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Small breed

Border Terrier Puppies

Lively companion, perfect for family adventures

  • Great with kids
  • Active breed
  • Alert watchdog
  • Quiet

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  • Adult weight 11–15 lbs
  • Height 10–11 in
  • Lifespan 12–15 years
  • Exercise 60 min a day
Tan and grizzled coat, alert posture, small size, bright eyes

About the Border Terrier

The charming Border Terrier, originally bred to assist hunters in the pursuit of game, has a long history that dates back to the rugged borders between England and Scotland. With a reputation for being both courageous and spirited, this small-sized breed has become renowned for their affectionate nature and lively personality. These little bundles of joy are not just work dogs; they thrive as beloved companions in family homes, making them a great fit for families with young children or even other dogs.

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Energetic yet adaptable, Border Terriers typically require regular exercise, balancing their playful antics with moments of calm. With a moderate energy level, they enjoy outdoor adventures but also comfortably settle into apartment living. Their affectionate demeanor ensures that they bond closely with their families, showering them with love and companionship. While they may display a charming tendency to bark, their commitment to family makes it well worth the extra noise.

Grooming is manageable for the Border Terrier, as they only need a weekly brush to keep their wiry coat looking pristine and healthy. Though they shed moderately, their grooming routine prevents excess hair around the house. Thanks to their intelligent nature, these terriers are highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement and engaging activities. If you are considering welcoming a furry friend into your home, the Border Terrier may just be the perfect addition to your family in Furrylicious®. With a blend of loyalty, energy, and love, they are sure to fill your life with delightful memories.

Border Terrier breed profile

Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.

Temperament

  • Affection Very affectionate
  • Playfulness Very playful
  • With strangers Warms up
  • Territorial Relaxed
  • Prey drive High

Family & other pets

  • Young children Good
  • Older children Good
  • Other dogs Sociable
  • Cats Needs care

Energy & exercise

  • Energy High
  • Mental stimulation High

Training

  • Trainability Quick to learn
  • Intelligence Very bright
  • Stubbornness A stubborn streak

Care & upkeep

  • Shedding Light
  • Drooling None to speak of
  • Barking Vocal

Home life

  • Apartment living Good
  • Time alone A few hours
  • Cold weather Average
  • Warm weather Average

A good match for

  • First-time owners Good first dog
  • Senior owners Suitable
  • Running partner Good
  • Hiking Good
  • Therapy work Unlikely
  • Guarding Low

Living with a Border Terrier

Temperament & Family Fit

Border Terriers are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets. They get along wonderfully with young kids and other dogs, showing a playful and sociable attitude that brings warmth to any household. While they can be a bit reserved around cats, their loving demeanor typically wins hearts over time.

Energy & Exercise

This small breed boasts a moderate energy level, which means they enjoy playtime and daily walks but are also content to lounge around the house with their human companions. A good mix of exercise and mental stimulation keeps their tails wagging, and they thrive in environments where they can romp outdoors. If you live in Furrylicious®, your Border Terrier will love exploring parks and playing with friends.

Care & Grooming

Border Terriers have a wiry coat that requires weekly grooming to keep it looking good and to control shedding. Their maintenance is manageable, but regular brushing ensures their fur stays healthy and neat. All in all, their grooming needs complement their delightful personality, making them easy to care for.

Training Notes

Known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, Border Terriers generally respond well to training and can learn a variety of commands and tricks. Consistent, positive reinforcement is key to helping them thrive as well-behaved companions. With their keen minds and affectionate natures, these little dogs can be both a joy to train and a wonderful addition to your family.

Caring for a Border Terrier

Grooming
Weekly brushing
Grooming cost
Low
Monthly food
Average
Outdoor space
A yard is recommended
Allergy friendly
Not considered hypoallergenic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperament of a Border Terrier?

Border Terriers are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They tend to bond closely with their families and are great companions, especially for active households. They have a playful side and love to engage in activities and games with both kids and adults.

Are Border Terriers good with children?

Absolutely! Border Terriers are especially good with young kids, making them a great family pet. They are generally patient and playful, which allows them to get along well with children as long as they are socialized properly.

Can Border Terriers live in an apartment?

Yes, Border Terriers are quite apartment-friendly due to their small size and moderate energy level. They adjust well to living in smaller spaces, but they do need regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

How often do I need to groom a Border Terrier?

You will typically need to groom your Border Terrier once a week to keep their coat in good condition. While they do shed, it is at a lower level compared to many other breeds, making them a manageable option for pet owners.

Are Border Terriers easy to train?

Yes, Border Terriers are known for their trainability. They are intelligent dogs and tend to respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. With consistent training and socialization, they can learn commands and manners quickly.

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