Border Terrier

A hardy little dog with a big personality and a love of digging.

Originally bred for fox hunting, the Border Terrier is a tough yet affectionate breed. Their wiry coat and keen expression highlight their tenacity and cheerful nature. They adapt well to family life but retain a strong prey drive.

Quick Facts

SizeSmall
Breed GroupTerrier
Lifespan12–15 Years
Exercise NeedsUp to 1 hour per day
TrainabilityResponsive to training but can be independent. Consistent training from a young age helps manage their chasing instincts.
Grooming NeedsLow
SheddingYes
Barking TendencyMedium
TemperamentFriendly, bold, and spirited. Border Terriers are good with children and generally sociable with people and pets.

Available Border Terriers

7 dogs available
Alfie, a Unknown old male Border Terrier available for adoption from Heathlands Animal Sanctuary in Hertfordshire

Heathlands Animal Sanctuary

Alfie

Hertfordshire
SexMale
AgeUnknown
BreedBorder Terrier

Gentle, handsome little Alfie is a very sweet pup but can be anxious and is still learning about the world. Due to his worries, he will need a confident and playful doggy buddy in the home to help bring him out of his shell. He's very attached to the fosters Border terrier. He's still getting used to the great outdoors and needs a minute to compose himself when something spooks him. He likes to meet other dogs but needs more socialising and puppy classes to help him gain confidence. Alfie now enjoys being stroked and is getting pretty good meeting new people. He is house trained and settles in his crate at night. He's been getting some life experience and training with his foster family, learnt touch, sit and paw.Okay with kids around 8+. Bold cats only

Fergal, a 5 months old male Border Terrier available for adoption from North East Terrier Rescue in Northumberland

North East Terrier Rescue

Fergal

Northumberland
SexMale
Age5 months
BreedBorder Terrier

Fergal is just 5mths old. He came to us with some health concerns including being partially sighted and suffering head tremors. He has checked in with our vet and advice is to treat as normal. We could request multiple referrals and tests but ultimately they would just come back to confirm the obvious with no actual treatment options at this point. Fergal does take CBD daily which we would very much like him to continue on for life at the rescues request. Beyond that he is a happy and healthy boy.He is very much still a baby learning and building confidence each day. Correct socialisation is absolutely vital with all pups and with Fergal being partially sighted and having lived a very sheltered life up to now it is even more important to get this right for him from here on. A home with experience of blind pups would be a massive bonus. Fergal must go to a home with other sociable well balanced dogs this is non negotiable. Obviously any resident dogs must be able to tolerate a 5mth baby shark with proper human supervision. Fergal ideally needs to be in a quieter more rural local. He needs a good sized secure garden to play safely. He may be limited vision wise but he is still very much a super active , inquisitive and spirited terrier. He absolutely loves zooming about chasing the other dogs outdoors and exploring. As per his age he is exploring the world with his mouth chewing and biting as to be expected. He is not house or crate trained at present. He travels well in a crate generally settles and sleeps. He has a good appetite. He currently sleeps in the human bed. We have introduced him to a harness and lead and although a little unsure he is enjoying walks/play outdoors. He is a very sweet and affectionate boy. Fergal needs a home very much committed to his life long training and socialisation and prepared to accept his health differences. We are looking for a home that is terrier savvy, a home preferably with some blind dog experience. Above all else a home that will keep him safe but equally support and encourage him to live the fullest life possible. A life full of adventures, fun and love. Fergal will need a home with someone around most all of the time.

Jack, a 2 years old male Border Terrier available for adoption from St Francis Dogs Home in Cornwall

St Francis Dogs Home

Jack

Cornwall
SexMale
Age2 years
BreedBorder Terrier

Jack is a 21-month-old Border Terrier cross who is neutered and vaccinated.Jack hasn’t had much early socialisation, which means the outside world can feel quite overwhelming for him. As a result, he is nervous when out and about and currently struggles with severe separation anxiety, so he cannot be left alone at this time.He has never lived with children.Jack has previously lived with other dogs and was fine, however as his anxiety has increased he has become reactive to dogs.Our trainer has spent time with Jack and describes him as a lovely, clever boy who simply needs help with emotional regulation and ongoing training. This is something St Francis will fully support his adopter with.What Jack needs:• An experienced owner• Someone able to support separation anxiety work• A lifestyle where he will not be left alone• Commitment to training and guidance from our teamJack has so much potential and, with the right person, can truly thrive. If you feel you could offer Jack the understanding, time, and stability he needs, please get in touch.

Jess, a 4 years old female Border Terrier available for adoption from North East Terrier Rescue in Northumberland

North East Terrier Rescue

Jess

Northumberland
SexFemale
Age4 years
BreedBorder Terrier

Jess is a 5year old Border type. She's looking for a rural, quieter home location with lovely country walks on the doorstep. Secure good sized garden essential. She must be an only pet and with owners that have lots of love, patience and time to dedicate. She can be left reasonable periods but would prefer a home with someone around more often than not. We're not looking to place Jess with children as she enjoys a less hectic quieter life. Jess is house trained and travels well. Just about crate trained. Jess does sleep on the end of her humans bed at night and this has always been so. She's a very affectionate sweet girl once you gain her trust and loves cuddles and fuss. Jess does take a little time to trust fully but is easily won round with a game of ball or tasty treats and from there you're set for life. Jess needs a calm, confident and experienced terrier owner. Jess is a proper adventure dog. She absolutely LOVES being outdoors exploring, hiking, swimming, chasing a ball, chewing a stick. She's fit and active and needs an outdoorsy owner that will enjoy exploring the great outdoors with her. She is the most fabulous, fun and lovely companion. After a nice walk Jess settles fine at home. She loves a natural chew , has a collection of favourite balls that keep her entertained, enjoys snoozing and belly rubs. Jess pulls a little with excitement but is generally good on lead. She doesn't go off lead unless in a secure area. Jess does not like other dogs up in her personal space . She passes other dogs without issue but has no desire to interact and needs an owner that will advocate for her space. Jess is very slowly building up to being handled for care and grooming. This is not something that she was happy with on arrival due to some very bad experiences previously. This will be discussed in more detail with adopters. Jess needs a very kind and patient approach when being handled for such things.

Jess And Jake, a 7 years old female Border Terrier x Cairn Terrier available for adoption from Dog Aid Scotland in Scotland

Dog Aid Scotland

Jess And Jake

Scotland
SexFemale
Age7 years
BreedBorder Terrier x Cairn Terrier

Jess and Jake are looking for a quiet home where they can have company most of the time and a garden. Terrier experience would be great. (Jess is on the left in the profile photo, Jake on the right).Jess and Jake are good guard dogs and will bark when someone is at the door. They get excited meeting visitors but will settle within a few minutes. They can jump and get overexcited so would be best suited for older children. They can be left alone for a few hours and are generally well behaved in the home.They are both fine with going to the vets. Jess and Jake go to a groomer and have always been fine there, although Jess is sensitive about her dew claws being clipped. Jake will play with other dogs but can get a little snappy when play chasing, Jess too. Both wear a harness and do not tend to pull on the lead. They travel well in the car and really enjoy going for good walks. Their recall is fairly good, if there is nothing to chase (rabbits/squirrels)!Jake loves to run around and will do this happily on his own. He also loves being petted and getting attention, to the point he can be a bit pushy to get it. He loves a good cuddle. Jess also loves attention and is especially into her food, she loves her chews.Jess and Jake would love a new home where they can continue going on lovely walks and running and playing together. They have some Terrier traits so experience with the breed would be beneficial.Please apply for this adorable duo if you think you have the right home for Jess and Jake.