Border Terrier
Also known as: Reedwater Terrier, Ullswater Terrier, Coquetdale Terrier
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family: Moderate (4 out of 5)
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children: Excellent with Kids (5 out of 5)
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs: Moderate (3 out of 5)
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers: Moderate (4 out of 5)
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.
Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.
Care Guide
- ●Border Terrier grooming involves maintaining their double coat (hard outer, soft under) with seasonal care
- ●Weekly brushing (or biweekly) suffices outside shedding season
- ●Daily stripping (30+ mins) with hands/rake is needed during heavy shedding
- ●Bathe only when necessary—towel/brush cleans most dirt effectively
- ●Regular nail trims are essential for upkeep
- ●Outer coat’s natural dirt resistance weakens after bathing.
Colors & Markings
Colors
Markings
Health Information
Border Terriers are typically robust, but responsible breeders prioritize health testing for conditions like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, juvenile cataracts, seizures, heart issues, and allergies. Due to their sensitivity to heat, outdoor activity should be limited when temperatures exceed 85°F to prevent overheating.
Recommended Health Tests
📜 History
Frequently Asked Questions
🔗Related Breeds
Breeds similar to Border Terrier
Overview
About This Breed
The Border Terrier is a spirited, affectionate, and happy breed known for its plucky and independent nature. Highly energetic and intelligent, they are playful and adaptable but can also be stubborn, requiring consistent and patient training. They are generally good with children and open to strangers, though their strong prey drive may make them wary of small animals. Their watchful yet friendly demeanor makes them both a loyal companion and a capable working dog.
🎭Temperament
Purpose
Fox hunting and ratting
Breed for
Fox bolting, ratting
Best Suited For
Active familiesIndividuals or families in rural or semi-rural settings with space for exerciseOwners who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide mental stimulation
Ideal Owner Profile
The Border Terrier is best suited for active individuals or families who can provide ample exercise, mental stimulation, and firm but patient training, preferably in a home with outdoor space or a securely fenced yard.
Training Difficulty
Moderate
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Common Challenges
Owners may face challenges with the Border Terrier's strong prey drive and independent streak, which can make off-leash reliability difficult, as well as their seasonal shedding and need for regular grooming to maintain their wiry coat.
Trust & Transparency
About Our Data
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Accuracy Assured
Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.
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We regularly update information as new data becomes available. Our goal is to provide an honest, helpful resource for researching dog breeds and adoption decisions.