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Border Terrier Dog Breed Information Guide With Pictures

Border terrier dog breed information


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Border Terrier dog breed information profile with pictures includes history, appearance, size, temperament, lifespan, health, training of Border Terrier dogs and puppies.

Thinking about adding a Border Terrier dog or puppy to your family?

Check out our Border Terrier Adoption Listings and Border Terrier Dog Breeders directory.

All About Border Terriers

Border terrier dog breedThe Border Terrier is has come a long way from its roots along the border of England and Scotland. He was, by all accounts, an extraordinary fox hunter and general working dog.

After years of ratting and dispatching foxes, the Border Terrier has made its way into more gentile company and has grown steadily as a show dog and pet. Although this elevation is akin to Eliza Doolittle; he’s there, he’s just bewildered as to how it happened.

The Border Terrier is roguishly handsome, bold and alert. He most certainly isn’t what springs to mind when one thinks of a show dog, but make no mistake, the Border Terrier is well established in the ring. He is a capable watchdog, a tireless playmate and a gentle soul.

Border Terrier Facts

The Border Terrier is a small, rough-coated breed of dog in the terrier group. Bred as a fox and vermin hunter, the Border Terrier shares ancestry with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Bedlington Terrier.

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Life span: 12 – 15 years
Temperament: Even Tempered, Alert, Obedient, Fearless, Intelligent, Affectionate
Size: Small
Height: Male: 33–40 cm, Female: 28–36 cm
Colors: Blue & Tan, Grizzle & Tan, Red, Wheaten
Weight: Male: 5.9–7.1 kg, Female: 5.1–6.4 kg
Non Shedding: Yes
Good with small children: No

Border Terrier History

Border terrier dog breed pictureIt is believed that the Border Terrier is one of Britain’s oldest terriers with its roots dating back to the 1700’s. Originally, the Border Terrier was bred to keep nuisance foxes out of farmer’s fields along the border of England and Scotland. This of course, is where the Border Terrier earned it name. The exact progeny of the Border Terrier is unknown, but it is believed that a Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an ancestor.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Border Terrier held a vital role in the success of English farms. Besides dispatching foxes, the Border Terrier held ratting duties as well. So, the Border Terrier had to be nimble enough to fit into a rat hole and fox’s den, yet fast enough to keep up with horses.

By 1870, the Border Terrier has risen from its utilitarian roots to stand proudly among the gentry’s elegant foxhunts. Its role as a blue collar breed lessened as its popularity as a pet and show dog rose. By 1930, the Border Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Border Terrier Appearance

Border terrier dog on fenceThe Border Terrier is far from a prissy, bow-on-the-head-type dog. Although small in stature, it is a tough, no-nonsense breed with physical attributes well suited for its working class roots.

The Border Terrier’s head has been described as otter-like, rounded with sleek, short hair. The Border Terrier’s body is long and narrow with powerful hind legs designed for quick bursts of speed. The tail is short, tapered and carried high, but never curled.

This breed of terrier has a double coat, with an outer coat that is thick and wiry. It can be unruly, but it is weather and dirt resistant which seems a reasonable compromise. This breed has few adornments in the way of flashy facial hair or feathery manes. Instead, the Border Terrier’s modest demeanor and kindly temperament make this a beautiful dog.

Border Terrier Temperament

Border terrier dog on fenceThe Border Terrier is one of the most amiable breeds. They are even tempered with people and other pets, unless the pet happens to be a rodent or rabbit, in which case, run for your life! On rare occasions, a Border Terrier can take an unusual and mystifying dislike to another dog and a fight can ensue. But this is the exception rather than the rule. In contrast, the Border Terrier’s calm nature has made this breed a popular therapy dog for children and for the elderly.

The Border Terrier is a task-oriented breed. They can be trained to seek and retrieve virtually anything and they have a startling affinity for jumping. Border Terriers are highly intelligent and are keen to please, however, they have moments of wilfulness.

But, if your Border Terrier is left to his own devices he will roam with abandon, punctuated by periods when he will sit for hours, just watching the world go by. Your Border Terrier will happily amuse himself until a task presents itself. But do be warned, sometimes Border Terriers amuse themselves with digging, so to avoid this, give him plenty of your time.

Border Terrier Exercise Info

Border terrier dog on fenceThe Border Terrier’s exercise requirements are reasonable. He loves being busy and has a penchant for long, off-the-leash expeditions. There is one caveat; Border Terriers can hightail-it with glee into uncharted territory. So be sure your Border Terrier is well trained to respond to the heel command.

If city living precludes a country romp, a good 5 kilometre leashed walk through the neighborhood will do. And, don’t be surprised if your Border Terrier decides to take an unexpected break. Border Terriers love to relax amid chaos and take-in the show. In fact, he may be reluctant to continue the walk. Even on short walks, Border Terriers will take breaks in favour of observing the world around him. To the casual observer, the Border Terrier has a highly civilized outlook on life.

Border Terrier Grooming Info

The grooming needs of the Border Terrier are reasonable but their coats are wiry, so some effort is needed. If you keep your Border Terrier’s coat short, it will look tidy, but don’t expect glamor. Left to grow, the Border Terrier’s coat will be comically, but charmingly bushy. This latter choice will mean a greater commitment to daily brushing.

Biannual stripping of the Border Terrier’s coat will prevent the thickening undercoat that clipping can cause. But make no mistake, some owners prefer this humble, ragged look for their family pet. This style coat is susceptible to matting, but selective stripping can ease this.

Border Terrier Training Info

Border terrier dog on fenceIf there is a way to disguise training as hunting, then you’ve hit the jackpot with the Border Terrier. This is their ilk and they simply love it. Unfortunately, this instinct can trump a command in Border Terriers with late training. So, the prudent Border Terrier owner starts training early and is unfailingly consistent.

Housebreaking your Border Terrier is straightforward using the tried-and-true crate method. Simply bring your Border Terrier outside immediately after naps and meals and your Border Terrier will soon establish a bathroom routine.

While Border Terriers are agile dogs and are highly trainable, they don’t seem to enjoy simple, pointless tricks. Perhaps this is a throwback to their worker roots, or perhaps the Border Terrier deems these tricks futile. Either way, your Border Terrier will perform them, but he won’t like it. He will clearly prefer anything even vaguely related to his heritage; hunting, retrieving, digging.

Border Terrier Health Info

Common health concerns for your Border Terrier include; patellar luxation, CHD and heart defects.

Also of note is the Border Terriers occasional dalliance with consuming small, captured animals such as mice and shrews. While this many not always cause stomach upset, plastic toys mistaken for prey and then eaten certainly will. This can cause your Border Terrier to have symptoms including lethargy, sleeplessness and a withdrawal from normal activity levels. If you suspect you Border Terrier has eaten a toy, seek veterinary attention for him at once.

Border Terrier Right Breed Info

Border terrier dog on fenceThe Border Terrier is a lovely pet. He is an unfussy, agreeable dog with equal measures of energy and repose. Border Terriers are have sweet temperaments and are an excellent choice for families with children. City dwellers will be pleased with this breed’s undemanding exercise requirements.

Do be cautious however, when leaving your Border Terrier alone for long periods in a yard. Border Terriers can tunnel their way to freedom in remarkably quick fashion. For rural folks, the Border Terrier also makes an amiable pet; minding his own business along with anything else that needs minding.

As with purchasing any dog, resist the urge to purchase a Border Terrier inexpensively from a pet store or from an advertisement in a newspaper. You may unwittingly buy a mal-adjusted, sick, puppy mill dog. This is to be avoided at all costs.

More Information about the Border Terrier Dog Breed

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