Border Terrier

Hailing from the rugged Cheviot Hills on the Scottish-English border, Border Terriers were initially bred to outsmart foxes with their speed and determination. Small enough to enter a fox's den yet agile enough to keep pace with horseback hunters, they were the perfect tool for farmers plagued by these pesky predators. Emerging in the 18th century, the Border Terrier's ancestry remains somewhat mysterious, though it's believed they share ties with the Dandie Dinmont and Bedlington Terriers. Initially known as the Coquetdale or Redesdale Terrier, the breed eventually adopted its current name (a nod to its hunting heritage) in the 1870s and received official recognition from the AKC in 1930. 

​​The Border Terrier is perfect for active owners who appreciate the spunky, big-dog personality often found in terriers, but without the typical terrier feistiness. They're friendly, sociable companions with plenty of energy, making them ideal for those seeking a lively and loving small breed.

Border Terriers are bundles of energy with a nose for adventure. Bred to keep up with the hounds, these little dynamo dogs need plenty of exercise to burn off steam. They're like pint-sized explorers, always curious about what's around the next corner. While their instincts can sometimes lead them on wild goose chases (or squirrel chases, more likely), with proper training, they can be transformed into well-behaved, if only slightly mischievous, companions.

Border Terriers are adaptable little adventurers who can keep up with city life or thrive just as well in the countryside. While they're happy to explore concrete jungles with their favorite human, their hearts truly soar when they're in the great outdoors, so if you do live in the city, make sure to give your Border Terrier plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs and satisfy their curious noses outside. They also love to dig; if you can, let them channel their inner archaeologist by providing a designated digging spot.

​​Border Terriers are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming thanks to their compact size and weatherproof coat. A quick brush now and then will keep them looking their best and remove any pesky hitchhikers from their coats. They are considered hypoallergenic dogs.

Independent and determined, Border Terriers can be quite the escape artist, so consistent training is a must to curb this behavior. On the plus side, they’re super-quick learners. A Border Terrier’s intelligence and eagerness to please make training a breeze compared to some of their terrier cousins. They love mastering new skills and often excel in dog sports like agility and musical freestyle. But even without the spotlight, these smart cookies are always up for a mental challenge, making interactive toys their favorite playtime companions.

Despite their adventurous spirit, Border Terrier dogs are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families, making them perfect companions for a variety of lifestyles. They get along great with other pets and children, but their strong instinct may present challenges with smaller animals like guinea pigs or rabbits.

The cost of a Border Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.