Border Terrier Complete Breed Guide

Border Terriers are playful, exciting, and adventurous pups. Their high energy makes them wonderful playmates (especially for kids), and their strong prey drive will keep them on the hunt for hours. Although they’re easygoing and lovable, Border Terriers also can be stubborn if they don’t have a set pack leader.

These small but mighty dogs are the perfect pets for families with children. On top of being easygoing and fun, Border Terriers are brave, determined hunters. With a strong prey drive, nearby rats and rodents don’t stand a chance. These dogs need a bit of training to show them who’s boss, but with socialization and some TLC, they’ll quickly become a lovable member of the family. Border Terriers require a bit more maintenance than other terriers when it comes to grooming and activity. Their double layered coats need frequent brushing, and bursting with insatiable energy, they’ll be looking to you for exercise and stimulation.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

Border Terriers typically get along well with dogs and other animals. While their natural ratting instincts can be useful for keeping pests at bay, leaving them around other small animals that they aren’t used to can lead to dangerous accidents. That’s why socialization is key. In addition to spending time with other pets, Border Terriers enjoy playing with children and consider them their friends. These dogs should primarily live indoors, but they’ll need to go out for exercise every day.

Exercise & Activity

Border Terriers are high energy and love to get their blood pumping. Their favorite activity is running around with their families. Daily walks are also important to keep them healthy. Border Terriers love playing games that simulate hunting because of their strong prey drive, and they’re also known to excel at agility exercises.

Border Terriers are fun, tenacious, and sometimes persistent to a fault. These dogs are happy-go-lucky and laid back most of the time, but they need a leader to keep them in line. Border Terriers also are known hunters. They’ll stop at almost nothing to take down their prey, even if it means burrowing under a fence or making a hole in the wall. Their prey drive is balanced by their innate love of companionship and being surrounded by family.

Like most other terriers, Border Terriers' coats have a double layer of fur. Their undercoats are typically soft, fluffy, and covered by a dense top coat of wiry hair. You can find them in a wide array of colors, but the most common combinations are blue and tan, grizzle and tan, red, or wheaten. This breed started out as ratters on Scottish farms, where they developed weatherproof and dirtproof coats that rarely shed. Weekly brushings will keep their coats tame, but you’ll need to strip the fur twice a year to keep them healthy and clean.