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What health problems do border terriers have?

Author

Andrew Campbell

Published Apr 28, 2026

Borders are a generally hardy breed, though there are certain genetic health problems associated with them, including:
  • Hip dysplasia.
  • Perthes disease.
  • Various heart defects.
  • Juvenile cataracts.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy.
  • Seizures.
  • Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS)

Likewise, are border terriers prone to illness?

Border Terriers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors.

Beside above, are border terriers good pets? Border Terriers do well with other dogs and with family cats if the cat is raised with the Border Terrier or lived in the home before the Border Terrier. Border Terriers can make excellent companions for kids, but they can be rambunctious, especially when young, and can unintentionally hurt small children.

Also, what is the life expectancy of a border terrier?

12 – 15 years

Can a border terrier be left alone for 8 hours?

Also irrelevant to breed unless you have a dog run, kennel etc no dog should be left on its own 7-8 hours a day. Dottie is now 18 months old and she is as most others have described. She's very good with other dogs and has never showed any aggression towards other dogs.

Related Question Answers

How much walking do border terriers need?

Border Terrier Walking Ideally, the minimum should be 45 to 60 minutes daily. This can be just once a day, or two walks a day would be better if your schedule allows. Dogs also like routine, so try to schedule the walk for around the same time each day.

Do border terriers smell?

If a Border gets dusty, a rubdown with a damp towel works well. Borders do not normally have strong odor. If you are concerned about doggy odor , then perhaps a dog is not the right pet for you. Most Borders elect a sun bath on a fairly regular basis which seems to help keep them sweet smelling.

Are border terriers intelligent?

He's intelligent, loyal, fearless, loving, and determined, and about as aggravating as any dog can be. But for the right people, Border Terriers are wonderful dogs who play hard and love harder.

Are border terriers aggressive?

Potential animal aggression. Border Terriers are considerably less scrappy toward strange dogs than many other terrier breeds. But they are still a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. Most terriers have strong instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures.

Why is my border terrier shaking?

Some Border Terriers may shake to remove excess debris or water from their coats. Other theories purport that Border Terriers may shake if enraged or even cold. However, there is one medical condition that is unique to Border Terriers which could provide the root cause for continuous shaking behavior in your dog.

Are border terriers lazy?

When Border Terriers are bored they can appear lazy or disinterested. If your Border Terrier isn't showing interest in their favourite game or toy, it means something's wrong. Similarly, if they're barking or whining, it means that they want some attention and are letting you know as best they can.

What is the oldest border terrier?

The oldest dog in the survey – at 22 years old – was a Border Terrier (a breed with a median age of death of 14).

Who owns Eccles in real life?

Eccles (previously Lady Freckles) was a Border Terrier who was owned by Lena Thistlewood, a friend of Blanche Hunt. When Lena died in January 2006, the dog was left to Blanche in her will.

What kind of dog is Baxter?

Border Terrier

What breed of dog is Eccles?

Border Terrier

What kind of dog was Benji?

The original Benji (named Higgins) was found in a Burbank animal shelter as a puppy. He was labeled a Border Terrier, but his trainer believed he was a mix of Miniature Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, and Schnauzer.

Are border terriers loyal?

Do Border Terriers Make Good Family Pets Border Terriers can make great pets for active families. They are loyal and loving dogs, but they are also often fairly independent characters.

Are border terriers born black?

They can be very dark when they're born, but start to lighten within days, and by 6 weeks are clearly 'brown', maybe with a dark saddle. If the pups are still black by homing time then they're crossed with something. That's bad advertising them as black border terriers when they are not!

Do Border terriers have hair or fur?

The Border Terrier's unique coat is varied – some dogs have two coats while others only have single ones. Border Terriers with a single coat have wiry, rough hair. Usually, the hair is smooth across the dog's body. Border Terriers are great for people who may have allergies as it sheds little.

Where do border terriers come from?

United Kingdom England Scotland

Can a border terrier kill a fox?

