The Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a lively, active and affectionate dog hailing from the borderlands between England and Scotland. These dogs were bred for two purposes: to hunt small prey like foxes and rodents and to keep company with people.

Size, Height and Weight

The Border Terrier is a petite pup belonging to the terrier group. This dog stands 12 to 15 inches tall and weighs 11.5 to 15.5 pounds.

Personality and Temperament

The Border Terrier, like all terriers, has an independent spirit and can be stubborn. These qualities come in handy when a they are hunting down a fox all the way into its burrow, but perhaps not so much when enrolled in obedience training classes. For this reason, always keep your Border Terrier in a secure, enclosed area.

Since they have a strong prey drive, practice a strong recall regularly so that you can be confident they’ll come back when let off the leash! The Border Terrier also has a strong people-pleasing drive and an affectionate, happy nature that makes this dog a great family pet.

Coat Care and Shedding

This dog has a double-layer coat with a wiry, coarser outer layer and a softer insulating under layer. The coat is largely “wash and wear” from day to day but will shed out seasonally in an event owners call a “coat blow.” During this time, more frequent brushing and raking can help keep the shed hair under control.

Health and Longevity

Border Terrier parent dogs should be tested for

• hip dysplasia
• patellar luxation
• eye and cardiac issues
• and Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM), or “Shaking Puppy Syndrome.”

The Border Terrier can live 12 to 15 years.

Border Terrier Mixes

Hybrid breeding programs have been a part of companion and working canine breeding since the start. So many beloved purebred dogs today owe their existence to early strategic crossbreeding.

But today’s hybrid breeders often have a very different goal in mind – strengthening the health of purebred dogs through adding genetic diversity.

This theory, called “heterosis,” states that dogs with limited gene pools can be helped by an infusion of fresh genetic variety.

Border Terrier Mix Breeds

Now let’s take a look at some of the most popular Border Terrier mixes!

Affenpinscher Border Terrier Mix

A.K.A Affen Terrier

The Affen Terrier will weigh 7 to 15.5 pounds and live 12 to 15 years. This dog sheds year-round and seasonally and needs regular brushing to keep tangles and mats at bay.

Your Affen Terrier is probably going to be influenced by the Affenpinscher parent dog’s flattened (brachycephalic) face shape, which is associated with chronic respiratory, dental, eye and other health issues.

Alaskan Malamute Border Terrier Mix

This dog is a large pup indeed, weighing anywhere from 11.5 to 85 pounds in adulthood. Expect a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Alaskan Malamute Border Terrier mixes definitely shed year-round and seasonally. Both parent dogs are known to be very good with kids, which can make this mix dog a great choice as a family pet.

Australian Cattle Dog Border Terrier Mix 

A.K.A Border Heeler

The Border Heeler has an adult weight range of 11.5 to 50 pounds and a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Be aware here that Australian Cattle dogs (blue/red heelers) are not typically regarded as good pets for families with young children because they tend to “herd” any lifeforms in sight with heel nipping!

This dog sheds year-round and seasonally.

Beagle Border Terrier Mix

When the musical baying Beagle is crossed with the Border Terrier, you will get a pup weighing 11.5 to 30 pounds with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This merry, happy and companionable mix dog is a great choice as a family pet.

This dog definitely sheds year-round and seasonally.

Border Collie Border Terrier Mix

The Border Collie Border Terrier mix dog weighs 11.5 to 50 pounds and lives 12 to 15 years. This dog is particularly energetic and requires lots of activity to stay out of trouble.

You can expect lots of brushing and lots of shedding with this pup!

Boston Terrier Border Terrier Mix 

A.K.A Boston Border

The Boston Border weighs 11.5 to 16 pounds with a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years. This adaptable, social, and mannerly pup sheds somewhat year-round and seasonally.

Your Boston Border is likely to be affected to some degree by the brachycephalic (flat) muzzle type contributed by the Boston Terrier parent dog.

Bulldog Border Terrier Mix 

A.K.A Border Bulldog

The Border Bulldog is one of the bigger, stockier dogs on this list, weighing 11.5 to 50 pounds with a life span of 8 to 15 years. This friendly, brave dog sheds year-round and seasonally.

Your Border Bulldog will likely inherit some degree of the brachycephalic (flat) muzzle shape from the Bulldog parent.

Cairn Terrier Border Terrier Mix

The Cairn Terrier Border Terrier mix weighs anywhere from 11.5 to 15.5 pounds and lives 12 to 15 years. Cairn Terrier mix breeds can be very pretty little dogs. This dog inherits the classic terrier double layer, seasonally shedding coat from both parents.

These dogs are all about spending time with their family on laps as well as on the lawn.

Chihuahua Border Terrier Mix 

A.K.A Chi Border Terrier

The Chi Border Terrier weighs 3 to 15.5 pounds and can live 12 to 16 years. This dog is typically too small and fragile to make a suitable pet choice for families with young children.

However, for adults and older children who know how to handle a small dog, the Chihuahua is a lively, personable canine companion!

