Border Terrier
An otter-headed hill terrier — tough as old boots, sweet as anything.
Vital stats
| Size | Small · 30–40 cm |
| Weight | 5–7 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate-high — about an hour/day |
| Shedding | Low, with regular stripping |
| Coat | Harsh wiry coat over dense undercoat · grizzle & tan, red, blue & tan |
| Group | Terrier · FCI №10 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to gallop all day beside mounted hunts, then squeeze underground after a fox, the Border needed stamina, courage and a level head — and kept all three. At home it's cheerful and biddable by terrier standards, sociable with polite dogs, devoted to its people, and instantly deaf the moment a squirrel moves.
Habits & quirks
Otter head
The broad skull and short, strong muzzle earned the breed's signature description: 'head like that of an otter'.
Squirrel radar
Recall is excellent right up until something small and fast moves.
Digging heritage
An earth-dog by trade; flowerbeds may be excavated on principle.
Pocket shadow
It rides along happily anywhere — car, pub, lap — as long as it's with you.
Care
| Grooming | Hand-strip the wiry coat twice a year to keep its weatherproof texture; clipping softens and fades it. |
| Exercise | An hour a day of walks and play, with safe off-lead runs — this is a galloping terrier, not a lapdog. |
| Containment | A determined digger and chaser; check fences and introduce small pets carefully. |
| Feeding | A good doer that gains weight easily — measure meals and go easy on pub snacks. |
Common questions
Are Border Terriers good family dogs?
Yes — they're among the most easy-going terriers, affectionate with children and generally sociable with other dogs. Their prey drive means care around cats and small pets.
Do Border Terriers shed?
Lightly, but the wiry coat needs hand-stripping roughly twice a year to stay healthy and weatherproof. Between strips, a weekly brush suffices.
Can Border Terriers be let off the lead?
With solid recall training, often yes — but instinct can override obedience if prey bolts. Practise in enclosed spaces first.