If dogs were pub regulars, the Border Terrier would be the one sitting by the fire, muddy paws stretched out, pint of ale by his side, ready for both a cuddle and a sprint across the fields. Don’t be fooled by the scruffy whiskers and soulful eyes these little dynamos were bred tough.
Originating on the rugged borders of England and Scotland, they worked alongside farmers to flush out foxes and keep pests under control. Hardy, game, and full of cheek, they’ve swapped moors and foxholes for sofas and gardens, but they’ve kept every ounce of grit.
Not sure if this whiskery rascal is for you? Try the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz before you leap in.
Pickles’ Aside: They’re basically hobbits in dog form — small, hardy, and always up for an adventure.
Great Names for a Border Terrier
A Border deserves a name with bounce or old-school charm. Try these:
Scruffy sweethearts: Scruff, Tattie, Bramble, Twig, Poppy, Biscuit
Classic keepers: Alfie, Molly, Jack, Rosie, George, Lily
Quirky mischief-makers: Pickle, Zoom, Fidget, Noodle, Tizzy, Spud
Heritage nods: Hadrian, Kelso, North, Clyde, Tweed, Jed
Still can’t decide? Let the Dog Name Generator do the heavy lifting.
Exercise
Border Terriers may be pint-sized, but they’re packed with energy. Think of them as pocket rockets, they’ll dash round the fields like sprinters, then curl up in your lap as if butter wouldn’t melt. A walk around the block won’t cut it. These dogs need real adventures.
What they love:
- Long daily walks (at least an hour)
- Off-lead runs where safe
- Sniffing, digging, chasing (it’s in their DNA)
- Games of fetch, tug, and nose work
One owner laughed: “He’s small, but I swear he’s got the stamina of a marathon runner. If you don’t walk him, he’ll walk himself — usually through the hedge.”
Pickles’ Aside: Border Terriers have a PhD in escape tunnels. Your garden fence is merely a challenge.
Terrier Trouble Warning
These scrappy workers are full of determination. Without exercise and stimulation, they’ll dig, chew, and make their own fun (usually at your expense).
Temperament
There’s a reason Borders are adored by families. They’re affectionate without being clingy, tough without being snappy, and clownish without being manic. They adore their people but carry that independent terrier streak that keeps things interesting.
Expect a dog that’s:
- Loving and good with children
- Bold but not aggressive
- Cheerful and up for anything
- Occasionally, as stubborn as a mule
As one owner put it: “She’s so gentle with the kids, but when she spots a rabbit it’s like a switch flips.”
Pickles’ Aside: Imagine Mary Poppins crossed with a speed demon. Practically perfect… until a squirrel appears.
Training
Training a Border Terrier is a mix of joy and challenge. They’re clever, food-motivated, and willing until their nose catches a whiff of something more interesting.
How to succeed:
- Keep training short, sharp, and fun
- Use treats and praise generously
- Nail recall early (good luck when fox scent is about)
- Add variety — repetition bores them
One owner admitted: “He learned sit, stay, and paw in about a week. But recall? If he sees a squirrel, forget it.”
Need help? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can keep your sessions fresh when your Border decides the pigeon across the road is more fun than you.
Stubborn Streak Warning
Borders may play deaf when it suits them. Stay calm, consistent, and reward like mad when they listen.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Borders aren’t fierce guard dogs. They’ll bark to alert you, but most are more likely to welcome strangers once introduced. They’d rather be friends than fighters.
Other Animals
Here’s where that terrier grit comes in. Borders were bred to hunt foxes, so small furries like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are usually best kept separate. With dogs, they’re generally sociable, especially if raised with company.
“Our Border loves other dogs — but the neighbour’s chickens? Absolutely not!”
Pickles’ Aside: Basically, cats are housemates. Chickens are targets.
Grooming
That scruffy coat is tougher than it looks. Borders have a wiry, weatherproof jacket that doesn’t shed like mad, but it does need stripping a couple of times a year. Day to day, they’re fairly low-maintenance.
- Weekly brushing to keep the coat neat
- Hand-stripping twice a year to remove dead hair
- Bath only when absolutely necessary
- Regular checks for burrs, ticks, and tangles after walks
Grooming Commitment Warning
Forget the clippers — Borders need proper hand-stripping to keep their coat healthy.
Health
Borders are generally hardy, but like all breeds, they have their weak spots.
Common issues include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart murmurs
- Seizures (epilepsy in some lines)
- Skin allergies
“Mine’s nearly 12 and still running around like a pup — tough as old boots, but we’ve had to keep an eye on his heart.”
Check with breeders and use the Best in Breeder Guide before choosing your pup.
Cost of Ownership
Borders aren’t the priciest dogs, but you’ll still need a budget. In the UK, expect:
- Puppy price: £1,000–£1,800
- Insurance: £25–£50/month
- Food: £25–£50/month
- Grooming: £100–£200/year (hand-stripping)
- Vet bills: £200–£400/year
Famous Owners & Moments
- Prince Charles has been spotted with his Border Terrier, proving even royalty can’t resist a scruffy face.
- Borders often appear in countryside TV shows and films — they’re the quintessential farm-and-fireplace dog.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “They’re lap dogs.” | They love cuddles, but they’re hardy workers at heart. |
| “They don’t shed.” | Less than many, but they still leave hair on your hoover. |
| “Small = easy.” | Don’t be fooled — their energy is huge. |
FAQs
Are Border Terriers good with kids?
Yes, they’re famously good-natured and gentle with children.
Do they dig?
Absolutely. Borders love a good dig, so supervise your garden.
Are they noisy?
Not the yappiest of terriers, but they’ll bark to alert you.
Do they need a lot of grooming?
Not masses, but hand-stripping a couple of times a year is essential.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
A Border Terrier is the perfect mix of hardy worker and cuddly companion. You’ll gain a dog that’s scruffy, affectionate, funny, and surprisingly tough. But you’ll also need to accept the quirks: digging, chasing, selective hearing, and a knack for squeezing through fences.
They’re not lap-sized ornaments — they’re little adventurers who need proper walks, firm training, and a secure garden.
If you’re ready for a companion who’ll make you laugh daily, trot happily by your side, and snuggle on the sofa after muddy escapades, then a Border might just be your perfect match.
Start strong with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and keep their scruffy charm immortalised forever with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small
- Weight: 5–7 kg
- Height: 28–40 cm
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best Trait: Tough yet affectionate family dog
- Challenging Trait: Stubborn, loves to dig and chase