Border Terrier are narrow-bodied and well-proportioned, males stand 13 to 16 in (33 to 41 cm) at the shoulder, and weigh 13 to 15.5 lb (5.9 to 7.0 kg); females 11 to 14 in (28 to 36 cm) and 11.5 to 14 pounds (5.2 to 6.4 kg).
Temperament:
Highly intelligent, even tempered but somewhat confrontational, stubborn & occasionally aggressive.
Border Terriers generally get along well with other dogs; however, if they dislike another, they do not hesitate to start a fight and, as with most terriers, it can be difficult to stop them.
Borders do well in task-oriented activities and have a surprising ability to jump high and run fast given the size of their legs. The breed has excelled in agility training, but they are quicker to learn jumps and see-saws than weaving poles. They take training for tasks very well, but appear less tractable if being taught mere tricks.
More recently a Border / Cairn Terrier cross bread, the Calhound Terrier has shown to have a much milder temperament whilst predominantly maintaining all of the physical characteristics of the Border Terrier.
They are intelligent and eager to please, but they retain the capacity for independent thinking and initiative that were bred into them for working rats and fox underground. Their love of people and even temperament make them fine therapy dogs, especially for children and the elderly, and they are occasionally used to aid the blind or deaf. From a young age they should be trained on command.
Borders can adapt to different environments and situations well, and are able to deal with temporary change well.
They will get along well with cats they have been raised with, but may chase other cats and small animals such as mice, rabbits, squirrels, rats, and guinea pigs.
Borders love to sit and watch what is going on. Walks with Borders will often involve them sitting and lying in the grass to observe the environment around them. They can be stubborn when they are tired and often require short breaks to sit and observe during long walks, it can be difficult to get them moving again!
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)
Border Terriers are also known to be sensitive to anaesthetics and slow to induce.
Due to their instinct to kill and consume smaller animals, Border Terriers often destroy, and sometimes eat, toys that are insufficiently robust. Indigestion resulting from eating a toy can cause the appearance of illness. Typical symptoms include lethargy, unwillingness to play, a generally 'unhappy' appearance, lack of reaction to affection, and inability or unwillingness to sleep. These symptoms are generally very noticeable, however, they are also present just prior to Border Terrier bitches being on heat. They are strong-willed, very lively, and also like running.