Corgi Border Terrier Mix

The Corgi Border Terrier weighs anywhere from 11.5 to 32 pounds with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. You will likely have a fabulous family watchdog with this mix dog as well as a sociable and affectionate family pet. You will also be treated to year-round and seasonal shedding, courtesy of both parent dogs!

The Corgi Border Terrier displays the shortened legs characteristic of the Corgi purebred breed.

Dachshund Border Terrier Mix

Dachshunds today are bred in three sizes, which means your Dachshund Border Terrier may weigh anywhere from 10 to 32 pounds. The average lifespan is 12 to 16 years.

This dog may or may not have an undercoat and go through a seasonal shed depending on which parent dog their coat most takes after.

The Dachshund Border Terrier mix will inherit a Dachshund dominant gene for shortened legs, which is linked to intervertebral disc disease in later life.

Jack Russell Terrier Border Terrier Mix

A.K.A Border Jack

The Border Jack weighs anywhere from 11.5 to 18 pounds and lives 12 to 16 years. This mixed dog has the traditional terrier double layer coat that sheds somewhat year-round and seasonally.

Be aware that the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America recommends keeping a Jack Russell as an “only dog” because they have a well-known tendency to show aggression towards other dogs.

Labrador Retriever Border Terrier Mix 

A.K.A Border Lab

The Border Lab weighs anywhere from 11.5 to 80 pounds. Expect this dog to live 10 to 15 years. This dog’s double-layer coat sheds year-round and seasonally regardless of which parent your puppy most favours.

Miniature Pinscher Border Terrier Mix

The Miniature Pinscher Border Terrier mix weighs anywhere from 8 to 15.5 pounds. Their typical lifespan is 12 to 16 years. Because the Pinscher in particular can be wary of strangers, you will want to get started socializing and training your puppy right away.

This dog’s coat is easy to maintain but sheds somewhat consistently year-round and perhaps seasonally.

Miniature/Toy Poodle Border Terrier Mix

This dog may have a miniature or toy Poodle parent, meaning the adult weight can range from 3 to 15 pounds. The average lifespan is 10 to 18 years. The Poodle is a favorite in hybrid breeding programs because of their non-shedding coat. However, along with that comes a lot more brushing to keep tangles from forming.

Due to their extremely small size, the toy Poodle is known to be somewhat skittish with too much noise or rough play. Miniature and standard Poodles hybrids are better suited for a family with children.

Miniature Schnauzer Border Terrier Mix

This dog weighs 11 to 20 pounds and lives 12 to 15 years. Both parent dogs are known to do well with family members of all ages. The Miniature Schnauzer Border Terrier mix should make for a quick student and an eager playmate.

Your pup will inherit a coarse double layer coat from both parent dogs, so you will have ongoing brushing duties plus a seasonal shed to look forward to.

Pomeranian Border Terrier Mix

A.K.A Border Pom

The Border Pom is toy-sized, weighing anywhere from 3 to 15.5 pounds with a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. Because of this dog’s very small size, the Border Pom isn’t the best choice for families with young kids.

You can expect quite a bit of coat brushing and maintenance grooming if your dog takes after the Pomeranian parent!

Pug Border Terrier Mix

A.K.A Border Pug

Your Border Pug’s adult weight range can run from 11.5 to 18 pounds with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. This dog will be stocky and quite friendly. You will see some shedding year-round and seasonally.

The Pug parent contributes the flat-faced (brachcephalic) muzzle shape that is known to cause ongoing respiratory, eye, dental, digestive and other health issues.

They might also contribute a screw tail and hemivertebrae to their hybrid offspring. Owing to these health factors, we recommend choosing a mixed breed from this list with a healthier shape.

Shih Tzu Border Terrier Mix 

A.K.A Border Shih Tzu

The Border Shih Tzu is a petite pup weighing between 9 and 16 pounds. This dog can live 10 to 18 years. This dog is likely to make an excellent family pet since both parent dogs are famously good with children.

Your Border Shih Tzu will probably be somewhat affected by the Shih Tzu parent dog’s flat-faced muzzle shape, which can cause a variety of ongoing health issues.

Yorkshire Terrier Border Terrier Mix 

A.K.A Border Yorkie

The Border Yorkie will weigh 7 to 15.5 pounds and live 12 to 15 years. While Yorkies in particular tend to look like dainty lapdogs, both of these Terriers are keen, natural athletes.

This mix will be small and correspondingly fragile, so they’re best suited to grown up households. Some puppies will inherit the silky coat of the Yorkie, and others the wiry coat of the Border Terrier.

Is A Border Terrier Mix Right For Me?

The health of your pup is essential. We cannot recommend mixing any parents with major health issues that would result in your pup’s health issues.

But the Border terrier is relatively healthy and will mix well with a number of dogs. Always consult with vets and potential breeders before adding any new dog to your home!

We hope you find the dog that fits your lifestyle and becomes a life long friend!

We hope you have had fun learning about all these wonderfully diverse and unique Border Terrier mix dogs!