Everything You Need to Know About Border Terrier Mix Puppies

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Posted Oct 27, 2024

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A Woman Playing with a Terrier Dog
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Border Terrier mix puppies are a delightful combination of the original Border Terrier breed and another dog breed, resulting in a unique and lovable companion. They can weigh anywhere from 10-25 pounds, depending on the size of the parent breeds.

Their coats can vary in length and texture, but they often require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. A daily brushing session can help keep their coats healthy and shiny.

Border Terrier mix puppies are known for being energetic and playful, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. A daily walk and some playtime should suffice.

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Care and Feeding

Border Terrier mix puppies require a high-quality dog food that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Popular brands include Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill's.

Feed your Border Terrier mix puppies two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening, and consider feeding them three or four times a day as they grow. Treats should not make up more than 10% of their daily calories.

The exact amount of food your puppy needs will depend on their health, weight, and lifestyle. Measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time to keep them in good shape.

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In This Article

Cute Terrier Dog Outdoors
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Border Terriers were developed to be working dogs, utilized by English and Scottish farmers and shepherds, that would also fit in well at home after the hunt. They tip the scales at just 15 pounds, a small but mighty size that belies their drive and determination.

Their compact size makes them a great fit for families with smaller living spaces or for owners who want a dog that's easy to take on the go.

Caring for a

Caring for a Border Terrier requires dedication to meet their physical and mental needs, including robust exercise and mental stimulation to burn off their boundless energy.

Their wiry fur needs regular grooming by a professional groomer to keep it in top shape.

A Border Terrier's size makes them more manageable, but they still require a lot of attention and care.

They should live indoors with their family, not tied out in the backyard, where they can escape if the fence isn't high and secure.

Border Terrier
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A half hour of exercise daily, such as a walk on leash or off-leash play in a fenced area, is a must to prevent weight gain and boredom.

Without enough exercise, Border Terriers can become destructive and prone to barking.

They're intelligent and eager to please, but can be stubborn and independent, so positive reinforcement techniques like praise, play, and food rewards are best for training.

Crate training helps with housetraining and keeps them from chewing things while you're away, but it's not a substitute for regular exercise and attention.

Leash training is also crucial to prevent them from running off in search of adventure or prey.

What to Feed

When choosing a food for your Border Terrier, it's essential to select a high-quality dog food that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill's are popular brands that can provide a good starting point.

Black and Tan Australian Terrier Puppy
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Your veterinarian can help you choose the right dog food for your pup, taking into account their individual needs and health status.

A Border Terrier's diet should consist of a well-balanced dog food that meets their nutritional requirements, with treats making up no more than 10% of their daily calories.

To ensure your dog is getting the right amount of food, measure their daily intake and divide it into two meals, as recommended by your veterinarian.

The recommended daily amount of food for a Border Terrier is 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

Keep in mind that every dog is unique, and their food needs will depend on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

It's also essential to monitor your dog's weight and adjust their food intake accordingly, using the eye test and hands-on test to determine if they need less food and more exercise.

Consulting with your veterinarian is crucial in determining the best food for your Border Terrier, especially if you have an Affen Border Terrier with high energy levels.

Supplements, such as those supporting their eyes and joints, might also be beneficial, but always talk to your vet before adding any supplements to their diet.

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Health and Hygiene

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Border Terrier mix puppies are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, so regular ear cleaning is a must with a veterinary-approved cleaner.

To prevent infections, talk with your veterinarian about how often to clean your dog's ears.

Their hardy nature means they require low to moderate care, including regular grooming.

A healthy diet is also essential for your Border Terrier mix puppy's overall well-being.

Daily exercise and training will keep them happy and well-behaved.

By following these simple care tips, you'll have a happy and healthy companion.

Behavior and Training

Border Terrier mix puppies are known for their energetic and independent nature, often getting into trouble if left unattended, especially through chewing and digging. They have a strong instinct to dig and may escape their fenced yards if not supervised.

Border Terriers learn best through positive reinforcement training, which should be short and fun to keep them engaged. Consistent training sessions will help build their confidence and help them become their best selves.

A securely fenced training area is essential for Border Terrier mix puppies due to their strong hunting instinct and prey drive, which can be triggered by wildlife. Regular training and exercise are crucial to keep your dog happy and stimulated.

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Behavior

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Border Terriers are known for their reverberating bark and independent nature, which can sometimes get them into trouble if they're bored. They'll often dig to free themselves from their fenced yards, so it's essential to supervise them whenever they're outside.

Their independent streak can make training a bit challenging, but consistent positive reinforcement, such as rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime, can help build confidence in your Border Terrier.

Border Terriers are intelligent and fearless, and socialization as a puppy is crucial for their training. This breed isn't as biddable as some others, so it's vital to balance their independent-yet-sensitive nature to get the best out of your training sessions.

A strong hunting instinct is a fact of life when living with a Border Terrier, and some types will have a less pronounced prey drive. However, pet parents always need to bear this trait in mind and ensure their dog is securely fenced to prevent escape attempts.

Border Terriers learn best through positive reinforcement, and keeping training sessions short and fun will keep them engaged. They can quickly grow bored and decide they're done for the day if training becomes too lengthy or dull.

