Before the late 1800s, people knew the Border Terrier as the Coquetdale Terrier or Redesdale Terrier. However, because of the long history with the Border Hunt in Northumberland, the name was changed into the one we use today – Border Terrier. The Royal Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1920. The Border Terrier’s original purpose wasn’t rat-catching on farms, contrary to belief. Their job was to follow the fox underground and chase it out of the hole or stay with it and bark to notify the hunters where the fox was. Border Terriers are small but energetic dogs, always ready to do some work, whether it’s chase a squirrel or play catch. This is very important if you plan on bringing one to your home. They are not mellow, lazy dogs.

Size

The size is what makes these dogs so popular, especially if they are looking for a smaller but energetic and sturdy dog. Both males and females are from 12 to 15 inches tall (30 to 38 cm), and can weigh from 11.5 to 16 pounds (5 to 7 kg). Males are larger than females.

As you can see, the Border Terrier is a small dog. That means you can easily transport them from home to the vet, or anywhere else you plan to travel. They also require less space inside a home, which makes them suitable for both city and countryside.

Color

Essentially, there are four coat color variations:

• Wheaten
• Red
• Blue & tan
• Grizzle & tan

These are the standard breed coat colors. However, today, you can find other variations, such as black grizzle, red wheaten, black & red, black & tan, and so on. Yes, you can still register your pet at your Kennel Club even if it doesn’t have one of the 4 standard coat colors.

Social Traits

People bred Border Terriers to get along with other hunting dogs. This should mean that they go naturally well with other dogs. However, like other terriers, they can be a bit aggressive or standoffish toward other dogs. So, proper and early socialization is a must.

We also have to be mindful of their size and the size of the other dogs. Big dogs play more rough, so we need to make sure both sides went through proper socialization.

As for the cats and other animals, well, that can be an issue. If people raise them with cats, they consider cats part of the family and will not chase or prey on them. However, other cats are not part of the family, so that means they can chase them! The same goes with other small animals. But I’d still not recommend putting a Border Terrier with a hamster in the same room. 

Trainability

Border Terrier is a hard-working dog with a lot of desire to be helpful. We should use this desire to do the work during training sessions. Similar to other terriers, we need to keep the sessions short and interesting. Breeders developed them to work independently, not under the owner’s constant direction. Keep that in mind, especially when walking off leash. If they come across a small creature they could chase, there’s no stopping them. In their minds, they are doing the right thing – what people made them to do. 

Like other dogs with a high prey drive, the Border Terrier struggles with off-leash commands when they spot an animal they consider prey.

It’s crucial to give out rewards and praise promptly and adequately. Not when they come back after 15 minutes, muddy from chasing a woodland creature. Keep them on leash and try to refocus them with a dog treat or something more interesting. You have to understand that some dogs never actually get over their prey drive. We can only try to channel it.

Activity Needs

One thing you have to understand right away is that the Border Terrier is a working terrier foremost. They can be lovely family pets, adjusting perfectly to your home. But, it’s only if you can give them enough mental and physical stimulation.

Remember, people bred these dogs to run after horses and hunters all day long and bolt after a fox whenever needed. After a full day of hunting, they could return home by following the horses and larger dogs once more. These are not small, relaxed dogs that are content with just a couple of short walks. 

Active and small, the Border Terrier is a great hiking companion

They need at least one hour of daily activities to keep them healthy, both mentally and physically. You can combine outdoor and indoor games, walks, hikes, and so on. They’ll love to be a part of your activities, so sometimes just taking them with you on the trip to the local shop makes them happy.

Feeding

Depending on their activity levels, adult Border Terriers need from 1 to 1 and a half cups of kibble food every day. It is best to divide the amount into two meals – one in the morning and the other one in the evening. 

You can always add some healthy snacks, such as fruits dogs can eat or some dog treats if you’re in the middle of obedience training. Just don’t forget to give them treats and train them before they’ve had their regular meal for that day. That way, they’ll be more motivated to take the treat.

As I always say, every dog is unique. That’s why I recommend consulting a vet regarding your dog’s diet and the food amount they need. It’s not just the activity levels that matter, but the age, health, and unique situations varying from dog to dog.

Grooming

The Border Terrier has a double, short and wiry coat type. The outer coat is actually quite harsh, which not a lot of people like. Border Terriers shed normally with a higher intensity during the shedding season. That is when you’ll need to brush them more often, at least twice a week or even every day. Because of their harsher outer coat, you’ll need to use a stripping tool and a hound glove. That way, you can help your dog get rid of the dead hair and keep the fur healthy and clean.

Border Terriers need a stripping tool during the shedding season.

They don’t need a lot of baths because their outer coat is what keeps the dirt away. Even if they get dirty, often a towel and brushing will get them clean again. Of course, if they turn smelly or really dirty, a bath is a must. Apart from brushing, they also need regular nail trimming.

Possible Problems

This dog breed is generally a healthy one. Of course, it depends a lot on the breeder. If they make sure a dog’s health is the priority, if they screen-test their dogs, and keep them loved and healthy, there shouldn’t be a lot of problems.

But, like with any other dog breed that has been kept “purebred” for many decades, Border Terriers can also develop some health issues. Here are some examples:

• Hip dysplasia
• Heart problems
• Eye problems (PRA)
• Seizures
• Allergies 

Lifespan: from 12 to 15 years

Summary

The Border Terrier dog breed is getting more popular, especially in their country of origin. And, for a good reason. They are lively, loyal, affectionate, and small, which makes them ideal for an apartment as well as a house. However, they have a strong prey drive, which can be a problem if you like to walk your dogs off-leash. That also means they need to be introduced and raised with small animals (such as cats) for them to consider these animals as family members and not prey. And don’t forget, they need more than just a brush once a week during the shedding season. However, if you don’t mind the brushing, the prey drive, and their need to sniff and explore to satisfy their hunting nature, then a Border Terrier is a great addition to your (hopefully, active) family!

Read Next: Scottish Terrier Traits – Breeds 101

Cover photo by Samuel Cockman