Personality
Border Terriers are affectionate, confident, and surprisingly tenacious for their size. They were bred to work alongside horses and hounds, hunting foxes over rough ground - which means they have genuine stamina, a strong independent streak, and a prey drive that doesn't switch off indoors.
They're good with families and children, sociable with people, and generally adaptable to different living situations. Flat-dwellers have Border Terriers happily enough, provided they get proper daily exercise and mental stimulation. What they don't adapt well to is being left alone for long periods or being under-exercised - boredom produces noise and destructive behaviour in this breed faster than most.
Recall can be challenging if prey drive kicks in. Recall training started early and reinforced consistently pays dividends, but most experienced Border Terrier owners are realistic: a Border who's spotted a squirrel may not respond to a recall, and off-lead exercise is best in fully enclosed areas unless the recall is very reliable.
Exercise
An hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise suits most adult Border Terriers, but quality matters more than duration. A dog who's had a good run and done some mental work - scent games, training, a sniff-heavy walk - is more satisfied than one who's walked for two hours on lead.
They enjoy variety and don't tire of exploring new environments. They're robust enough for hiking and muddy countryside. The prey drive means every walk requires some attention - they're quick, low to the ground, and will investigate any gap in a fence or hedge.
Weight and Feeding
Border Terriers are small but not delicate. Adult weight is typically 5–7 kg, with males slightly heavier than females. They don't tend toward obesity as readily as some small breeds, but maintaining a healthy weight matters - particularly because excess weight places unnecessary strain on the joints and may worsen the spinal condition common in the breed.
Feed a complete diet appropriate to their size and activity level, and be realistic about treats during training - small and frequent adds up quickly in a dog this size.
Health
Border Terriers are generally one of the healthier small breeds, but there are some conditions worth knowing about.
Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS), also known as Spike's Disease, is a condition specific to Border Terriers. Dogs experience episodes of involuntary muscle cramping, stumbling, and unusual movements that can look alarming - episodes typically last seconds to minutes and the dog is usually back to normal shortly after. Research has suggested a connection to gluten sensitivity, and some owners and breeders report improvement on a gluten-free diet, though this isn't proven to work for all cases. The condition is not the same as epilepsy and is generally not life-limiting, but it can be distressing for owners to witness. Contact the Border Terrier Club if your dog shows signs.
Heart defects are occasionally seen in the breed, though less commonly than in many others. Reputable breeders may cardiac-test breeding dogs.
Hip dysplasia is less prevalent than in larger breeds but does occur. Watch for stiffness, reluctance to jump, or changes in gait. Track Hip Dysplasia →
Luxating patella (kneecap slipping out of position) is seen in Border Terriers as in many small breeds. Mild cases are often asymptomatic; more severe cases may require surgical correction. Track Luxating Patella →
Dental disease is a concern in all small dogs. Teeth cleaning from an early age - either by brushing or through dental chews - helps reduce the buildup of tartar that leads to periodontal disease. Annual dental checks from your vet are worthwhile. Track Dental Disease →
Grooming
Border Terriers have a distinctive wiry double coat that requires hand stripping rather than clipping to maintain properly. Stripping involves pulling out the dead outer coat by hand (or with a stripping knife) to allow the new coat to grow through - typically done twice a year by a groomer experienced with terriers.
Clipping is possible but changes the coat texture over time, making it softer and less weather-resistant, and can affect the colour. If show-quality coat isn't a concern, some owners prefer the easier maintenance of clipping.
In between strips, weekly brushing and occasional tidying around the face and feet keeps things neat.
Common Conditions to Watch
- Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS): note date, duration, and description of any episodes
- Luxating patella: watch for intermittent skipping or three-legged running
- Dental disease: check teeth monthly, schedule annual dental assessment
- Weight: weigh monthly - excess weight is the easiest preventable health risk
- Coat and skin: check skin under the coat when grooming
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spike's Disease in Border Terriers? Spike's Disease (canine epileptoid cramping syndrome) is a condition unique to Border Terriers causing episodes of involuntary cramping, unusual movements, and temporary disorientation. It's not epilepsy and doesn't require the same treatment. Episodes typically resolve within minutes. Some affected dogs improve on a gluten-free diet. If you suspect your dog has CECS, a vet assessment is the starting point, and the Border Terrier Club UK has resources specifically for this.
Are Border Terriers good off-lead? With good recall training - started early and maintained consistently - yes. Without reliable recall, their prey drive means they can be fast, focused, and briefly deaf to your calls when something interesting is happening. Most Border Terrier owners are honest about this and use longlines or enclosed spaces in areas where traffic or livestock is a risk.
Do Border Terriers get on with cats? Some do, particularly if raised with cats from puppyhood. The prey drive does exist, however, and introductions with adult cats should be careful and gradual. A Border raised with a specific cat may live peaceably with that cat while still chasing others.
How long do Border Terriers live? 12–15 years, which is good for a dog of any size. Many Border Terriers remain active and healthy well into their early teens. They're a breed that often ages gracefully.
Do Border Terriers need professional grooming? Hand stripping twice a year is the traditional approach and maintains coat quality. It requires a groomer who knows terrier coats. If that's not practical, clipping is an option - it's easier and cheaper but affects the coat's texture and weather-resistance over time. Either way, weekly brushing at home is still needed.