your puppy won’t develop it.
Caring for Your Border Terrier Dog
With their short, wiry coat, a Border Terrier does a great job at keeping themselves clean. You’ll spend most of your time training and attempting to tire them out.
Grooming
Normally Border Terriers only need a brush every week or two to keep their coat in great shape. However, the Border Terrier sheds seasonally so every spring and autumn they need a bit more grooming. Expect to spend up to 30 minutes every day stripping out the dead hair. Although you can use your hands, you might prefer a deshedding tool to make things quicker and cleaner.
Border Terriers don’t need baths very often because their outer coat naturally repels dirt. Bathing them strips their coat of these natural oils. Instead, opt for a thorough brush and a towel clean. If they’re really dirty (think: a mud bath), give them a bath but this shouldn’t be done more than once a month, tops.
During their weekly brush, have a check of their nails and ears. Their nails will probably need a trim and their ears a gentle wipe clean every 2 weeks. Finally, brush their teeth every day. Starting toothbrushing from when they’re a puppy will make it easier for everyone.
Nutrition
Border Terriers will happily eat top quality commercial dog food that’s tailored to their life stage (puppy, adult or senior) and breed size. Start them off right with the Royal Canin Mini Puppy Dry and Wet Food range then transition to Royal Canin Mini Adult Dry Food.
Although they’ve got heaps of energy and are always on the go, they’re also small dogs so it’s still important to keep an eye on their weight. With their daily training needs, treats can add up. Factor treat calories into their daily calorie intake to help keep them at a healthy weight.
Exercise
Lots and lots and lots please. Border Terriers may be small but their exercise needs are not. They have plenty of energy and need lots of daily exercise and activity to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. That looks like around 1 hour of exercise per day, including brisk walks and plenty of playtime - searching games and fetch are their faves. Entertain them indoors with slow feeders and interactive toys. With their in-built desire to vigorously shake whatever they’ve nabbed, toys for Border Terriers should be tough and durable.
Border Terriers also have an in-built prey drive, which means walks should always be on lead. Without one, they’re likely to take off after any small creature they take a fancy to. Playtime should always be in a fully fenced, secure area too. Garden fencing should go at least 45cm underground to stop your Border Terrier from digging underneath.
Training Your Border Terrier
With their enthusiasm for learning, bravery and playfulness, Border Terriers make training fun. They’re capable of learning the basics quickly, but thanks to their independent streak that doesn’t mean they’ll do what you ask - obedience isn’t in their nature. Border Terriers respond best to positive reinforcement, where they’re rewarded for their good behaviour with praise, treats or their favourite toy.
Their intelligence and fearlessness means puppy socialisation is a must to help them learn to play safely with others. Something training is unlikely to help with is dampening their prey drive so make sure training always happens in a securely fenced area.