Kennel Club 1920 → family dogs
From hunt dog to family favourite
The breed was recognised in Britain in the 1920s and has since become a popular family dog.
Meet the parents and see how they behave around cats and other small animals.
Border Terrier · Terrier
Border Terrier: temperament, training & compact working terrier
The Border Terrier is a small, tough working terrier from the hills between England and Scotland. Most are friendly, affectionate and easygoing at home but keen hunters outside. Life goes well with secure fencing, long-line recall, regular hand-stripping and scent or chase games.
- Job: Border country fox terrier that ran with hounds.
- Energy: Moderate to high; daily walks and sniffing games.
- Home: Needs secure fencing, recall practice and coat stripping.
First, the point
A Border Terrier is a friendly little worker that needs walks, recall practice and a safe outlet for chasing
Public breed histories describe a terrier bred to run with foxhounds in the Border country.
Most Borders are sociable and good-natured. Typical struggles are chasing, escaping, digging and recall.
In the first months I teach name games, a leave-it, handling and calm meetings with cats.
- Height
- 12–15 in (30–38 cm)
- Weight
- 11–15.5 lb (5–7 kg)
- Energy
- Moderate-high (walk then rest)
- Coat / shed
- Harsh wiry coat — weekly brush and hand-stripping a few times a year
- Job
- Border country fox terrier that ran with hounds
Breed history
A tough little hunter from the English-Scottish border
Border Terriers ran with foxhounds in the hills between England and Scotland. That gave them stamina, grit and a friendly, easygoing nature — with a strong urge to chase.
Cheviot Hills → fox terrier for hunts
A terrier that kept up with horses
Public breed histories describe farmers and huntsmen in the Border country breeding a small terrier with long enough legs to follow hounds and horses.
It had to bolt foxes from rocks and get on with the pack — which explains its stamina and its usually friendly attitude to other dogs.
What the breed was bred for
Friendly, plucky and easygoing
In plain trainer language: Borders are affectionate and sociable but are real hunters outdoors.
The challenges are chasing, escaping, digging and recall. Secure fencing and recall training help most.
- Secure fencing
- Recall on a long line
- Hand-stripping a few times a year
- Scent and chase games
Public references: FCI 10, AKC Border Terrier, RKC.
Life together
A Border’s day is a good walk, sniffing and sofa time
Borders adapt to town or country if they get daily walks and something to sniff.
Walk · pair
Friendly with dogs
Many Borders enjoy other dogs, a legacy of working with hounds.
See play rules.
Home · cat
Cats need care
Some live happily with a cat they grew up with; outdoor cats are another story.
See leave it.
Home · frown
A thoughtful face
Borders have strong opinions; short, fun training wins them over.
See hand target.
Care and health themes
Monthly checks: coat, feet, weight and escape routes
A trainer’s checklist, not veterinary advice. See a vet for limping, fits or low energy. For urgent signs, see when to call the vet.
Coat
Harsh double coat; hand-strip a few times a year and brush weekly.
Feet
Check pads and nails after rough walks.
Weight
Borders love food; keep them lean.
Fences
Check for gaps and holes — Borders squeeze through and dig under.
Health screening (not a diagnosis)
Ask the breeder which screenings the national breed club recommends and see results for both parents.
Toxins
I do not publish toxin amounts. Call a vet or poison-control line if the dog eats something dangerous.
Lines and types
Grizzle and tan, red or wheaten
Borders come in grizzle and tan, blue and tan, red and wheaten. Colour does not change temperament.
Grizzle or blue and tan
- Darker saddle.
- Tan legs and head.
- Puppies often born very dark.
- Same needs.
A classic Border look.
Red or wheaten
- Even red or pale coat.
- Dark muzzle common.
- Same coat care.
- Same needs.
A warm, foxy look.
Socialization windows
What to introduce — and what not to overload — by age
AVSAB-aligned in spirit: short, clean exposures at a distance the puppy can still eat, with hygiene while vaccines finish. See the puppy socialization schedule.
Gentle starts
Introduce: handling, meeting a calm cat, toilet routine, crate naps.
Do not overload: unsupervised garden time.
Recall and leave it
Introduce: long-line recall, leave it, short absences.
Do not overload: off-lead near wildlife.
Teenage hunter
Introduce: scent games, tug rules, steady walks.
Do not overload: escaping under fences.
Adult outings
Introduce: longer walks, earthdog or agility.
Do not overload: trusting recall too early.
Easygoing adult
Introduce: refreshed recall and cat manners.
Do not overload: extra snacks.
Before you buy
Who a Border Terrier usually fits
A Border suits people who want a small, sociable, sturdy dog and can manage a hunter outdoors.
Good match
More likely a good fit if you…
- Want a small but tough dog
- Enjoy country walks
- Have a well-fenced garden
- Are happy to use a long line
- Like a friendly, easygoing house dog
Mismatch risk
A Border Terrier may be a poor choice if…
- You have pet rodents or rabbits loose
- Your garden has gaps under fences
- You want reliable off-lead recall fast
- Long hours alone are routine
- You dislike grooming tools
If you are torn between breeds
Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier and Norfolk Terrier
Borders are often compared with Cairns and Norfolks — other small British working terriers.
Legs
Border Terrier Longer, built to run.
Cairn Terrier Shorter, stockier.
With other dogs
Border Terrier Usually sociable.
Cairn Terrier Often bossier.
Size
Border Terrier Small.
Norfolk Terrier Smaller.
