| Height | 12-15 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13-15.5 pounds (male), 11.5-14 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Affectionate / Happy / Plucky [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | England/Scotland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 91 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Borders are active dogs and need plenty of exercise daily. A brisk half-hour walk or play session with his owner and a ball or flying disc should be enough to keep a Border healthy and happy. Because of their instinct to chase small animals, a Border Terrier must always be walked on a leash, and play sessions must take place inside a fenced-in yard or other secure area. [1]
Grooming
The Border Terrier has a double coat: a hard, wiry outer coat over a soft, fluffy undercoat. Like most double-coated breeds, the Border sheds seasonally. Most of the time, a quick brushing every week or two is enough to keep the coat in good shape. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Border Terrier is generally a healthy breed, and and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, juvenile cataracts, seizures, heart problems, and allergies. Some Borders seem less tolerant of hot weather, so outdoor exercise should be kept to a minimum when the temperature gets above 85 degrees F. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Border Terrier in 1930. [1]
- It ranked No. 91 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 82 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Border.” [1]
- The AKC lists England/Scotland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
Common questions
How long do Border Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Border Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 12-15 inches and weight 13-15.5 pounds (male), 11.5-14 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Border Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Border Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.