What breed-related health issues could you encounter as a Border Terrier owner?

Hip Dysplasia – Borders have a slightly bowed legs and this can cause some hip and joint issues.

Patellar Luxation – Also known as trick knee, this condition is one Borders are prone to and it affects the joints and results in the knee slipping out of position.

Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome – This is a hereditary disease that Border Terriers are susceptible to and it can occur at any age. Episodes can vary in frequency, but symptoms include trembling and dizziness. There is no known cause for it.

Border Terriers have a dense undercoat and a wiry and coarse overcoat. This is a low shedding breed which means they are ideal for allergy-sufferers and also easy to groom. This breed has special grooming requirements because its weather-proof coat requires stripping. You can buy a stripping tool to do this by hand at home or you can seek assistance from a professional groomer. Even when they are groomed to perfection, this breed has a rugged aesthetic that is all part of their charm.

Border Terriers have a high energy level and require between one and two hours of exercise per day. This breed isn’t suited to off the lead walks due to their high prey drive and love of chasing small animals but can be let off the lead if you walk them in a secure outdoor space. They love to play and will be stimulated sufficiently with a game of fetch.

Are Border Terriers on the cheap or pricey end of the scale? Well, they tend to fall somewhere in the middle. You can expect to pay between £600 and £900 if you purchase a Border Terrier from a reputable breeder. Of course, a show quality dog will be much more.

This breed has unique grooming requirements, the coat needs to be stripped once or twice per year. The Border’s coat dies after five or six months, and dead hairs have to be removed to make way for the new hair. If you don’t strip a Border Terrier’s coat, you will be left with a tangled, matted mess.

Border Terriers take longer to mature than other dogs and aren’t considered to reach adulthood until around 18 months to 2 years old.

Border Terriers are a healthy breed but can be prone to a number of common health issues, and pet insurance can help with those unexpected vet bills. You can find out everything you need to know about finding the right dog insurance policy for you and your pet here.