The Border terrier as a pet from our own experiences

Border Terriers make great house pets; they thrive on being with people and need to be included in family life (no point in getting a border if it’s going to be in the garden alone all day every day)

They love exercise, whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, a jog or running along beside a bike. They make great agility dogs and will fetch a ball. At the same time they are quite happy curled up on a couch or in front of the fire. 

They maintain the keen hardworking characteristics of a terrier, but they are quite happy to be a lapdog as well. Being a terrier, never trust them off the lead when near traffic. If something catches their attention on the other side of the road and looks could enough to chase, they will run after it.

They are easy to train with treats as they are very food orientated and eager to please. 

They love people, especially children, and join in fun and games with great enthusiasm.

They will alert you to visitors arriving at your door, but they are not yappy dogs in general.

They can be greedy, so their food needs to be controlled.

They get on with the family cat if they are introduced when the puppy is young, but never trust them with a cat they don’t know or any other furry creatures.

We have found very little difference in dogs or bitches as a pet, either will make a great addition to your life.

They are very hardy “big” dogs in a little dogs body and don’t like to show any pain, so you need to watch out for any signs of illness or discomfort.

Some Borders like to dig, so if you like your garden, you will need to give them their own area, to dig in.

If you do make the decision to get one of these fantastic little companions, you’re sure not to be disappointed.  They tend to live into their mid to late teens and remain youthful and mischievous throughout their life.