Border Terriers like to do things in their own time and are essentially a large dog in a small body.
Curious about what Border Terriers are like as pets? Confident and courageous, these dogs are well behaved and can be trained to know all the basic commands, but sometimes they just don’t feel like doing something straight away. They make a great companion for all ages, however excitable children can make them feel threatened. Play with Boarder Terriers and children should be supervised accordingly.
Their temperament is affectionate and fun-loving, but also independent. Border Terriers can easily entertain themselves. They are a healthy breed and often reach their 15th birthday, making them long-term friends. They also tend to be more laid-back than other terriers.
Fun fact: Famous Border Terriers include Toots in Lassie,
Puffy from There’s Something About Mary and
Tansy as Toto in Return to Oz.
Border Terriers have high-energy needs and daily exercise, as with most dogs, is crucial. They are also very intelligent and training them to perform commands and tricks helps to keep them mentally stimulated and happy. They are loving and very quiet, ideal for all households, including apartments. However, because they bark very little, they are not great as watchdogs.
They get along well with other dogs but must be socialised early on to befriend a cat. Due to their chase and catch instincts, they don’t pair so well with smaller animals like rabbits. They shed little hair and a weekly brush is all that’s needed to maintain their coats.
Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Border Terriers are generally healthy dogs and not prone to many diseases however screening for bone diseases is recommended. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.
Size
A Border Terrier is a small sized breed weighing between 5 and 7kgs, with a height between 28 and 30.5cms.
Space
They take up little room and will suit any space.
Energy Levels
They have oodles of energy and love daily runs and games of fetch.
Difficulty of Training
Border Terriers are easy to train. They are an intelligent breed that will quickly learn commands and tricks.
Family Suitability
This dog is suitable for all households with proper training.
Compatibility with other Pets
While they like other dogs, your Border Terrier may not get along with cats. Smaller pets aren’t ideal either.
Need for Company
They are the best of both worlds; they love to hang with you but also love some space.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
Yes
Coat and Grooming Needs
A Border Terrier has a short rough coat that is generally red, wheaten, grizzle and tan, or blue and tan. They are low-maintenance and only require a weekly brush.
Shedding
They shed a very small amount.
Tendency to Bark
They are a strong and silent breed and will rarely bark.