Breed profile

Border Terrier

Terrier from the Scottish border. Sturdy, cheerful, sociable. More tolerant of other dogs than other terriers. Wiry coat.

Origin: Inglaterra-Escocia (frontera) Size: Pequeño Lifespan: 13-16 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Active families
✓Anyone wanting a charismatic dog in a small package

Reconsider if

×Households with pet rodents

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Is the Border Terrier a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

40-70 €/month

Feeding 20-35 €, stripping/occasional grooming materials 5-15 €, antiparasitics 8-12 €, veterinary provision 12-20 €. A healthy breed: unexpected veterinary spending tends to be low.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating from England-Scotland (the border). A terrier from the Scottish border.

Temperament and character

Intelligent, loyal, well-balanced when well socialised and trained. It needs daily mental stimulation. Responds best to positive reinforcement. Physical punishment breeds fear and reactivity.

Living together

Children: with older, respectful ones. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** high prey drive.

Life stages of the Border Terrier

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 13-16 años.

Puppy

0-12 months

Early socialisation; training of its hunting instinct; brushing routine.

Young adult

1-3 years

Plenty of daily exercise and play; channelling its high energy and stamina.

Adult

3-9 years

Weight control, joint health and monitoring for CECS-type episodes.

Senior

9+ years

Neurological, joint and dental check-ups; senior diet.

Care

Exercise: 60-90 min/day + scent games.

Brushing: 2-3 times/week; hand-stripping every 8-10 weeks if the coat is wiry.

Feeding: in line with its high energy.

Vet: annual check-up.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality food adjusted to its high energy; it is prone to weight gain if it overeats, so control portions and treats.

✂️ Grooming

Wiry, hard-wearing coat: brushing 2-3 times a week and hand-stripping every 8-12 weeks; it sheds little and needs no clipper grooming.

🎓 Training

Clever, well-balanced and one of the most manageable terriers, tolerant of other dogs. Positive reinforcement and a recall worked on because of its hunting instinct.

🏃 Exercise

60-90 min daily of walking, running and scent games; hardy and sporty, it enjoys the countryside and agility.

Breed-specific health

Conditions common in the breed according to the FCI group. Life expectancy 13-16 years with proper care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from the age of 5.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

⚡Convulsiones y epilepsia 🦴Displasia de cadera 🦿Luxación de rótula

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Border Terrier

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Neurological assessment when SECC is suspected (spike's cramping syndrome, 'Spike's disease')
✓Auscultation and, where appropriate, echocardiography (cardiac defects)
✓Assessment of patellar luxation and hip
✓Ophthalmological check (juvenile cataracts)

Prevention

A rustic and long-lived breed: daily exercise, weight control, dental hygiene and coat stripping are enough. Keep vaccination and deworming up to date; in Mediterranean areas, protection against sandflies.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up up to the age of 8; two visits a year thereafter. It is one of the healthiest breeds, long-lived (13-16 years).

Warning signs

!Episodes of stiffness, cramps or difficulty moving that resolve on their own (possible SECC)
!Coughing, fatigue or exercise intolerance (heart)
!Intermittent lameness or skipping on a leg
!Tartar and bad breath (dental disease)

Border Terrier gallery

Foto de la raza border terrier — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Border Terrier

How long does a Border Terrier live?

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The life expectancy of the Border Terrier is 13-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Border Terrier weigh?

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An adult Border Terrier weighs between 5-7 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño.

Where does the Border Terrier breed come from?

▾

The Border Terrier originates from Inglaterra-Escocia (frontera). Recognised by the FCI. Originating from England-Scotland (the border). A terrier from the Scottish border.

How much exercise does a Border Terrier need?

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The Border Terrier has alta energy. **Exercise:** 60-90 min/day + scent games.

Is the Border Terrier good with children?

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**Children:** with older, respectful ones. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** high prey drive.

Who is the Border Terrier NOT recommended for?

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It isn't the right breed for: Households with pet rodents. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Border Terrier have?

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Conditions common in the breed according to the FCI group. Life expectancy 13-16 years with proper care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from the age of 5.

Does it get on well with other dogs?

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Yes, it is one of the most sociable terriers and tolerant of its own kind, a result of its past working in packs. Even so it retains a hunting instinct, so be careful with rodents and small animals.

Is it a healthy breed?

▾

Very much so. It is sturdy and long-lived (13-16 years), with few hereditary problems. It is worth knowing about SECC (spike's cramping syndrome), but overall veterinary spending is low.

Does it need professional grooming?

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Not clipping, but yes hand-stripping of the wiry coat every 8-12 weeks to maintain its texture and ensure it sheds well. In between, brushing a couple of times a week is enough.

Is it suitable for a first-time family?

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Yes. It is cheerful, adaptable and one of the easiest terriers to train, ideal for active families. It only needs daily exercise and for its recall to be worked on because of its hunting instinct.

What is spike's cramping syndrome?

▾

Known as 'Spike's disease', it causes episodes of stiffness or cramps without loss of consciousness that resolve on their own. It is associated with the breed and sometimes improves with a gluten-free diet; discuss it with your vet if you observe it.