Dog Breed Guide
Border Terrier
Profile
- Size
- Small
- Country of origin
- United Kingdom
- Origin
- 18th century
- Bred for
- Fox hunting
- Height
- about 28 - 40cm (11 - 16in)
- Weight
- male 5.9 - 7.1kg (13 - 16lb), female 5.1 - 6.4kg (11 - 14lb)
- Life span
- 12 - 15 years
A small, workmanlike terrier with a distinctive otter-shaped head. The harsh coat comes in red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, and wheaten. Its legs are fairly long and slim, and it has endurance far beyond its small size.
Bright, cheerful and friendly, the Border is gentle for a terrier and gets along well with other dogs. It is affectionate with its family and plays well with children. On the other hand, its instinct to chase small animals is strong.
It needs plenty of exercise, so give it good walks every day. The harsh coat sheds little and can be kept in shape by stripping out the dead hair from time to time. It is popular as a low-maintenance terrier that is easy to live with.
Good to know
The breed is named after the hilly, rugged Border country between England and Scotland. Fox hunting to protect the sheep from foxes was common in the region. What was wanted from the Border Terrier was both the stamina to keep up with hunters on horseback and the pack of hounds, and a body small enough to go down a fox's earth.
That is why it has longer legs than other terriers and a narrow, flexible body. It was once also called the Coquetdale Terrier or the Redesdale Terrier, after local valleys.
The Kennel Club recognized it in 1920. It may look plain, but its hardiness and gentle nature have made it one of the most popular family dogs in Britain.