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Do You Like to Cuddle?

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Border Terriers do enjoy cuddling with their owners, but not in the traditional sense. They don't like being picked up and held for long periods.

These dogs have a strong desire to be close to their owners and will often curl up next to them or rest their heads on their lap. Some Border Terriers may be more reserved and independent, while others may be total love bugs.

By spending time getting to know your dog, discovering their preferences, and recognizing their ways of expressing love, you can foster a strong bond. Proper socialization and training are also crucial in making your Border Terrier a wonderful, affectionate companion.

Children and Pets

Living with children and pets can be a wonderful experience, but it requires some consideration and planning. If you're a family with young kids, it's best to wait until they're at least 6 years old before bringing a Border Terrier into your home.

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Border Terriers are generally great with kids, but they can be rambunctious and might accidentally hurt a smaller child. Teach your kids how to approach and touch your dog gently and supervise interactions closely.

If you have older children, they might get along well with an Affen Border Terrier, but smaller children's rough handling could cause stress in the dog. This might lead to unwanted snapping or nipping.

Introducing dogs to cats and other small pets requires careful planning. Border Terriers tend to get along well with dogs of the opposite sex, but they might chase outdoor cats and other wildlife. They're not a good fit for households with pet birds or small, furry pets like rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils.

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Personality and Temperament

Border Terrier mix puppies are a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, often described as having a "2-year-old in a dog suit" personality. They thrive on attention and interaction, and need plenty of exercise and play to keep them engaged.

Credit: youtube.com, Border Terrier Dog Breed: Temperament, Lifespan & Facts | Petplan

These dogs are busy and love to be on the go, with a strong work ethic that can sometimes get them into trouble if they don't have enough to do. They're highly intelligent and quickly learn the cues that signal it's time for a walk or a meal.

A bored Border Terrier is a recipe for disaster, as they'll find a way to keep themselves entertained - often by destroying your couch or digging up your yard. They need a job to focus on, and regular exercise and play to set them up for success.

Border Terrier mix puppies are affectionate and loving, but not overly needy. They love to be involved with what you're doing, but also value their independence and don't require constant attention.

They're generally good with other dogs and cats, but may see small animals as prey and need to be introduced carefully. Early socialization is key to ensuring your Border Terrier mix puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

These dogs are highly sensitive to their owner's emotions and have a knack for understanding when their humans are feeling down. They'll go out of their way to offer comfort and support, making them great therapy dogs and emotional support animals.

Exercise and Play

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Border Terrier mix puppies are bundles of energy and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need at least an hour of daily exercise that includes brisk walks and plenty of playtime.

Border Terriers are natural athletes and adore dog sports like searching games, fetch, and earthdog. These activities provide both physical and mental stimulation.

To keep your puppy's bright mind occupied at home, try using food puzzles and hide-and-seek toys. These will keep them engaged and entertained.

Be sure to choose toys that are tough and durable, as Border Terriers have an instinct to grab and shake whatever they've "caught."

Grooming

Border Terrier mix puppies require regular grooming to maintain their unique wiry coat.

Border Terriers are low-shedding dogs, and for most of the year, they only need their coat brushed once a week with a combo brush.

Checking their nails every time you give them a brush is a good habit to get into, and you can then clip them as needed, typically about once every two weeks.

Credit: youtube.com, Hand Stripping a Border Terrier - Dog Grooming Tutorial

During shedding seasons, typically spring and fall, your Border Terrier mix puppy will need to be hand stripped every day, which can take about 30 minutes.

The Border Terrier's wiry coat rarely needs bathing, which can strip the oils that help provide the coat's distinctive weatherproof quality.

Bathing your puppy more often than once a month is not recommended, unless they're particularly active and love getting dirty.

Dental health is essential for your Border Terrier mix puppy to help prevent gum disease and other health problems.

Start brushing your puppy's teeth twice a week when they're young to get them used to the feeling, and work up to daily brushings.

Your Border Terrier mix puppy will still need an annual professional teeth cleaning session from your vet.

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Considerations and Tips

If you're considering bringing a Border Terrier mix puppy into your family, here's what you need to know.

A high-energy and intelligent pup like a Border Terrier mix requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Credit: youtube.com, 99% of Border Terrier Owners Don't Know This

An active family with a job in mind for their Border Terrier mix would be a great fit.

Regular training and exercise will keep your dog happy and stimulated.

Training should be a fun, rewarding, and fulfilling experience for both you and your puppy.

There are some basic steps you'll include in any type of coaching, whether you're trying a brand-new trick or working on basic manners.

These steps will help you and your puppy build a strong bond and learn together.

Size and History

The Border Terrier mix puppies are a delightful combination of energy and affection. They can weigh between 11.5 to 15.5 pounds, depending on whether they're a male or female.

Their size is just right for squeezing into tight spaces, but they're also big enough to keep up with their owners on horseback. Males weigh 13 to 15.5 pounds, while females weigh 11.5 to 14 pounds.

These little dogs have a rich history, originating from the border between England and Scotland where they were bred to protect sheep from foxes. They've had a few different names over the years, but are now known as Border Terriers.

