Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, suitable activity and regular preventive monitoring, it generally lives between 12 and 15 years.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Border Terrier need? Like all dogs, Border Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Border Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Border Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Border Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
