The Border Terrier is one of the most popular family dogs in its homeland – in the far south of Scotland. The clever and handy little terrier has a great character and little shedding fur. He likes every form of attention, wild games and long walks. At home he is a quiet and cuddly roommate who also gets along well with small children.

Uncomplicated hunting and companion dog

The Border Terrier comes from the “Scottish Borders” – a stretch of land that represents the border between Scotland and England. The landed gentry bred the compact four-legged friend as a versatile hunting dog. Border Terriers should have enough bite to keep the property free of rats and foxes, but at the same time not be aggressive towards conspecifics or even humans. Even then, the dogs often accompanied their masters all day and ran tirelessly with the horse. Since then, hardly anything has changed about the Border Terrier, which is why you can look forward to an intelligent, loyal and yet strong character dog with this dog breed.

Check out the Hunting Dog Magazine to learn more about the different hunting dog breeds.

Character of the Border Terrier

Compared to other terriers, the Border is a very moderate and friendly representative among them. Nevertheless, his heritage as a hunting dog also occasionally comes to light in everyday life. His hunting instinct usually makes living together with cats and small animals difficult or impossible. A Border Terrier can clearly and loudly show its rejection of strangers. He guards the house and yard courageously and attentively. To his own family, the four-legged friend is a lovable, friendly and cuddly dog. As hard and unyielding as he acts outside, he is soft and affectionate in the house, which makes him a suitable family dog.

Education and keeping of the Border Terrier

Despite its small size, the Border Terrier has a great need for exercise. There is hardly anything that these four-legged friends don’t enjoy: Whether long walks, hikes, bike tours or dog school – the Border Terrier is all about it with full heart and verve! In addition to exercise, the cheerful small dog absolutely needs hunting-oriented work for its head and nose. Let him look for treats, retrieve dummies or try mantrailing: the joint search for people. If physical activity and mental overload are not right, this terrier will look for a task for itself. Excessive barking, destruction of objects and aggressiveness towards conspecifics or even humans can be signs of an underchallenged dog. The veterinarian and an experienced trainer can help to narrow down the problem more precisely. The training of these clever dogs begins on the day they move in. Border Terriers may have a certain “will to please” – but they still tend to make decisions instinctively and not just blindly follow your orders. When training, it is therefore important to remain consistent and calm.

ProfileBorder Terrier

Caring for the Border Terrier

The Border Terrier has a trim coat that hardly sheds at all if it is groomed regularly. Under no circumstances should such a coat simply be sheared. The hair must be carefully plucked out with the fingers. There is professional help from the dog groomer for this. On the health side, there are hardly any known problems with this robust dog breed. With a slim line and a lot of movement, Border Terriers can live up to 15 years.

Other terrier breeds you might also like:

• Airedale Terrier: As the “King of the Terriers”, the conspicuously black and brown Airedale occupies a special position among its close relatives: On the one hand, it has the typical toughness and independence of the terriers, but on the other hand, it has a high willingness to cooperate and unlimited loyalty.
• Bedlington Terrier: A non-shedding terrier with curls? Yes, there is! The Bedlington Terrier is a very unusual representative of its kind. While its appearance is reminiscent of a lamb, it is quite a real terrier in character.
• Australian Terrier: Small, robust and courageous – if you want a handy companion that participates in every fun with great enthusiasm and loves its people more than anything, the Australian Terrier is the right choice!
• Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: As an all-rounder, the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has been useful on Irish farms for centuries. Herding dog, guard and hunter in one, loyal and affectionate at the same time – the wheat-blonde, robust dog offers many advantages.
• Kerry Blue Terrier: Games, fun and hunting instinct – the Kerry Blue Terrier is a charming, but also serious companion with the typical terrier toughness. His lively nature, his intelligence and the will to work make the bearded Irishman an attentive four-legged friend, but he gets bored quickly.
• Irish Terrier: The Irish Terrier is one of the largest and quietest terrier breeds. Their long-legged, elegant physique is just as appealing as their friendly, child-loving character. With good socialization and consistent training, this dog breed is the right choice for active owners.