Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, suitable activity and regular preventive monitoring, it generally lives between 12 and 15 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its constitution without exaggeration, its protective coat and its origins as a working terrier give it good overall resistance. This robustness does not, however, dispense with careful monitoring, notably of the eyes, joints and unusual neurological signs.
Watch points
What to watch for
The breed is generally healthy, but a responsible breeding program must monitor bloodlines and exclude from breeding dogs showing hereditary or functional disorders. Any change in gait, seizure, persistent pain, or decrease in activity warrants a veterinary examination.
Eye conditions : A veterinary check-up is recommended in case of redness, cloudiness, persistent discharge, or reduced vision.
Patellar luxation : As in many small dogs, intermittent lameness or an abnormal gait should lead to an orthopedic examination.
Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome : This rare neurological disorder reported in the breed can cause episodes of cramping or stiffness and requires a veterinary diagnosis.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its harsh coat combined with a dense undercoat provides good protection against cold and bad weather. It tolerates high heat less well: outings must then be scheduled during the cooler hours, with shade and water available.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Active by nature, the Border Terrier more easily maintains its ideal weight when it benefits from daily outings. Its ration must nevertheless be measured and adjusted to its age, its activity and its body condition, because treats and a decrease in exercise can promote weight gain.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Perform a preventive veterinary check-up at least once a year.
- Keep vaccines and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
- Inspect the ears, eyes, teeth, and nails each week.
- Consult promptly in case of cramps, tremors, or limping.
Vaccination
Border Terrier vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Border Terrier? Like all cats, the Border Terrier receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Border Terrier is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Border Terrier vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Border Terrier?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Border Terrier
Before breeding, it is prudent to ask for the health history of the line and the examinations recommended by the breed club. Clinical monitoring of the eyes, patellas and the locomotor system is relevant, with particular attention to any episode of tremors, cramps or coordination disorders.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
