What makes Border Terriers great pets?
Border Terriers are known for their boundless energy and enthusiasm for life, making them great companions.
Whether you're already a proud owner or considering welcoming one into your home, these spirited dogs are sure to bring the fun.
Having the right pet insurance allows you to enjoy the adventures, knowing their health is well-protected.
What types of pet insurance policies are there?
There are four main types of pet insurance policies. Here’s a brief look at their differences:
Lifetime policy: this is the most comprehensive pet insurance. It covers your Border for ongoing conditions throughout their life, as long as you renew the policy each year.
Maximum benefit: this type of policy covers for a set amount of vet fees for each condition. Once that amount is reached, the condition is no longer covered, even if you renew the policy.
Time limited: this type of policy typically covers illness and injuries for a set period only, usually 12 months. Also, each aspect of the cover has a set limit; you’ll only be covered up to that amount, and you can’t claim for any specific condition more than once.
Accident-only: this can cover your Border if they have an accident, but it doesn’t cover medical conditions or illnesses – so you’d have to foot the bill if your dog became unwell.
Things to look out for on your policy
When choosing Border Terrier dog insurance, it's important to understand the details of your policy. Here are some key things to look out for:
Excess: this is the amount you’ll need to pay before your insurance kicks in. Make sure you’re comfortable with the excess amount, as it can vary between policies.
Cover limits: policies often have limits on how much they’ll pay out per condition or per year. Check these limits to ensure they meet your needs, especially if your pet has ongoing health issues.
Exclusions: be aware of what’s not covered by your policy. Typical exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, routine treatments and pregnancy, so be sure to read the fine print to avoid worrisome surprises.
Waiting time: dog insurance policies often come with a waiting period – usually around 14 days – during which time you can’t make a claim. These timeframes can differ between providers, so make sure you check your policy.
Do Border Terriers have any known health conditions?
Border Terriers are generally a hardy breed, but they can be prone to certain health conditions. Here are some common ones:
Hip dysplasia: a genetic issue that affects the hips, making movement tough and sometimes causing lameness, even in young pups.
Epilepsy: some Borders can suffer from seizures. This condition is often hereditary, and while it can be managed with medication, it requires ongoing veterinary care.
Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS): also known as Spike’s Disease, causes episodes of muscle cramping. While not life-threatening, it can be distressing for your dog.
Patellar luxation: a hereditary condition where the kneecap might slip out of place, causing discomfort. In severe cases, surgery might be needed.
Heart disease: Border Terriers might occasionally face heart issues. Regular vet visits can help keep an eye on things and ensure your furry friend stays healthy.
Oral health
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for Border Terriers. Regularly brushing their teeth, providing dental chews, and ensuring routine vet check-ups can help prevent plaque buildup and periodontal disease, keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
Ensuring your Border has the right pet insurance means you can focus on enjoying a long and happy life together, knowing they’ll have cover if any health issues arise.
How much does Border Terrier insurance cost?
The average premium for dog insurance is £119 per year [2]. To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing pet insurance quotes now.
Factors that pet insurance providers consider when calculating the cost of your dog's insurance premium include:
Policy type: the type of policy you choose, whether it’s a lifetime cover or accident-only, can influence how much you pay
Age: as dogs get older, they might face more health issues, which can bump up the price
Pedigree breed: purebred dogs, like your lively Border Terrier, often have specific health concerns which can sometimes mean higher premiums
Pre-existing medical conditions: if your dog already has some health conditions, this might affect the cost of their insurance
Location: where you live can make a difference too, as vet fees can vary from one place to another.
[2] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £118.13 for their dog insurance in June 2026.
Border Terrier profile
Borders are small dogs, known for their lively spirit and unwavering loyalty. Here's a quick profile of a healthy adult Border Terrier:
Size | Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
Small | 5.9 to 7.1 kg | 12 to 15 years |
Border Terriers are bundles of energy and need regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They are relatively easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Whether you’re in the countryside or the city, these adaptable pups fit right in, making them fantastic companions in both rural and urban settings.
Tips for keeping your Border Terrier happy and healthy
Diet: feed your Border Terrier a balanced diet of high-quality dog food, split into two meals, to help them maintain energy throughout the day. How much food your dog needs will depend on their size and level of activity.
Grooming: Border Terriers have a dense, wiry coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They are not heavy shedders, but their coats benefit from hand-stripping a few times a year to remove dead hair and maintain texture. Regular brushing will help keep their coat tidy and free from tangles.
Staying social: an active social life is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Find your nearest dog park or schedule regular walks with other dog owners in your area, to give your Terrier the opportunity to mix with other dogs.
Vet check-ups: given some of the potential health conditions Borders can face, regular health check-ups, vaccinations and deworming are essential.
Microchipping
In the UK, dogs have to be microchipped by law. Skip this, and you could face a fine of up to £500.
Microchipping is really handy because it helps reunite lost dogs with their owners quickly. You can easily get this done at your local vet or animal shelter, ideally when your Border Terrier is still a puppy.
Your dog should also wear a collar with a tag showing your name and address. Many owners add a mobile number too. This little detail ensures that if your furry friend ever wanders off, they can be returned to you swiftly. Keeping your pet's identification up to date is crucial for their safety, and not doing so could also result in fines.
What do I need to get a quote?
To compare pet insurance with Compare the Market, we’ll need to know:
Your pet’s age and breed
How much you paid or donated for them
Whether your pet has been neutered or spayed
Whether they’re microchipped
If you want cover for pre-existing illnesses.
FAQs
What is third-party dog insurance and do I need it?
Third-party dog insurance could cover you for costs should your Border Terrier injure another person or pet – or damages someone’s property. It’s also known as third-party public liability insurance.
As the owner, you’re legally responsible for your pet’s behaviour. You’re also responsible for paying third-party costs and compensation if your dog causes any harm (even if it’s accidental). Third-party cover could protect you from a potentially huge legal bill.
Many pet insurance policies include third-party cover as standard, so it’s worth checking what’s included in your insurance before buying a stand-alone policy.
What if my Border Terrier is lost or stolen?
If your Border Terrier is lost or stolen, some pet insurance policies will offer a reward if your dog is found or help with the costs of advertising and local posters. If your pet can't be found, some pet insurance providers will also offer you compensation up to the value you paid for your pet.
Are Border Terriers good for new owners?
Borders can be a good pick for first-time dog owners because of their friendly and adaptable nature.
They're easy to train and eager to please but their high energy means you'll need to keep up with regular exercise and consistent training. It’s important to consider whether you can meet their exercise and social needs before bringing a Border Terrier into your home.
Are Border Terriers good with kids?
Border Terriers are generally good with children, thanks to their friendly and playful nature. They tend to form strong bonds with family members and enjoy being part of the action.
However, like any breed, it's important to always supervise interactions between dogs and children to ensure their safety. Borders’ energetic temperament means they can be a bit boisterous, so teaching kids how to interact with them gently is key.
Why should I compare Border Terrier insurance with Compare the Market?
We'll search a range of UK pet insurance providers to help you find the right insurance for you, at the right price. Just tell us about yourself and your Border Terrier, and what type of cover you'd like.
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Allie has spent her career helping people quickly understand complicated topics, to help them save money and focus on what matters. With almost 10 years’ experience writing, leading and managing content, she is an expert in personal finance and insurance products.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
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What our expert says...
“Originally bred as hunting dogs, Border Terriers are a very active dog breed and can easily get bored. It’s important to engage your dog in plenty of stimulating physical activity in order to stop them becoming yappy or destructive.”