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Border terrier

The Border Terrier comes from the hill country along the England–Scotland border, bred to run with foxhounds and then go to ground after the fox — which is why it is leggy for a terrier and has a narrow, flexible body and an otter-shaped head.

It stands 33 to 40 centimetres, weighs 5 to 7 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a harsh wiry double coat. It is one of the most popular small terriers and deservedly so: hardy, good-tempered, adaptable and less sharp with other dogs than most terriers. It carries one breed-specific neurological condition that owners should recognise, because it is easily mistaken for a seizure.

Origin
England–Scotland border country
Size
33–40 cm; 5–7 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Harsh wiry double coat; hand-stripped twice a year
Temperament
Hardy, good-tempered and adaptable for a terrier
Health
CECS (Spike's disease), patellar luxation, heart murmurs

Related: Airedale terrier · American hairless terrier · American pit bull terrier · American Staffordshire terrier · Australian terrier

2 border terrier photos, newest first

Border terrier feed
  • Umber III, a border terrier

    Umber III

    Umber III was promoted to overwhelmed airport baggage manager; unfortunately, a basket of yarn unravels around everything.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Umber III, a border terrier

    Umber III

    Umber III pretending the mud was not their idea.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a border terrier

Learn what CECS looks like. Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome, sometimes called Spike's disease, causes episodes of cramping, staggering and muscle tremor while the dog stays conscious — which distinguishes it from a seizure. It is strongly associated with this breed and many cases respond to a gluten-free diet, so it is worth raising with a vet rather than accepting a seizure diagnosis unquestioned.

The coat needs hand-stripping twice a year and weekly brushing. Clipping ruins the harsh texture.

They are terriers with a real prey drive and will go down holes. Recall around wildlife is unreliable.

They are prone to weight gain, which is easy to miss under the coat. Feel the ribs monthly.

Ask about patellar luxation and heart testing.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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