The breed is possibly one of the oldest types of terriers in Great Britain. The farmers had problems with foxes killing their stock and the Border Terrier worked alongside them to drive the fox out of their dens and kill them. Along with fox they hunted otters, marten, the fierce badger, mice and rats.

Do border terriers like to cuddle?

Affectionate and easily trained, the border terrier is very interested in being part of the family. If you are looking for a part-time pet, this breed is not for you. Borders are not a high-maintenance breed.

Should I get a male or female border terrier?

MALE OR FEMALE? Any BT bought as a pet quality puppy should be spayed or neutered when old enough. Males are just as sweet-natured as females and females just as determined as males. If you have one dog already, it is usually advisable to get the opposite sex as a companion.

Does a border terrier bark a lot?

Border Terriers aren't yappy, but they'll bark to alert you of anything unusual, and they can become nuisance barkers if they get bored. Border Terriers have a high prey drive and will chase, attack, and even kill neighborhood cats, squirrels or other small animals.

Should you bathe a border terrier?

Border Terriers do not need to be bathed often — only when they've gotten into something gross and it's really necessary. Their coat naturally repels dirt and, with weekly brushing and a wipe-down with a damp cloth when needed, it should stay fairly clean.

Do terrier dogs bark a lot?

Terriers are earth dogs, bred to burrow and go after vermin. They are bred to be tenacious, and tend to bark. Barking is a trait that alerts their handlers to their whereabouts, which could be underground, buried in a burrow. They can be trained, like any other dog.

Are Terriers cuddly?

American Pit Bull Terriers are arguably the most misunderstood dogs out there. But in a reality, when humans don't force these animals to do unspeakable acts, pit bulls are in truth incredibly loyal, affectionate, and goofy dogs. They've even been called nanny dogs because of how great they are with kids.

Can you let a border terrier off the lead?

Because they are high energy, independent dogs, many owners of Border Terriers like to be able to exercise their dogs off-leash or let them have outside time in a yard. Border Terriers can apply this skill to burrowing under fences--think Steve McQueen in the Great Escape!

How much sleep does a border terrier need?

The average dog sleeps about 14 hours per day, but there's a lot of variation between the breeds. For example, larger dogs like Mastiffs and Great Danes tend to sleep more like 16-18 hours (which is why both made our list of laziest dog breeds).

Are Terriers hard to train?

Terriers are generally stubborn, and can turn aggressive (with the exception of Boston Terriers) if not properly trained. They can be wonderful dogs, but training dog breeds like Terriers requires a good deal of tenacity and will. Training dog breeds like hounds can be difficult.

Do border terriers get separation anxiety?

While they're less “yappy” than many terriers, excessive barking can sometimes be an issue with Borders. This is more likely if they're left alone without enough stimulation while you're at work. Our guides to separation anxiety and excessive barking are both worth a read if you're thinking of bringing a terrier home.

How many times a day should I feed my border terrier?

Recommended daily amount: 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

Do border terriers shed hair?

A border will shed minimally, but his coat will not shed out completely without help. The border is usually hand stripped twice a year. If you choose to go with the natural look and not strip the coat, it will have a bit more odor than a stripped coat. You can clip the coat, but clipping is not done by many owners.

Do border terriers need a lot of exercise?

The Border Terrier needs a lot of exercise and activity, both physical and mental. They require at least 1 hour of exercise a day, but will never say no to more.

How do you train a border terrier?

Teach your dog to follow you out doors and gates, not to go in front of you. Call your dog through the door and reward him. If your dog tries to precede you out of the door, correct him, make him wait, then call him out the door for praise and a walk or play. Supervise your Border Terrier in an enclosed yard.

How long can terriers be left alone?

There is some wiggle room, provided that your pooch has access to enough food and water, as well as a place to go potty if they need to. However, even if their basic needs are met, you shouldn't leave your pet alone and unsupervised for more than 8 hours a day.

What are border terriers prone to?

Border Terriers are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.

How much does border terrier cost?

Border Terrier Price The cost for Border Terrier puppies will vary depending on where you live. In the US, puppies from a reputable breeder will cost between $800 and $1500.