Ears
Border Terrier Small, folded.
Norfolk Terrier Folded.
Prey drive
Border Terrier Strong.
Both compares Each needs recall work and secure fences.
Ownership without surprises
What a Border costs to keep
Prices vary by country. These are the spending themes, not figures.
Hand-stripping
A few times a year.
Fence repairs
Close gaps and dig spots.
Long line and harness
For safe walks.
Health checks
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends.
Puppy class
Social skills and recall.
Insurance
Consider it early.
With a Border, secure fencing is the first spend.
Before day one at home
What to prepare for a Border Terrier puppy
A Border puppy is cheeky and sociable. Start recall games and cat manners early.
Name games
See the name game.
Handling for grooming
See puppy handling.
Gentle mouths
See biting and nipping.
Leash skills
See puppy leash training.
Toilet routine
Follow potty training.
Short absences
See first absences.
If the dog is already yours
Training is recall, leave it and fun games
Borders are food-motivated and generally keen to work with you.
My core list: recall on a long line, leave it, calm with cats and quiet alone time.
Scent work, earthdog and agility give the hunter an outlet.
Load balance
Walks and sniffing
Daily walks with sniffing suit most Borders.
Walk Sniff Dig box Play Nap
Sniffing walks, scent games, a dig box and agility suit most Borders.
A Border with good fences and good recall is a joy.
Recall
How to build recall with a Border Terrier
Use a long line, great rewards and lots of practice.
- 01
Long line on
Use a long line outdoors.
- 02
Call once
One clear cue.
- 03
Reward well
Food or a game.
- 04
Add distractions
Slowly increase difficulty.
- 05
Keep practising
Recall is never finished.
One scene close-up
Why your Border runs off
Borders were bred to follow scent and quarry.
Practise recall on a long line and reward with food or a chase game.
If recall fails near wildlife, keep the line on.
Typical household scenes
Where Border Terrier owners most often need help
A breed page is only a starting point; the fix depends on health, environment, and the dog in front of you. Each row opens a step-by-step guide.
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Runs off after scents
Recall fails outdoors.
Chasing cats
Chases cats or squirrels.
Digging
Digs under fences.
Scavenging
Eats things on walks.
Trouble being alone
Whines when left.
Mouthy puppy
Bites hands and clothes.
Excited in the car
Barks in the car.
Sudden change
Limping, fits or low energy — vet first.
Practical view
“With a Border Terrier, I plan for the hunter inside the sweet face. We build recall, leave it and calm cat manners — because good fences and a long line prevent most worries.”
Sessions cover real scenes: running off after scents, chasing cats, digging under fences, and whining when left. I am a trainer, not a veterinarian. No invented reviews.
Andrew Darov Professional dog trainer and instructor
WhatsApp consult Talk through your Border Terrier
Describe age, living setup, and where the dog breaks first — running off after scents, chasing cats, digging under fences, or whining when left. Opens WhatsApp to Andrew.
Short answers
FAQ
Is a Border a good first dog?
Often yes, with secure fencing.
Are Borders good with children?
Usually very friendly.
Do Borders shed?
Little if hand-stripped.
How much exercise does an adult need?
Daily walks plus play.
Are Borders good with cats?
Some are with their own cat; supervise.
Do Borders bark a lot?
Usually less than many terriers.
Can a Border live in an apartment?
Yes, with daily walks.
Are Borders good with other dogs?
Usually sociable.
What about health?
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends and see the parents' results.
What is the typical lifespan of a Border Terrier?
Public breed references often give about 12 to 15 years. Individual dogs vary.
Why does my Border escape?
Strong hunting drive; check fences.
If a Border’s hunting drive worries you
If you want a gentle, easygoing house dog with less digging, consider this one.
Cairn Terrier
A small, shaggy Highland terrier — brave, busy and affectionate — that needs a digging outlet, door manners and weekly brushing.
Scottish Terrier
A sturdy, dignified Scottish terrier with a beard and an independent mind that needs respectful training, daily walks and coat care.
Jack Russell Terrier
A small, bold English working terrier that needs daily exercise and training games, secure fencing and careful recall training.
Whippet
Gentle, quiet sighthound that loves the sofa.
More Terrier group breeds
Other guides from the same group in the breed library. Same group does not mean same dog: read the fit and the failure modes, not only the outline.
Bull Terrier
A strong, clownish English terrier with an egg-shaped head that needs daily play, calm dog introductions and patient training.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
A low, powerful Irish earthdog. Needs early lead manners, a proper dig outlet and care for its long back.
Irish Terrier
A bold red Irish farm terrier. Needs safe outlets for chasing and digging, consistent rules and planned dog introductions.
Kerry Blue Terrier
An Irish soft-coated working terrier. Needs coat lifestyle, soft-mouth games with clear ends and polite dog manners.
Lakeland Terrier
An independent Lake District fell terrier. Needs secure boundaries, real work and cooperative leash and recall training.
Miniature Schnauzer
A small, bearded German farm dog — alert, clever and sociable — that needs a calm door routine, regular trims and measured meals.
Need a read on your exact situation?
Describe your Border Terrier’s age and the scene that repeats most: running off after scents, chasing cats, digging under fences, or whining when left. We check safety first, then pick the first skill.
Written by Andrew Darov, professional dog trainer. Not veterinary advice and not a diagnosis.
Not a kennel club. No invented reviews. No vaccine schedules or toxin doses. Photo credits in
/images/breeds/border-terrier-guide/credits.md.