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SmallTerrier Group

Border Terrier

The Border Terrier was developed along the Anglo-Scottish border to run with foxhound packs and go to ground on fox.

Calculate Border Terrier age
Lifespan14.2 yrrange 14–15
SizeSmallTerrier Group
Weight11.5–15.5 lb5.2–7 kg
Senior at8 yrgeriatric at 12

Gallery (2)

About

About the Border Terrier

The Border Terrier was developed along the Anglo-Scottish border to run with foxhound packs and go to ground on fox. Unusually, it retains working aptitude alongside companion popularity; the otter-shaped head is breed-defining.

Aging

How Border Terriers age

RVC VetCompass gives a median 14.2 years (n=11,814) — among the longest-lived terrier breeds. Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS, a gluten-sensitive dyskinesia) is the defining neurological concern, responsive to gluten-free diet.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 14.2 yr · range 14–15Senior careSenior at 8 · geriatric at 12Common health issues6 tracked conditions
Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight
11.5–15.5 lb(5.2–7 kg)
Height
12–15 in(30.5–38.1 cm)
Coat type
Wire
Colors
Blue & TanGrizzle & TanRedWheatenGrizzleRed GrizzleBlack GrizzleBlue GrizzleRed WheatenRed Grizzle & TanBlack & TanBlack & Red
Temperament

Temperament

How Border Terriers tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

affectionatepluckygamehardy
  • Energy
  • Trainability
  • Good with kids
  • Good with other dogs
  • Shedding
Health

Common health issues

Full health profile
  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~7 yr

    Cataracts

    Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr

    Patellar Luxation

    Description and veterinary guidance for Patellar Luxation land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~1 yr

    Congenital Cardiac Defect

    Description and veterinary guidance for Congenital Cardiac Defect land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise
45min
per day

Border Terriers are satisfied by around 45 minutes of daily activity (energy level 3/5). Short, regular outings beat one long session.

Related

Related breeds

Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.

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References

Sources

Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.

  1. AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page

    Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.

  2. RVC VetCompassRoyal Veterinary College VetCompass life-table research (McMillan et al. 2024)

    UK primary-care records; source for the median-lifespan and mortality figures.