Border Terrier

also known as Munich Schnauzer, Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munchener, Riesenschnauzer

Pros Summary


The Border Terrier is a small, energetic dog breed that originated in the border region between England and Scotland. They were originally bred as hunting dogs for small game such as foxes and rats. The breed was first recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1920. It is also recognized by other kennel clubs and organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). Border Terriers are known for their friendly, outgoing and affectionate personalities. They make great family pets, but they require regular exercise and consistent training. They are also known for their wiry coat which requires regular grooming. The name "Border Terrier" comes from the breed's origins in the border region between England and Scotland.

Breed Information


Type

Is Border Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Border Terriers originally used for?

fox bolting, ratting

Lifespan

How Long Do Border Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Border Terrier? How long can Border Terriers live?

12-15 years

The average Border Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Border Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Border Terrier?

What is the average height of a Border Terrier? How big is a Purebred Border Terrier height? Border Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-11 inches (25.4 - 27.9 cm) 8.0 inches (20.3 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
Female 10-11 inches (25.4 - 27.9 cm) 8.0 inches (20.3 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a Border Terrier? How much should Border Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 13-15 pounds (6 - 7 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg)
Female 11-14 pounds (5 - 6 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Border Terriers get fat easily?

They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the Border Terrier.

Hypoallergenic

Are Border Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Border Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Border Terrier personality? What are Border Terrier dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Outright
Tempered
Intelligent
Alert
Fearless
Obedient

Shedding Level

Are Border Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Border Terrier Shed?

Border Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Border Terrier dog?

Border Terriers are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Border Terrier is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Border Terriers come from?

Border of Scotland and England

Ancestry

What are Border Terriers descended from?

dandie dinmont terrier, bedlington terrier

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Border Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers

Date of Birth

When were Border Terriers first bred? How old is the Border Terrier breed?

1700s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Border Terrier?

Terrier (AKC:1930 & UKC)

Border Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Border Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Border Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Border Terrier coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Blue
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Border Terriers coat?

Border Terriers are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Border Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Border Terrier?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Border Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Border Terrier have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Border Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Border Terriers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Border Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Border Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Border Terrier is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Border Terrier?

Cataracts
Retinal Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Border Terriers?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Fanconi Syndrome

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Border Terrier breed?

Fanconi Urine Test
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Eye Examination

Border Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Border Terriers have a lot of energy?

Border Terriers are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Border Terriers need socialization? How social are Border Terriers?

Border Terriers have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Border Terriers get?

The Border Terrier dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Border Terrier have? Do Border Terriers sleep a lot?

Border Terriers dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Border Terrier drool a lot?

The Border Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Border Terrier is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Border Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Border Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Border Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Border Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Border Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Border Terrier busy?

Sniffing, Walks, Walk, Hunt, Chase, Fetch, Dog Parks, Eating Snacks, Walking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Border Terrier? How much energy does a Border Terrier have?

Medium

Border Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Border Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Border Terrier walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Border Terrier, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Border Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Border Terrier need?

60 minutes

In general most Border Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Border Terrier?

The Border Terrier is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Border Terrier?

Weekly

Border Terrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Border Terriers?

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Border Terrier eat?

1 cups

For an average 13-15 pound (6 - 7 kg) Border Terrier feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Border Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.80 / day

The average cost of a Border Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Border Terrier Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Border Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Border Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Border Terrier?

The Border Terrier breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Border Terrier dog?

Border Terrier dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Border Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Border Terrier do well in apartments? Are Border Terriers good indoor dogs?

Border Terriers are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Border Terriers good with kids? Are Border Terriers good around children?

A Border Terriers typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Border Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Border Terriers good with cats? How friendly Border Terriers are toward cats?

Border Terriers are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Border Terriers can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Border Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Border Terriers OK with other dogs?

Border Terriers are below average dog friendly dogs. Border Terrier dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Border Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Border Terriers friendly with strangers?

Border Terriers are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Border Terriers are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Border Terriers will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Border Terriers like to play? Are Border Terriers playful?

Border Terriers have an average level of playfulness. The Border Terriers, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Border Terrier easily trained?

Border Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affectionate and loyal to their family
    Border Terrier are known for being affectionate and loyal to their family.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Border Terrier are well-suited for apartment living.
  • Good with children
    They are good with children and make great playmates.
  • Hypoallergenic
    The hypoallergenic properties of Border Terriers make them a great option for those with allergies.
  • Minimal to no shedding
    Border Terrier shedding is none to minimal and easy to maintain.
  • Intelligent
    They are intelligent and trainable.

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    Border Terriers are at a high risk of becoming overweight.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Border Terrier.
  • Barking
    The breed of this dog is known for its loudness.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Cats and Border Terriers are not a good mix.
  • High energy levels
    They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.