Border Terrier Dog Breed

They certainly can be but would suit a home with slightly older children as they can be quite mouthy and too busy for young children. 

Their spirited nature means they can be great playmates.

Any family that wants a Border Terrier should enjoy the great outdoors as this dog loves and needs to exercise their little legs. 

Border Terriers are very affectionate but not clingy.

If you’re looking for a true companion, then a Border Terrier could be an excellent choice.

They can cope with a few hours home alone if the idea is introduced properly and their needs are met. But they won’t thrive if you regularly leave them for a full working day.

An active retired or semi-retired person/couple would be ideal. Someone who works part-time or from home could also be a good fit.

Yes! Border Terriers love to play, especially seeking and finding squeaky toys. That squeak won’t last long, though, so be prepared to buy regular replacements. 

Their fun-loving nature means they want to play and interact with their people a lot. A dog-loving teenager would have a fun time with a Border Terrier as their sidekick.

If you don’t think you can find time for daily play sessions, this may not be the breed for you.

In truth, Border Terriers do bark a lot.

They make good little watchdogs, but they also bark when they’re excited and frustrated. 

Being small, their bark is high-pitched. So, if you’re sensitive to sounds, a Border Terrier may not be the best choice.

They aren’t usually nuisance barkers… they just seem to like the sound of their own voice!

Don’t underestimate a Border Terrier’s instinct to hunt prey. You’ll need to carefully manage them around small animals, cats and wildlife. 

The urge to catch prey means that recall training (teaching them to come back when called) can be challenging.

Like other Terriers, they enjoy a good dig. If you love your nice, neat lawn and pretty borders, you’ll need to provide a dig pit. Otherwise, your garden will quickly look like the crater-filled surface of the moon!

A bored Border Terrier is likely to become a nuisance barker if they end up getting bored. 

Whilst they’re generally tolerant of other dogs, they can still be bossy and feisty with them!

As with all dogs, if their physical and emotional needs are met, and kind, fair and effective training methods are used, your Border Terrier will thrive and be a dog that you can be proud of.

A Border Terrier is suited to a home that has a secure garden. They need a safe place to run free and play their little hearts out. Their instincts to catch prey can make this difficult during walks (unless you have regular access to a secure field).

These little dogs are always ready to use their large voices, which is likely to upset close neighbours.
They need companionship; long hours of being alone will make them miserable. 

Border Terriers may not thrive living with other pets.  If they join a group as a puppy, they might be okay. But introducing small furry friends to an adult Border Terrier could be asking for trouble.

They can live with other dogs, but opposite-sex mixes are best.

Not everyone has the time to be a Border Terrier owner! They need to embrace these little dogs’ quirks and fulfil their physical and emotional needs to keep them happy and healthy.

Don’t let their size fool you!  Border Terriers are an agile, hardy breed with tonnes of stamina… they’ll go for miles. They love to run around their environment!

Border Terriers are also mini hunters and will need help channelling their instincts into things other than finding real prey. Try activities that involve seeking and finding, playing with squeaky toys, and a good old game of tug of war. 

Keeping a Border Terrier both physically and mentally happy will take time out of an owner’s day, so factor this into your decision.

All puppies need to learn how to be around people, pets, and other dogs, calmly and politely (known as socialisation). They also need help to feel calm, comfortable, and confident in everyday situations like travelling, the sound of traffic, and being in busy places (known as habituation). This is essential to prevent tricky behavioural problems in the future, and you'll be off to a great start with your ongoing training.

Border Terriers are incredibly smart.  They’re motivated by both food and toys, which makes training easier. 

Socialisation and habituation (getting them used to people, animals, and the world around them) are essential for helping a Border Terrier be a good member of the canine community. 

Their instinct to chase prey will mean that recall training will be a long-term task.

As they’re small and friendly, Border Terriers are prone to jumping up. Teaching them to greet people with all four paws firmly on the floor is best. 

As with most breeds, adolescence can be challenging! So, keep up your training well into adulthood.

Border Terriers have a wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat.

They need regular grooming, so you’ll need to buy a brush and a comb.

Because they like to dig, you may find they become mucky pups and need the occasional bath.
Grooming not only keeps a dog’s coat in good condition, but it also gives the owner an opportunity to check for any lumps, scratches, or fleas and ticks.

The Border Terrier is classed as a relatively healthy breed.

They can be prone to a few health conditions, including luxating patella (a condition where the kneecap dislocates), skin issues, and ear problems.

These dogs are big foodies, which means you may need to keep an eye on their weight and avoid obesity.
Regular physical and mental exercise along with a quality diet will keep your Border Terrier on the right, healthy path.