The small, rough-coated Border Terrier has a big personality in a small package. Perfect for families, keep reading for everything you need to know about this energetic breed — from barking to their most common health problems.
"Border Terriers can be a very adaptable breed and are happy in a variety of situations, which is why they are such popular pets," says Shauna Walsh, nurse at PDSA.
"They fit in well with most families as long as you have plenty of time to keep them active and entertained. And as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they are happy to live almost anywhere – whether this is in a town or city, or out in the countryside."
Jump to:
- What were Border Terriers originally bred for?
- What are Border Terriers known for?
- Do Border Terriers have any health problems?
- Do you need a big garden to care for Border Terriers?
- Do Border Terriers bark a lot?
- 9 fun facts about Border Terriers that will make you fall in love with them
- Do Border Terriers shed?
- What owners are best for Border Terriers?
Planning on adding one to your family? Keep reading for all you need to know about this lively breed...
What were Border Terriers originally bred for?
Despite Border Terriers being beloved family pets, they were originally bred to hunt vermin.
"Border Terriers take their name from the borders of Northumberland and Scotland, thought to be around 1880," says the Kennel Club.
"Originally a working terrier, the breed was developed by the farmers and shepherds of the area, who used terriers to contain the local fox population. They have since become popular family pets, both in town, city and country!"
What are Border Terriers known for?
Border Terriers are known for their alert gaze, powerful drive to hunt and dig, good-natured personality, loyalty, fearlessness, high energy levels, and determination. Naturally bred to run peacefully with foxhounds, they are also affectionate dogs that will want to spend time with their owners (they are not, however, demanding).
Shauna adds: "If you're thinking of getting a Border Terrier, they do have a reputation for being skilled escape artists due to their energy levels and high prey drive (high desire to chase due to their working background), so it is essential to have a secure garden they can play and have free time in.
"Like most terriers, they can tend to chew anything and everything, so make sure you have plenty of dog-friendly toys and puzzle games, play sessions, and training sessions to keep them occupied.
"They are also very good at digging, so it's worth making sure the garden is fully secure and that they can’t slip under any fences, and dedicate a specific area in the garden for them to enjoy their digging safely."
Do Border Terriers have any health problems?
Sadly, like other purebred dogs, Border Terriers are also at risk of certain problems and conditions. These include:
- Luxating patellas (where the kneecaps slip temporarily out of place)
- Skin problems
- Ear problems
- Cushings disease
- SLEM (Spongiform LeucoEncephaloMyelopathy) or shaking puppy syndrome
- Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS) – tremors, muscle spasms, seizures, affecting whole or part of body
- Canine Gallbladder Mucocoele – this is where the gall bladder has difficulty emptying and may require surgical removal
"If you are thinking of buying a Border Terrier puppy, make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these certain conditions," Shauna tells us.
"We'd recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured Breeder as they meet extra requirements which will benefit your puppy's health, but it's still important to ask lots of questions about any health problems your puppy's parents or grandparents might have suffered from."
Do you need a big garden to care for Border Terriers?
Thinking of getting a Border Terrier? The PSDA advises you to have a secure garden so they can safely enjoy play and free time. Like many dogs, Border Terriers need to stretch their legs regularly outside — which means having a garden will help to keep them happy and entertained.
"Like most terriers, they tend to chew anything and everything, so make sure you have plenty of dog-friendly toys to keep them occupied. They are also very good at digging, so it's worth making sure the garden is fully secure and that they can't slip under any fences. They're not the best pets if you like a tidy garden."
Do Border Terriers bark a lot?
While Border Terriers aren't notoriously loud, they will bark to alert you of anything unusual. As with any other dog, how much noise Border Terriers make depends on the individual. If you are having issues with excessive barking, it's advised to seek the advice of an accredited behaviourist.
9 fun facts about Border Terriers that will make you fall in love with them
- They were originally bred to flush out and kill foxes, which accounts for their desire to chase
- Border Terriers have a double coat
- They love to dig."You may find more than a few holes in your garden if they are left to their own devices," says Shauna.
- The Border Terrier is very interested in being part of the family
- They can work and live peacefully with other dogs
- Their name comes from the fact they originated from the England and Scotland border
- Border Terriers are active dogs that love and need regular exercise
- They were first recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club in 1920
- They are skilled escape artists so it's best to keep them occupied as much as possible
Do Border Terriers shed?
Like many pups, Border Terriers are also likely to shed throughout the year. They have a wiry outer coat and soft, dense undercoat which will need brushing a few times a week; however, they may require professional grooming twice a year. It's worth knowing that they are classed as minimal shedders and are not known to be high maintenance.
What owners are best for Border Terriers?
"Border Terriers are friendly, small dogs which means they are a suitable choice for a variety of owners in the country or city," the Kennel Club tells us. "However, their energetic nature means they are best suited to active owners who will have enough time to exercise them and give them enough mental stimulation too."
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
