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Pet Insurance for Border Terriers

Find out all about Border Terriers and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 13th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500–$4,000

Height

28cm - 41cm

Weight

5kg - 7kg

Personality

Alert, affectionate, fearless

Coat length

Short, coarse, wiry

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 15 years

Border Terrier

Overview

The Border Terrier, also known as a ‘Border,’ hails from the border region of Northumberland between England and Scotland, in the UK. They were originally bred to be small, fast dogs suitable for hunting foxes, which were a threat to sheep in the hilly country they come from. They are closely related to other terrier breeds from that area of the UK, such as the Ullswater Terrier and the Reedwater Terrier.  

Border Terriers are medium-sized sturdy dogs that make good family pets. They have a short, wiry, dense coat that requires regular brushing. They are known for their loyalty and spirited and affectionate nature, but they can be quite independent and don't suffer from separation anxiety as much as other breeds do. They are intelligent, but can be stubborn at times, so they require consistent training as puppies. Borders make great companions for active individuals or families who can provide them with the exercise and mental stimulation they require.  

Common diseases and conditions of Border Terriers

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent and manage this condition. 
  • Elbow Dysplasia: Another common orthopaedic condition which affects the elbow joints and can lead to lameness and mobility issues.  
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This is a condition where the dog’s hip joint starts to degenerate, which can cause pain when moving. Selective breeding is being used to try and eradicate this genetic condition from the breed.
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect all Terriers. It may lead to seizures. Medication and close monitoring by a vet are typically necessary to manage this condition. 
  • Juvenile Cataracts: This is a condition that causes the lens of the eye to become opaque, which can lead to blindness.  
  • Skin Allergies: Skin allergies in Border Terriers can be triggered by various factors, including environmental allergens and food sensitivities. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and skin irritation.

Breed-specific issues:  

Their strong hunting instinct may lead them to chase smaller animals, so supervision around other pets is necessary. If left alone and bored, they can be vocal and may bark excessively at perceived threats. They are best suited as an indoor pet to a family who can give them constant companionship to stop excessive yapping.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Border Terrier?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Border Terrier, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Border Terriers

Do Border Terriers make good family pets?

Yes, Border Terriers are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and they tend to be gentle with children, making them great companions for families with children of any age, as well as good companions for the elderly.    

Are Border Terriers suitable for apartment living?

Yes, Border Terriers can adapt well to apartment living in Australia as long as they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. 

How much exercise do Border Terriers need?

Border Terriers are energetic dogs that require daily exercise or at least 30 minutes to an hour a day. Although they are suitable as indoor pets, they do need outdoor exercise and activities to stay happy and healthy. They do have a tendency towards obesity as they age if they do not get regular exercise. 

Do Border Terriers shed a lot of hair?

No, Border Terriers have a wiry and dense coat that doesn't shed excessively. However, they do require periodic hand-stripping by a professional groomer to maintain their coat's texture and appearance.  

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Border Terrier

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