Do Border Terriers shed?

Yes. Border Terriers typically shed more heavily in the spring and fall, and less during the rest of the year.

Are Border Terriers hypoallergenic?

No, Border Terriers are not considered hypoallergenic dogs , though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

How long do Border Terriers live?

The average Border Terrier life expectancy is 12–15 years. Give your pup adequate exercise, a good diet, and regular vet care to help them have the longest, fullest life possible.

Do Border Terriers bark a lot?

Border Terriers don’t generally bark a lot. While each dog is an individual, the breed as a whole doesn’t tend to be super chatty.

Are Border Terriers good family dogs?

Yes, Border Terriers make excellent family dogs, including families with kids and other pets. They do best with families who understand their exercise needs and who have the time to devote to them. If your family has small pets, like hamsters or gerbils, they probably won’t be a good fit unless they are kept apart.

Can Border Terriers swim?

Border Terriers can swim, but as always, how much they like it depends on the dog. If your Border Terrier does enjoy a dip, make sure they’re supervised and wearing a life jacket. They should never be forced into the water; it should be an activity they initiate and are excited about. Before you choose a spot to splash, also make sure the water’s safe for your pup .

Border Terrier

Updated August 21, 2026

Border Terriers have heart and spunk. Bright and energetic, they don’t like to be bored and will appreciate a pet parent who values adventure—even if that’s just taking a new route on your daily walk.

Temperament

Affectionate, Bold, Independent

Weight

11.5-15.5 pounds

Height

12–15 inches

Life Expectancy

12–15 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Wheaten, Blue and Tan, Grizzle and Tan, Red

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See that clever, wiry pup who’s very busy at the dog park? If you’re the kind of person who simply can’t sit still, your perfect pup might be the Border Terrier.

This pup has a to-do list a mile long and loves nothing more than checking things off. Tree investigated? Check. Squirrel chased? Check. These affectionate, happy-go-lucky dogs also make charming, loyal companions.

Border Terrier Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Barking Tendencies

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Border Terrier Appearance

The Border Terrier has an alert, expressive face that hints at their bold and intelligent personality, and their wiry and water-resistant coat is designed to protect them from the elements.

Ears
A Border Terrier's small ears are V-shaped with a rounded curve. The ears are set on the side of their head and drop forward toward their cheeks.
Eyes
The Border Terrier's round eyes are dark hazel in color.
Nose
They have black noses and a dark muzzle with a few short whiskers.
Coat Length
The Border Terrier has a double coat. The undercoat is short and dense, and the topcoat is wiry and lies close to the body.
Coat Color
Their coat colors can be wheaten, blue and tan, grizzle (dark-tipped) and tan, or red. Dark muzzles and ears are characteristic. Some have a small white chest marking.
Tail
The Border Terrier's tail is moderately short and set relatively low on their bodies. When alert, it's carried upright; when relaxed, their tail may drop.

Border Terrier Temperament

Border Terriers hate boredom. It’s simply not in their vocabulary, and they prefer to be busy, although they do tend to be more laid back than other terrier breeds.

But that doesn’t mean they need you to put on a show for them. On the contrary, these canines—while affectionate—can also be quite independent, so they might spend all their time at the dog park sniffing trees or running with other pups. Sure, they’re glad you’re there, but they’ll pay more attention to you back home.

They’ll love to be involved with everything you’re doing, though, and because they’re fairly outgoing and confident, they’ll be up for meeting new people. Don’t be surprised if you and your Border Terrier pick up a few new friends while you’re out for the day.

Bright and energetic, they’re also great family dogs; they usually adore children, and vice versa.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Border Terrier

Find Border Terriers to Adopt Near You

How to Care for a Border Terrier

Border Terriers aren’t high-maintenance pups—but they do need regular grooming, exercise, a healthy diet, and training with positive reinforcement.

Bathing: Border Terriers rarely need a bath, as it can strip their coat of essential oils. If they get dirty, give them a bath, but otherwise bathe them no more than once a month.
Brushing: Border Terriers are low-shedding dogs, and for most of the year, they’ll need their coat brushed once a week. A combo brush—where one side is a pin brush, and the other side is bristles—is your best bet, as you can use the pin brush side to detangle before smoothing longer hairs back into place.
- During the Border Terrier’s shedding season (the spring and fall), brushing more frequently will help keep your home clean. Your groomer will probably want to hand-strip your pup’s wiry topcoat twice a year; let a pro handle this unless you are willing to learn the technique yourself.
Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when they’re a puppy so they get used to the experience. Get a professional cleaning at your vet when recommended.
Nail care: Trim your Border Terrier’s nails a couple of times a month. If you can hear the nails clacking on hard surfaces when they walk, it’s time.

These bright pups are enthusiastic learners, so training them is rewarding and fun, and they’ll be thrilled to show you their new skills.

You can begin with basic cues like sit, stay, and come. Border Terriers are smart dogs, though their terrier tenacity might make them a bit strong-willed. That said, their desire to please and their easygoing attitude usually win out.

