Border Terrier Fun Facts

Alert, adorable and affectionate – here comes the Border Terrier!

History of the Border Terrier

This breed originates from the area along the border of Scotland and England. Originally they were known as the Redesdale Terrier or Coquetdale Terrier. From the late 1800s onward they were more generally known as the Border Terrier.

They were fast enough to keep up with hunters on horses and small enough to crawl into animal burrows. Hence, their job was to bolt foxes that had to gone to ground and kill vermin. 

Appearance

Borders are considered a small dog. They have a narrow body and a broad skull. They have long legs, and males have a height of 33 to 41cm while the females are slightly smaller at a height of 28 – 36cm at the shoulder.

Their double coat provides weather and dirt resistance. The outer coat is harsh and wiry, while the undercoat is soft and dense. Border Terrier coats colours are red, grizzled and tan, wheaten and blue and tan. Their muzzle is darker than the rest of the coat.

They are renowned for their alert expression and the cute Border Terrier head which looks similar to an otter.

Temperament

Borders have tons of energy and do well in the city and the countryside. They are friendly, loyal and affectionate.

Despite their small size, they need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation due to their active nature. They have a powerful, inate drive to dig and hunt. This can be fulfilled with play and teaching them tricks in a secure garden. 

Border Terriers love spending time with their humans, but are not renowned for being demanding. They were originally bred to work with foxhounds and today they still work and live in harmony with other dogs.

Do you have a Border Terrier in your life? What’s your favourite thing about them?