The Border Terrier was rejected for formal Kennel Club recognition in 1914, but won its slot in 1920, with the first standard being written by Jacob Robson and John Dodd.

The Border Terrier was bred to have long enough legs to keep up with the horses and other foxhounds, which travelled with them, and small enough bodies to crawl in the burrows of foxes and chase them out so the hunters had a blank shot.

[citation needed][6] Border Terriers have a broad skull and moderately short muzzle, and strong teeth.

Canine epileptoid cramping syndrome is a condition that is recognised to occur in the Border Terrier.

[8][9] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14.2 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.