Also invest time in proper socialization, which involves exposing them to new people, places, and things in a positive manner. Though daring and brave, Border Terriers can also be sensitive, so approach training with kindness and patience.

Few Border Terriers can’t resist the thrill of the chase if they happen to see a wild critter outside, so keep this in mind in open areas. Always make sure they’re either on a leash or in a well-fenced enclosure, otherwise they’ll almost definitely dart after a passing squirrel or rabbit.

Border Terriers typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage. Your vet can help you choose the best dog food for your unique terrier.

Due to their small size, you’ll need to keep an eye on their portions so that they don’t gain too much weight. You may want to choose low-calorie treats (dog-safe veggies work well!) and account for these in their daily caloric intake when working out how much to feed your dog every day.

Always consult your veterinarian when considering your dog’s diet. They can help you determine the best food combinations to keep your dog as healthy as possible.

Border Terriers have plenty of energy, and they’re happy to get it all out on your daily walks. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day; up to an hour is even better.

Worried that they’re not getting enough exercise? Never fear: If they’re not, they’ll let you know.

Remember that indoor games count too, and your Border Terrier will love them: Try fetch or tug-of-war. Outside the home, they might enjoy scent work, agility training, or tracking classes, a noncompetitive sport where your dog can use their nose to trace people or things.

Border Terriers may even be fond of swimming (make sure they wear a life jacket) and give them plenty of time to rest afterward. They will probably like digging in the backyard, so if you don’t love this activity, consider making them their own little sand pit to have a ball in.

These little escape artists tend to need a fenced yard, since they love to be out and about. Border Terriers follow their nose wherever it might lead them, whether it’s to chase a butterfly or a squirrel.

Because they’re so adaptable, they won’t mind living in an apartment, as long as they have access to a place where they can expend all their energy. A dog park is great, as long as they get along well with other dogs and are vaccinated.

They probably won’t be a good fit for teeny siblings like hamsters or gerbils thanks to their prey drive, but they can tolerate a feline friend, particularly if they’re well-socialized.

Kids are almost always a sure bet, as Border Terriers appreciate the company. Just make sure everyone is supervised during playtime, since these pups can be enthusiastic and boisterous (qualities your children will probably love).

Border Terrier Health

The average Border Terrier lifespan is 12–15 years. Here are some health issues to be aware of.

Cataracts: Cataracts are a common canine eye problem, and they can be hereditary. The most common symptom is a cloudy eye and reduced vision. Cataracts can be surgically removed, if necessary.
Cushing’s disease: Cushing’s disease is an endocrine (hormonal) disease where the body produces too much cortisol; it’s common in middle-aged and senior dogs. A blood test can help your vet diagnose it. Treatment usually involves daily medication.
Dental disease: Small breed dogs are more at risk of dental disease. Prevent it before it starts by brushing daily with a dog toothpaste, and get a professional cleaning when recommended by your veterinarian.
Gluten sensitivity: Border Terriers can develop paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia (PGSD), sometimes called canine epileptoid cramping syndrome. It can cause a range of symptoms, including involuntary movement, collapse, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Your vet can diagnose this, and moving your Border Terrier to a gluten-free diet can help lessen or even resolve the symptoms.
Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is when the ball and socket of the hip don’t properly fit. It’s an inherited condition that can be made worse if a pup is overweight, and eventually leads to arthritis and pain. More severe cases may require surgery, but the condition is often treated with medications, joint supplements, special diets, weight management, and/or physical therapy.
Luxating patella: Border Terriers can develop a luxating patella, where the kneecap slips out of place. A bunny hop, skip, or limp could be a symptom. It may be treated with supplements and meds, if mild, though surgery may be necessary.
Mitral valve disease: Border Terriers may develop mitral valve disease, a heart condition that affects the way the heart pumps blood. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, but it often involves medications.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA leads to blindness in dogs, and while there is no cure, pups who lose their eyesight tend to adapt well and live full, happy lives.
Spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM): Also known as shaking puppy syndrome, SLEM is a rare hereditary condition that causes uncontrollable shaking, usually starting in the hind legs. There is no treatment, and most affected puppies are euthanized due to poor quality of life.

Border Terrier History

This plucky little terrier hails from the border between England and Scotland.

Originally bred to hunt foxes, they’ve had a few different names, such as the Reedwater Terrier and Coquetdale Terrier. (It’s probably best that Border Terrier was the one that stuck.)

These dogs were famed for their bravery and sociability, and they still are today, though they’re now beloved family pets.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Border Terrier in 1930, and the Border Terrier Club of America was formed in 1949. However, the breed is still relatively rare in the U.S.

Border Terrier puppies tend to cost $2,000 or more. If you choose this route, pick a responsible breeder.

You can also consider Border Terrier adoption. Check out a Facebook group like Small Scruffy Terrier Mixes Needing Rescue to see dogs from all over the country, keep an eye out at your local shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Border Terrier

Border Terrier