Also called Border, Coquetdale Terrier, Redesdale Terrier, Reedwater Terrier
Recognised breedFCI group 3Deep profile
From Great Britain: the Cheviot Hills and border country between Northumberland (England) and Scotland, where it was developed as a working earth terrier for fox hunts.1234
double coat: harsh, wiry, close-lying topcoat over a short dense undercoat
A compact, workmanlike little terrier with fairly long legs for its size, built to keep up with horses and hounds across rough hill country. Its head is often likened to an otter's, short and broad in the skull with a short strong muzzle, small dark eyes and small V-shaped ears that drop forward. The wiry, somewhat broken outer coat lies flat over a soft undercoat and shrugs off wet and mud, and the skin underneath is thick and fits loosely.15634
Upbeat, plucky and good-natured, the Border Terrier is a warm, affectionate family dog that is keen to please and usually picks up training well. It still has true terrier drive, loves to dig and will happily chase small animals, yet it tends to be far more easygoing with other dogs than many terriers, a legacy of running alongside foxhound packs. Borders like to be part of family life and prefer company to being left alone.5723
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to lively. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day, and Hill's recommends at least 20-40 minutes of daily activity. Walks on a lead or in secure areas suit it best because of its strong urge to chase.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low-fuss coat: a weekly brush plus hand-stripping about twice a year keeps it tidy and weather-resistant. Towel off when wet and bathe only occasionally, since frequent baths soften the naturally dirt-shedding texture.328
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to both town and country homes as long as it gets daily activity. A securely fenced garden is useful for this keen digger and chaser.73
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced dog food with portions matched to how much exercise the dog gets, keeping treats in check to help it stay in trim working shape.3
Company who they like around
Very family-oriented and happiest living as part of the household rather than kennelled. Usually gets along with other dogs, especially when introduced properly, though small pets such as rodents may trigger its hunting instinct.32
The story where it all began
The Border Terrier grew up on the hill farms around the Cheviot Hills, where farmers and shepherds needed a small, hardy terrier to deal with foxes that preyed on their lambs. It had to be leggy enough to follow a mounted hunt all day and small enough to go to ground and bolt a fox from its earth. The type was known locally under names such as Coquetdale, Redesdale or Reedwater Terrier, and it shares ancestry with the Dandie Dinmont and Bedlington terriers. Its lasting name comes from its long association with the Border Hunt in Northumberland, with families such as the Robsons and the Dodds keeping and breeding the dogs. The breed was established in its recognisable form around 1880. The first Border Terrier registered with The Kennel Club was The Moss Trooper, sired by Jacob Robson's Chip. Official Kennel Club recognition came in 1920, the same year The Border Terrier Club was founded and Robson and Dodd drew up the first standard, and the AKC followed in 1930. Since then the Border has moved easily from the hunting field to family homes and has become one of Britain's best-loved terriers.32486
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The breed standard sums up its job in a single line: essentially a working terrier, able to follow a horse.1
2
Its short, broad head is traditionally described as an 'otter head'.3
3
Before it was called the Border Terrier, the breed went by local names including Coquetdale, Redesdale and Reedwater Terrier.2
4
A 1930 article in The Field nicknamed Border Terriers 'Little Warrior Dogs'.8
5
Tennis champion Sir Andy Murray is a well-known Border owner; in 2012 his two terriers were photographed wearing his Olympic medals.8
6
The first Border Terrier ever registered with The Kennel Club was a dog named The Moss Trooper.4
7
Because it ran alongside packs of foxhounds, the Border is noticeably more tolerant of other dogs than many terrier breeds.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name comes from the Anglo-Scottish border region where it originated, used historically for hunting foxes alongside hounds.4
Famous ones stars of the breed
Pip A Border Terrier who won Best in Show at Crufts in 2022.2
Fin A Border Terrier who served as a therapy dog in hospitals and schools, gaining recognition for his work.7
I wake up and stretch, ready for the day. First, a good dig in the garden, I find a forgotten bone, which I proudly carry inside. Then it's time for a walk; I trot along, nose twitching at every scent. A squirrel dashes up a tree and I give a happy bark. Back home, I snuggle with my family on the sofa, watching the birds at the feeder. Life is just right.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard no. 10, Group 3 Terriers, Section 1 Large and medium-sized terriers, with working trial; standard dated 24.06.1987, country of origin Great Britain.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group, small size; not a vulnerable native breed. Recognised by The Kennel Club in 1920.2
AKC
Terrier Group; recognised in 1930. Current standard approved 14 March 1950, reformatted 13 July 1990.5
The Border Terrier Club (UK)
Founded in 1920, the year of Kennel Club recognition; the first standard was written by Jacob Robson and John Dodd.4
Popularity Ranked 91st of AKC-registered breeds in 2025; in the UK it was 8th in Kennel Club registrations in 2008.9
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Border Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Border Terrier tip
For a Border Terrier, choose small, crunchy treats that help scrape away plaque, and keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories to avoid weight gain. Always check with your vet for the best dental chew options.
These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Border Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Border Terrier a complete, balanced dog food with portions based on its exercise level. Adult dogs do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts and timing, check the food label and ask your vet.310
What should a Border Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality, complete dog food suited to its age and activity is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as these are toxic to dogs. Always consult your vet if you're unsure about a food.311
How often should I bathe a Border Terrier?
Border Terriers need only occasional baths, about every two months, to keep their weather-resistant coat in good condition. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days. Towel off when wet instead of bathing too often.312Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Border Terrier need brushing?
A weekly brush is perfect for your Border Terrier to remove loose hair and keep its coat tidy. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This helps maintain the natural texture and keeps your dog looking its best.312Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Border Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim your Border Terrier's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, roughly every three weeks. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.12Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Border Terrier need?
Your Border Terrier needs moderate daily exercise, around 20, 40 minutes to an hour, but Furry Diary's plan suggests about 90 minutes. Always walk on a lead or in a secure area because of its strong chase instinct. Adjust based on your dog's energy and consult your vet.23Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Border Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Border Terrier's teeth daily with dog toothpaste to prevent dental issues. Check ears every two weeks for redness or odor, and clean gently without inserting anything into the canal. For more detailed care, ask your vet.12Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Border Terrier live?
Border Terriers typically live between 12 and 15 years, bringing you many happy years of companionship. With good care, they often enjoy a long, healthy life.324
Is a Border Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, Border Terriers are generally good with children and other dogs, being affectionate and easygoing. However, their terrier instinct means they may chase small pets like rodents, so supervision and proper introductions are important.5723
Can a Border Terrier be left alone?
Border Terriers are very family-oriented and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They thrive on companionship and may become anxious if left alone too often. If you must leave them, ensure they have plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand.5723
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Hill's Pet: Border Terrierhillspet.comused for height, lifespan, grooming, exercise, temperament, diet, history, otter head
Wikipedia: Border Terrieren.wikipedia.orgused for history (ancestry, Border Hunt, 1920 club, AKC 1930, Moss Trooper), heights, weights, lifespan, UK popularity
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