What does a border terrier look like
Owen Barnes
Published Apr 30, 2026
The Border Terrier has a short, dense undercoat covered with a wiry topcoat. His skin is thick and loose — something that came in handy during his fox-hunting days, as it protects him from bites. The Border Terrier coat can be red, blue and tan, grizzle and tan, or wheaten (pale yellow or fawn).
Are Border Terriers good pets?
Border Terriers make great family pets. They typically get along well with children and are eager to please. Their hunter’s nature might see them chasing cats or other small animals but they’re usually fine around other pets, especially if they’re introduced to them at a young age.
How big does a Border Terriers get?
Male: 13-15 lbs. Female: 11-14 lbs. Height at Withers: Male: 11 in.
Is a Border Terrier a small or medium dog?
One of the most popular terrier breeds, Border Terriers are small to medium-sized terriers with characteristic otter-like heads. Originally bred to help Foxhounds with hunting, these dogs are fast, love to dig and have a high prey drive.What do Border Terriers cost?
You can expect to pay between $800 and $1,500 for your Border Terrier puppy, depending on which breeder you choose and if you want to have breeding rights. Most breeders will require you to get the dog spayed or neutered unless you pay an extra fee.
Do Border Terrier bark a lot?
Border Terriers aren’t yappy, but they’ll bark to alert you of anything unusual, and they can become nuisance barkers if they get bored. Border Terriers have a high prey drive and will chase, attack, and even kill neighborhood cats, squirrels or other small animals.
Do border terriers like to cuddle?
They’re also incredibly versatile. If we want to chill out, they’re the perfect size to cuddle up with on the sofa, but if we want to go on long walks or play in the garden with the kids, they have the energy of 10 dogs. ‘
Are border terriers hard to train?
Despite their small size, Border Terriers are energetic dogs with big personalities to match. They’re keen to learn new things and so can be easy to train in the right hands. They love to play and interact with their owners at any given opportunity so can be great companions.Why does my border terrier smell so bad?
If your Border Terrier has been smelling funky even right after his bath, he could have microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast quietly having the time of their lives in his fur. … Pay attention to your Border Terrier’s breath. If there is a foul odor that crops up out of the blue, it is probable he has an infection.
Do border terriers shed a lot of hair?Border terriers do not shed in excessive amounts and most people, without allergies, would not likely notice dog hair when sitting on furniture around the home.
Article first time published onAre border terriers good hiking dogs?
Hiking Miles: Adult Border Terriers in sound health may be able to hike five to eight miles, but they have a high prey drive and may be territorial so leashes are recommended.
Are border terriers smart dogs?
Border Terriers can excel in a wide variety of canine activities, such as agility. Border Terriers are smart and have wonderful personalities. The breed standard says “in the field he is hard as nails,” but also notes “by nature he is good tempered” and that the Border is “affectionate, obedient, and easily trained.”
Do border terriers run away?
Border terriers have a really bad reputation for running away, and they are very determined little dogs. We only let ours off the lead on the beach so he can run about with our Lab and Collie.
How do I get a border terrier?
The easiest way to adopt a Border Terrier would be through a rescue that specializes in Border Terriers. A great place to start would be by starting a breed search on Adopt-a-Pet.com. The search will show you all the available Border Terriers in your area.
What is a border terrier mix?
Affen Terriers come from two bold and brave dog groups, the terriers and the pinschers. Affen Terriers are tiny in size and giant in personality, a cross between the Affenpinscher and the Border Terrier. Leaning more towards their terrier traits, these small companion dogs won’t back down from a challenge.
What is the calmest terrier breed?
Border terrier Here’s another exception to the rule when it comes to calm dog breeds of the terrier group. “Terriers as a whole tend to have a love of energy and tenacity, but the Border Terrier in my experience can be less intense while still having that bouncy energy that many terrier owners enjoy,” says Hof.
Can a Border Terrier be left alone?
With enough exercise and mental stimulation—and possibly a crate—the Border Terrier may be able to stay home alone for four to eight hours per day. Barking or destructive behaviors may arise without enough exercise or attention.
Should you bath a Border Terrier?
A Border should never be bathed unless in a dire emergency, like rolling in a cowpat. Most ordinary dirt once it is dry will brush out. The top coat is waterproof and shampoo, even the mildest can remove the oil. Once the oil is removed, the coat will not be water resistant and will pick up dirt far more easily.
Why do border terriers howl?
Border Terriers were originally bred to hunt small animals such as moles. This instinct to hunt is still alive in your terrier and he might even bolt out the door when he senses small animals in your yard. And because he is still a hunter, howling is how he communicates a successful hunt.
What happens if you don't strip a border terrier?
Never, Never clip a Border Terrier’s coat. The result will be a horrible tangled soft mess. Do not use stripping knives which can cut the hairs, these will also leave the dead roots and part of the shaft of the hair behind, and some of the so-called rakes can actually cut the skin.
Are border terriers greedy?
The Border Terrier is very greedy and would eat his weight in food if given the chance.
At what age is a border terrier fully grown?
When do border terriers stop growing? Generally, a Border Terrier is considered to be fully grown when they reach 12 months of age. As far as how big they will be at their full growth size, that can vary. Generally, a fully grown border terrier is somewhere in the range of 5.9kg and 7.1kg.
Are Border Terriers nippy?
With all their energy and an innate desire to seek prey, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Border Terriers could have a temper. … As with most terrier type breeds, they can sometimes get nippy if threatened, so it’s always safer to keep an eye on them with small children.
Are Border Terriers loyal?
Border Terriers can make great pets for active families. They are loyal and loving dogs, but they are also often fairly independent characters.
Do Border Terriers have skin problems?
In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. We call this skin allergy “atopy”, and Border Terriers often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year.
Do Border Collies shed?
Do Border Collies shed a lot of hair? For most Border Collies, they do indeed shed hair. Due to the breeds’ double-coated long hair, it is inevitable that you will see some shedding. … During moulting season, it’s important to regularly brush and groom your pet to avoid the matting of hair.
Are border terriers feisty?
Like all terriers, the Border Terrier can be feisty, independent and very active. They also are intelligent and do well with most types of training and dog activities. … Border Terriers are friendly, good-natured dogs who do well with most types of people, young and old.
Are border terriers athletic?
In general the Border Terrier is energetic and athletic. He tends to play rough and prefers vigorous exercise and interactive games. … Unlike most terriers, the Border is usually sociable with other dogs and not given to fiery posturing.
What should I look for in a border terrier puppy?
At the first visit, check the puppies from which you can choose. A healthy puppy will be active (unless resting after play), and be interested in what is going on around it. Look at each one closely. If the eyes are not clear and clean, if the tummies are hugely distended then do not be afraid to say ‘No’.
Are Border terriers good first time dogs?
Border terriers are great little dogs that would suit most owners, even those without previous dog experience. “If the person is willing to put a little time in and take the dog to puppy obedience classes, border terriers can be a great dog for first-time dog owners,” Ott says.
Are border terriers good recalls?
Yes terriers can be hard work, but loads of them have good recall, just that some need more work on it than others. If he is inclined to run off, then neutering MAY help, but is not a guarantee, but it will eliminate another reason for him to want to go off in the first place.