Size

Terrier Dog being Groomed by a Professional Groomer
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Border Terriers are built to be big enough to keep up with hunters on horseback and small enough to squeeze into tight spaces. Males weigh 13 to 15.5 pounds; females 11.5 to 14 pounds. They stand 10 to 11 inches.

The Affen Border Terrier is a fairly small dog, ranging from 7 to 15 lbs. Their small size and unique facial features give this dog the ability to turn heads anywhere they go.

History

The Border Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century in northeast England, near the border with Scotland.

They originated from the neverending battle between farmers and foxes, and were bred to have a long, narrow, flexible body and legs long enough to follow horses during a foxhunt.

These early Border Terriers were prized for their fearless and implacable nature, and were often seen at agricultural shows in Northumberland in the late 19th century.

Boston terrier puppy
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However, the breed was little known elsewhere until the early 20th century, when it was recognized by England's Kennel Club in 1920.

The first Border Terrier registered in the United States was Netherbyers Ricky, in 1930, and the breed has since become a beloved family companion.

Despite its popularity, the Border Terrier is still relatively rare in the USA, with the American Kennel Club ranking it 81st among 155 breeds and varieties.

The breed's original purpose was to protect herds of sheep from the local fox population, and they were known for their "hard as nails" attitude and enthusiastic pursuit of their prey.

Today, the Border Terrier is a popular breed, but its rarity in the USA means that finding a reputable breeder can be a challenge.

You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club's website, and budget around $2,000 for a puppy from a registered and reputable breeder.

Return and Upkeep

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Border Terrier mix puppies are a joy to have around, but they do require some attention to stay happy and healthy. They generally live for 12 to 15 years, which is a great age for a furry friend.

To keep your Border Terrier mix puppy healthy, it's essential to be aware of some potential health issues. These include hip dysplasia, luxating patella, periodontal disease, heart conditions, SLEM, gluten sensitivity, eye problems, and Cushing's disease.

Regular exercise is also crucial for your puppy's overall well-being. They need a daily walk, game session, or off-leash expedition in a safe area to keep them active and engaged. A weekly brushing and quarterly stripping of dead hairs will also help maintain their coat.

Here are some key health issues to be aware of in Border Terrier mix puppies:

  • Hip Dysplasia: A degenerative condition that affects the hip joint
  • Luxating Patella: A condition where the kneecap slips out of place
  • Periodontal Disease: A common health issue that affects their teeth and gums
  • Heart Conditions: A congenital defect or weakening of the heart valves
  • SLEM: A rare hereditary condition that causes shaking and stiffness
  • Gluten Sensitivity: A condition that can cause involuntary movement and discomfort
  • Eye Problems: Progressive retinal atrophy and juvenile cataracts
  • Cushing's Disease: An endocrine disease that causes excessive cortisol production

Return

Returning home with your new Border Terrier is an exciting time, but it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can arise.

Assorted Leaves Piled on Border of Brown Wooden Board
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Border Terriers can live up to 12 to 15 years with proper care, but they may develop health problems like Hip Dysplasia, which is a degenerative condition that causes lameness and pain.

To prevent or manage Hip Dysplasia, you can try joint supplements, pain medications, or even surgery in severe cases. I've seen firsthand how these treatments can improve a dog's quality of life.

Regular dental exams and daily teeth brushing can help prevent Periodontal Disease, a common issue in small breeds like Border Terriers. Your vet can show you how to properly care for your dog's teeth.

Heart Conditions, such as murmurs, can occur in Border Terriers and should be screened for by a veterinarian. Annual examinations can help detect any potential issues.

If you notice your dog shaking uncontrollably, it might be Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM), a rare but hereditary condition that can cause shaking puppy syndrome.

Here are some potential health issues to watch out for in your Border Terrier:

  • Hip Dysplasia: joint supplements, pain medications, or surgery
  • Luxating Patella: ask your vet for information and potential surgery
  • Periodontal Disease: daily teeth brushing and annual dental exams
  • Heart Conditions: annual examinations and screenings
  • SLEM: consult your vet if you notice shaking
  • Cushing’s Disease: blood tests and daily medication

Upkeep

Boston terrier puppy
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The Border needs a lot of physical activity every day to stay happy and healthy. This can be achieved through a good walk on leash, a vigorous game session, or an off-lead expedition in a safe area.

Regular grooming is also essential to maintain the Border's coat. They require weekly brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

Stripping of dead hairs is necessary about four times a year to keep the Border's coat looking its best. This process helps to maintain the clean outline of the breed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Border Terrier mixes get?

Border Terrier mixes typically stand between 11-16 inches tall at the shoulder, with a longer leg length compared to other small terrier breeds. Their adult height may vary depending on the mix of breeds.

Lucy Orn-Mills

Writer

Lucy Orn-Mills is a versatile writer with a passion for canine culture. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, she has penned articles on a wide range of topics, from the charming Border Terrier to the rich history of dog breeds originating in Scotland and England. Lucy's expertise extends to the fascinating realm of Terriers, a group of breeds known for their feisty and affectionate nature.