The 60-second version of the Border Terrier: what they're like, what they need, and whether one would suit your home — written for Australian owners.
Border Terrier at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed group | Terrier |
| Weight | 5–7 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate to high |
| Coat | Harsh, dense double coat |
| Grooming | Weekly brush + hand-stripping twice yearly |
| Shedding | Low |
| Good with kids | Excellent — patient and sturdy |
| Puppy price (AU) | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Insurance (AU) | ~$40–$70/month |
Living with a Border Terrier in Australia
The Border Terrier was bred to bolt foxes alongside mounted hunts — which required being sociable with horses, hounds and people, making it the most easygoing of the working terriers. They’re plucky but biddable, sturdy but portable, and famously good with children. In Australia they suit first-time terrier owners and active families. The honest notes: they dig, they chase, their recall around wildlife is theoretical, and that harsh coat needs hand-stripping to stay right.
Health watch-outs
One of the healthier terriers:
- CECS (Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome) — a breed-linked movement disorder, often diet-managed.
- Luxating patellas and heart issues — screened by good breeders.
- Generally robust — a long-lived, sturdy little dog.
Budget at a glance
- Puppy price: typically $1,500–$3,000 from a registered breeder — much lower offers are often scams.
- Insurance: around $40–$70/month — see our pet insurance cost guide for what shapes premiums.
- Cheap to feed and groom if you learn to strip — a low-drama terrier.
Is a Border Terrier right for you?
Great fit if you… ✅
- First-time terrier owners
- Families with children
- Active households wanting a portable adventurer
Think twice if… ⚠️
- Still a terrier — digging and chasing included
- Hand-stripping keeps the coat right (or accept a softer clip)
Keep exploring
🍖 Best food: See our dog food picks — chosen for Australian conditions and budgets
🛡️ Insurance: What pet insurance costs in Australia — breed-by-breed premium guidance