Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a breed originating from the Anglo-Scottish border. They are known for their thick, wiry coat, which can range in color from red, wheaten, blue and tan to gray and tan. They are energetic, affectionate and intelligent, which makes them highly valued pets by families and individuals.

General details

Border Terriers are small to medium sized muscular dogs. They usually weigh between 4 and 5 kilos and measure between 30 and 40 cm at shoulder height. They usually have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years with proper care. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, it belongs to Group 3, which groups Terriers.

Breed history in brief

The Border Terrier is a small breed of dog that originated in the border region between England and Scotland in the 19th century. By 1870, it was decided that its name would be Border Terrier, as most of the breeding was done in the Border Hunt region of Northumberland, with a very similar appearance to today. In 1886, it became the official name of the breed. In 1920 it was accepted as its own breed. They were originally bred to hunt vermin in textile mills and mines. They were able to chase foxes under the ground, and were used in hunting rodents, otters and badgers. The breed developed from several small Terriers, such as the Scotch Terrier and the Skye Terrier. The Border Terrier became popular in the United States in the late 19th century and is now one of the most popular small dog breeds in the world.

Breed characteristics

The Border Terrier is a strong, compact dog with a slightly scruffy appearance. They have a well-balanced body with a level back, short legs and a long, slightly curled tail. Their head is wedge-shaped with a distinctive dark nose, large, dark eyes and small, erect ears. The coat is double, thick and fibrous on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Like most dogs with double coats, they shed seasonally. The top coat repels dirt, and frequent baths weaken it. Common coat colors are red, wheaten, blue and tan and gray and tan. Border Terriers are known to be energetic, affectionate and intelligent. They are loyal and affectionate to their owners, and enjoy being active and playing. They are confident and fearless, which can sometimes lead them to be stubborn. They are usually good with children, but may chase small animals if not properly socialized. They are also very active, so at least a good daily walk is recommended.

Common health problems

Like all dog breeds, the Border Terrier is susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health problems in the breed include hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes disease, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy and Spike's disease. In addition to the above conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends an annual eye screening exam up to age 8 and an annual cardiac screening exam, as well as a series of tests to assess for patellar luxation and spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy.