Border Terrier
Overview
A hardy, good-natured working terrier that’s friendlier with people and dogs than many of its terrier cousins.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Border Terrier is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are good for first-time owners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Border Terrier typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is easy-care and shedding is low. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Border Terrier should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Affectionate, even-tempered and sturdy
- +Low-shedding wiry coat (needs occasional hand-stripping)
Things to consider
- –Active with a strong prey drive — needs good recall and exercise
- –Loves to dig and can chase small animals
Is a Border Terrier right for you?
On space, a Border Terrier is best with a garden — they do best with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise. For experience level, they are good for first-time owners. That makes them a reasonable choice for a committed first-time owner.
Kit that suits a Border Terrier
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Border Terriers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Border Terriers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Border Terrier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Border Terrier needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Border Terriers shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Border Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Border Terriers are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Border Terriers bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Border Terriers good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Border Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Border Terrier is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.