Border Terriers are small dogs, most weighing 9 to 22 pounds and standing between 11 to 12 inches tall. In the case of Border Terriers, small doesn’t mean dainty; the Border Terrier’s sturdy build is small but mighty.

Border Terriers shed very minimally. This low-shedding breed is a good choice for anyone with allergies or those who strongly prefer a hair-free home. Regular grooming and brushing can help keep their coat in good condition and minimize shedding even further.

Border Terriers come in a variety of colors, including wheaten, red, blue and tan, and grizzle and tan.

Border Terriers stop growing at 12 to 15 months of age. If you’re concerned about your dog’s growth, consult with a veterinarian for a personalized assessment of their development.

Border Terrier dogs live 12 to 15 years. The lifespan of an individual dog will vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. Providing proper care and regular veterinary check-ups will ensure your Border Terrier leads a long and healthy life.

No, do not shave a Border Terrier. Their double coat serves as insulation and protection from the elements, and shaving can disrupt the natural growth cycle of their coat, which can lead to potential skin issues or sunburn. Maintain their coat with regular grooming and trimming. If you have concerns about your Border Terrier’s coat, consult with a professional groomer or veterinarian for advice.

Border Terriers are generally a very sturdy, robust breed with a fairly long lifespan. Like all breeds, they are prone to certain issues, including:

• Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS): This is a hereditary disease affecting Border Terriers similar to canine epilepsy.

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Border Terrier, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes: This is a condition that causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. A Border suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes will become lame, limp while walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

• Others: Heart defects; incorrect bite, where the jaw is slightly deformed and causes misalignment in the jaw (similar to an over or underbite in humans); patellar luxation, a common problem in many dog breeds that causes the knee joint to slide in and out of place; and hypothyroidism, a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, and imaging tests for the dog.

No, the Border Terrier is not a hypoallergenic breed. They have a double coat that sheds minimally, but they still produce dander and saliva that can trigger allergies. While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, some people with allergies may find that they tolerate Border Terriers better than other breeds due to their minimal shedding. If allergies are a concern, spend time around a Border Terrier before bringing one home to see what kind of allergic response, if any, is provoked by their dander and saliva.

Border Terriers were originally bred to hunt foxes and other small game. They were prized for their ability to work in harsh terrain and their tenacity in pursuing their prey. Due to their intelligence, agility, and determination, Border Terriers make excellent working dogs.

The Border Terrier hails from the border region between Scotland and England (hence their name). The history of the Border Terrier dates back to the 18th century. 

Yes, Border Terriers are good with kids given their high energy, playfulness, and willingness to please. Given their smaller size, younger children will need to be taught how to handle the dog gently — although all children should be taught how to properly approach and handle dogs of all sizes and breeds. It’s also important for pet parents to teach their dogs how to gently interact with children.

As with any breed, supervise children when interacting with your Border Terrier to keep all the little ones safe and happy.

No, Border Terriers are not good guard dogs. They are friendly, sociable, and generally non-aggressive dogs. While they may alert their parents to the presence of strangers with barking, they aren’t protective in the same way breeds specifically bred for guarding purposes are. Border Terriers are more likely to greet strangers with curiosity and friendliness rather than suspicion or aggression. Every dog is an individual, though, so there may be exceptions to this generalization.

Yes, Border Terriers are easy to train and thrive with a patient, loving trainer who will give a lot of praise and positive reinforcement. Border Terriers are eager to please their pet parents, intelligent, and can excel in various training activities. Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, teaching a dog requires a long-term commitment.

Like most terriers, Border Terriers have a tendency to bark and will want to alert their parents of anything unusual in their environment. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from excessive barking with positive reinforcement and plenty of exercise.

Yes, a Border Terrier is a good family dog. With one of the most relaxed temperaments of the terrier breed, they’re an easygoing and lovable family companion. Alert and intelligent, Border Terriers show unwavering devotion to their families. Their playful nature and friendly disposition make them great fits with children and other pets.

No, Border Terriers aren’t good with cats. With a strong natural drive to stalk prey, Border Terriers will likely give chase to the family cat. As to forming friendships with a feline, that depends on the individual dog and their training. If properly socialized to a cat and ideally introduced at a young age, a Border Terrier and a cat could get along just fine.

Yes, Border Terriers are good with other dogs, given their friendly and sociable temperaments. As with any breed, individual personalities vary, so proper socialization from a young age is important to ensure your Border Terrier will get along well with other dogs.

Yes, Border Terriers are smart dogs. They are known for their ability to learn quickly, as well as keen problem-solving skills, and general adaptability. With proper mental stimulation and training, Border Terriers love to showcase their intelligence performing commands and tricks they’ve learned quickly. Their intelligence, combined with their friendly and affectionate nature, makes them a popular choice for many.

Yes, Border Terriers are cuddly dogs. They are loyal and loving companions who thrive on human interaction and bonding and seek physical affection.

Yes, Border Terriers can be a good choice for first-time pet parents. They are generally friendly, affectionate, and adaptable dogs who are known for their intelligence and trainability, which can make them easier to handle for first-timers. However, it’s important to note that Border Terriers are active and energetic dogs who require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They also have a strong prey drive and may need consistent training and socialization to prevent behavioral issues. With proper care, training, and attention to their needs, Border Terriers can make wonderful companions for first-time pet parents.

Yes, Border Terriers make good apartment dogs, as they are small to medium-sized and adaptable to different living environments. They are generally active and energetic dogs, so it’s important to provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation, even in a smaller living space. Border Terriers are also relatively quiet, which can be beneficial in an apartment setting where noise levels may be a concern. With proper exercise, training, and attention to their needs, Border Terriers can thrive in an apartment environment.

Yes, Border Terriers make good therapy dogs due to their friendly, affectionate nature and their ability to form strong bonds with their human companions. Border Terriers are also typically well-behaved, adaptable, and eager to please, making them well-suited for interacting with a variety of people in different settings. 

Not all Border Terriers will have the temperament or training necessary for therapy work, so consider individual temperament and training when determining if a specific Border Terrier is suitable for therapy dog work.