How long do Border Terriers live?

Typically, they live to be over 12 years of age.

Is the Border Terrier a good family dog?

They’re known to be good with children, so an ideal family pet. They’re small which makes it easier for kids to help assist you with their training and exercise.

Do Border Terriers bark a lot?

They aren’t known as vocal dogs, however if you notice your Border Terrier barking a lot, it could be a sign of a problem like <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/dog-separation-anxiety/" target="_self">separation anxiety</a>. Seek advice from your vet if you have any concerns.

Are Border Terriers hypoallergenic?

Border Terriers are known to shed less than other breeds and therefore may suit owners who suffer with allergies and are particularly looking for a <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/hypoallergenic-dogs/" target="_self">hypoallergenic breed</a>.

How much exercise do Border Terriers need?

Up to 1 hour of exercise a day. This doesn’t always need to be walking, Border Terriers have a natural hunting instinct so may enjoy brain stimulation games such as finding hidden toys or treats.

What foods should be avoided for Border Terriers?

As Border Terriers are small, their <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/dog-diet/" target="_self">diet </a>should be carefully monitored to ensure they don’t become overweight. There are some foods that are toxic to dogs which should be avoided and stored out of reach.

Do Border Terriers shed?

Border Terriers are known to shed less than other breeds.

How to groom and strip a Border Terrier

Border Terriers will need regular <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/dog-grooming-at-home/" target="_self">grooming</a> including brushing and stripping their coat. You can do this at home or find a reputable groomer.

What happens if you don't strip a Border Terrier?

This can lead to their top coat becoming matted and tangled, and needing to be removed. Regular brushing and stripping should prevent this from happening. If you’re unsure, seek help from a reputable groomer.

How do you train a Border Terrier?

As with most dogs, it’s best to start their training from a young age if you can, or as soon as they come home to you. Take a look at our <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/" target="_self">training guides</a> for advice on how to train your dog, from crate training, to teaching them to sit, lie down and wait.

Border Terrier

The small dog with a big dog-attitude, Border Terriers will keep you on your toes.

At a glance

Up to 1 hour of exercise a day

Life expectancy of 12+ years

Small, between 5kg and 8kg

Affectionate, clever, determined

Silhouette of a Border Terrier dog showing they can be between 30 and 38cm tall

Up to 1 hour of exercise a day

Life expectancy of 12+ years

Small, between 5kg and 8kg

Affectionate, clever, determined

Border Terrier – your sociable and adaptable companion

Originally bred as fox hunters, the Border Terrier is instinctively alert and energetic. However, they’re keen family dogs and love to be loved. Good with children, they’ll fit in well with households containing kids of all ages. They usually like being the only four-legged friend in the house, as their hunting instincts don’t always mix well with cats or other small pets.

Buying or rehoming a Border Terrier

Getting a new dog, whether you buy or adopt, is a huge commitment and there’s lots of preparation you need to do to be ready. Some things to consider are:

Prepping your home

Figuring out what to feed them, and buying the food
Buying the essentials, such as leads and collars
Prepping your family, especially any young children
Securing your garden
Understanding grooming routines and techniques
Knowing how much exercise they’ll need
Considering pet insurance

Fun fact

Border Terriers have a double coat, with the outer wiry coat being weather-resistant.

Top 5 health conditions in Border Terriers

We’ve put together the most common claimed for conditions for Border Terriers, based on MORE THAN pet insurance customer claims

Condition	Number of claims	Average paid out
	70	£1,881
	67	£111
	63	£827
	55	£861
	47	£836

Condition

Number of claims

Average paid out

£1,881

Condition

Average paid out

£111

Condition

Average paid out

£827

Condition

Average paid out

£861

Condition

Average paid out

£836

Based on MORE THAN data 1 January 2021 to 1 March 2023. Average cost paid out includes excess.

Common health issues and problems in Border Terriers

Border Terriers are overall considered a healthy breed, with a usual lifespan of over 12 years.

Some health conditions in Border Terriers can be down to their genetic history, and commonalities within the breed.

Click on the hotspots to find out more about the most common health issues affecting Border Terriers, as provided by our in-house vet team (October 2022).

Patellar luxation is a genetic condition that results in abnormal alignment of the hindlimbs. It can affect both back legs and may lead to arthritis. Although the condition can affect any breed of dog, it’s more common in small breeds.

Symptoms:

Intermittent limping
Holding the affected leg up for a few steps when walking
Pain and stiffness
A popping noise may be heard in the dog’s knee

If you’re concerned that your dog may be showing the signs of patellar luxation, make an appointment with your vet.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS) is a condition that can be mistaken for epilepsy. Dogs with CECS experience episodes of painful muscle and intestinal cramps, which can last from a few seconds to a few hours. These cramping episodes typically first start to occur between 2 and 6 years of age and will persist through the dog’s life. The cause is unknown, but some vets recommend a gluten-free diet as some dogs suffering with CECS have responded well to this.

Symptoms:

Severe trembling and staggering
Exaggerated stretching
Inability to stand
Lip smacking or licking

If you’re concerned your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your vet.

Allergies to things like pollen, mould or dust can make a dog’s skin irritable and itchy. Their feet, belly, folds of skin and ears are most affected. Sometimes this can lead to ear infections, or a bacterial skin infection called pyoderma.

Symptoms:

Red, irritated skin
Hair loss
Increased itching
Head shaking
Scratching and rubbing of the ear
Pustules (inflames around the edges with a raised pus-filled centre)

If you think your dog might be allergic to something or has a skin problem as a result of something they’ve been in contact with, seek vet help.

Border Terriers are more prone to developing diabetes than other dogs. Unlike humans, who can develop type 1 or 2 diabetes, dogs are only known to have the equivalent of type 1. This occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin required to regulate blood sugar and fat metabolism. Diabetes cannot be cured but with help from your vet it can be managed well.

Symptoms:

Increased thirst
Urinating a lot
Changes in appetite
Unexpected weight loss
Low energy
Urinary infections
Poor eyesight

If you’re concerned your dog is showing any of these signs, speak to your vet.

Patellar Luxation

CECS

Skin and ear allergies

Diabetes

"Border Terriers were originally bred to hunt and flush out foxes, which gives them a natural instinct to chase animals. When out on walks, keep them close and be sure to teach them good recall, otherwise you could find that they’ll chase after a squirrel or cat!"

Luke Mangion, MORE THAN Vet

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Related guides

Border Terrier

At a glance

Border Terrier – your sociable and adaptable companion

Buying or rehoming a Border Terrier

Fun fact

Top 5 health conditions in Border Terriers

Patellar Luxation:

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS)

Skin and ear allergies:

Diabetes:

Are you looking for insurance for your Border Terrier?

The Border Terrier as a breed

How long do Border Terriers live?

Is the Border Terrier a good family dog?

Do Border Terriers bark a lot?

Are Border Terriers hypoallergenic?

Border Terrier diet and exercise

How much exercise do Border Terriers need?

What foods should be avoided for Border Terriers?

Border Terrier grooming and training tips

Do Border Terriers shed?

How to groom and strip a Border Terrier

What happens if you don't strip a Border Terrier?

How do you train a Border Terrier?

Ready to insure your Border Terrier?

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