Border Terrier

11-14 lbs
10-11"
Border of Scotland and England

Border Terriers are good-natured dogs and can make great companions.  Originally bred to aid in fox hunts, the Border Terrier would drive the fox out of his den and into the open where the hounds would chase him down. The Border Terrier is believed to be one of Britain’s oldest Terrier breeds.  The Border Terrier is a high energy dog, who has a strong drive to dig and hunt. Therefore, they do best with an active family that can provide plenty of fun activities. This energetic canine has a harsh coat which should be brushed on a weekly basis.  Professionally grooming is recommended a few times a year.

purpose Purpose
fox bolting, ratting
history Date of Origin
1700s
ancestry Ancestry
dandie dinmont terrier, bedlington terrier

Border Terrier Health

Sketch of Border Terrier
Average Size
Male Border Terrier size stats
Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 13-15 lbs
Female Border Terrier size stats
Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 11-14 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Retinal Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Fanconi Syndrome
Occasional Tests
  • Fanconi Urine Test
  • Blood And Urine Protein Screens
  • Eye Examination

Border Terrier Breed History

Originally, the Border Terrier was referred to as the Coquetdale Terrier or Redesdale Terrier. Coquetdale and Redesdale were areas in which the breed had originated. In the 1800’s the breed became known by the name Border Terrier because of their association with the Border Hunt in Northumberland. The Border Terrier is believed to be related to Bedlington Terriers and Dandie Dinmont Terriers, which were from the same area. The breed was developed by farmers and shepherds from the border of England and Scotland to help reduce the fox population, capable predators who were hunting the farm animals. In the 19th century, foxhunting became a sport. The Border terrier would run alongside horses and the hounds.  Their legs had to be long enough to keep up with the chase but short enough to be able to crawl inside the fox’s den. The Border Terrier may have been small in stature but was determined, intelligent and very hard working. The breed became more popular when it was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club as a distinct breed. Border Terriers became registered with the American Kennel Club in 1930. Border Terriers have appeared in several films and television series (There’s Something About Mary, Anchorman, Return to Oz, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia). The Border Terrier went from being a working farm dog to hunting with nobility and today he is a popular pet and show dog.

Border Terrier Breed Appearance

The Border Terrier is known for his otter-shaped head. They have a broad skull and a short, dark colored muzzle. They have short, coarse hair that comes in red, blue, tan, wheaten, or grizzle and tan. They have small keen eyes with a bit of a mischievous expression. They have black noses and small, folded ears that are shaped like the letter “V”. Adorned with only a few short whiskers on the muzzle, the Border Terrier also has strong teeth with a scissor bite. The tail is moderately short and thick at the base. The Border Terrier has a double coat that is short and dense. They have a soft undercoat and a coarse, dirt-resistant, outer coat.  They have small and compact feet, which have thick pads.  Their hind legs are muscular.

Appearance of Border Terrier
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Border Terrier eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Border Terrier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Border Terrier coat
Black
gray Border Terrier coat
Gray
red Border Terrier coat
Red
cream Border Terrier coat
Cream
blue Border Terrier coat
Blue
brindle Border Terrier coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Border Terrier wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Border Terrier Breed Maintenance

The Border Terrier's coat needs weekly brushing. The outer coat will require hand-stripping a few times year to remove dead hair. The Border Terrier sheds little to none, so they make good pets for people with allergies.  The Border Terrier does not require frequent bathing. When you do bathe a Border Terrier it is recommended that you use a shampoo designed for a Terrier’s coat. The Border Terrier is a high energy dog that needs daily exercise and when provided with that, the breed can be happy living in an apartment or a house. They enjoy challenges in the form of both physical and mental activities. There are fun hide and seek toys which can help the Border Terrier to not become bored. Border Terriers, if left alone for extended periods of time with little exercise, can become barkers. It is important to have a safe backyard because they can be escape artists. If left unsupervised in a yard, their instinct to dig can kick in.

Brushes for Border Terrier
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Border Terrier requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Border Terrier Temperament

Due to their origins, Border Terriers have a high prey drive. If they are not properly socialized at a young age they will chase and may even attack smaller animals like cats, squirrels, rats, rabbits, and hamsters. Most Border Terriers do not do well with other same sex dogs.  Border Terriers are curious dogs and love to be included in fun activities. Border Terriers can easily be trained but they can be stubborn. They do not do well with harsh discipline; they respond well to positive reinforcement. The Border Terrier does well in agility training. They are a working breed, so therefore, enjoy having a purpose. The Border Terrier is always happy to have new toys to chew and play with. Border Terriers can make excellent companions for children. However, they can be a bit too spunky for small children.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Border Terrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.25
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Border Terrier Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Border Terrier at six months
Male Border Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
Female Border Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Border Terrier at 12 months
Male Border Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs
Female Border Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Border Terrier at 18 months
Male Border Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 14.0 lbs
Female Border Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 14.0 lbs

Top Border Terrier Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Border Terrier breeders of 2024.
Top Border Terrier breeder Lndi's Border Terriers
Lndi's Border Terriers
San Jacinto, California
Top Border Terrier breeder Webe Farms
Webe Farms
Fallbrook, California
Top Border Terrier breeder Brierden Terriers
Brierden Terriers
Portland, Michigan
Top Border Terrier breeder Horizon Dobermans
Horizon Dobermans
Richmond, Texas
Top Border Terrier breeder Brentwood Border Terriers
Brentwood Border Terriers
Machesney Park, Illinois
Top Border Terrier breeder Faireview Border Terriers
Faireview Border Terriers
Germantown, Wisconsin
Top Border Terrier breeder Wartrace Borders
Wartrace Borders
Wartrace, Tennessee
Top Border Terrier breeder Wildwood Border Terriers
Wildwood Border Terriers
Galena, Ohio
Top Border Terrier breeder Coldstream Border Terriers
Coldstream Border Terriers
Odessa, Florida
Top Border Terrier breeder Otley Border Terriers
Otley Border Terriers
Chino Valley, Arizona

Border Terrier Owner Experiences

4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sniffing
The Border Terrier I walked was very eager to explore and sniff around for food/things on the ground
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
He was great very quiet and kept to himself. They ate energetic and love there family
6 years, 11 months ago
Gus
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Explore the woods
Hunt
Chase
Fetch
Dog Parks
Eating Snacks
He is very lovey, but he has a lot of energy and he can be pretty stubborn. he loves his chew toys and requires a walk in the morning, a walk at night, and play time during the day.
4 years, 4 months ago
Wilma
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Hunting fox and roedeer
Theraphy at a senter for people with disabilities
A great family dog. Loves children. Calm inside, full of energy outside.
3 years, 9 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd