Border Terrier Health Guide: Screening, DNA Tests, and EU Care
The Border Terrier is classified under FCI Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 (Large and Medium Sized Terriers), Standard No. 10. Developed along the Anglo-Scottish border for hunting foxes alongside horses, the Border Terrier is one of the hardiest and most adaptable of the terrier breeds. With a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years, Border Terriers are generally robust and weather-tolerant, but the breed does carry specific health concerns that owners and breeders should be aware of and actively screen for.
Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS) — Spike's Disease
CECS, widely known within the breed community as Spike's Disease, is perhaps the most distinctive health issue affecting Border Terriers. It is a paroxysmal movement disorder characterised by episodes of muscle cramping, trembling, abnormal posture, and difficulty moving — yet the dog remains fully conscious throughout the episode. This distinguishes it from epilepsy, in which consciousness is typically lost. Episodes can last from a few minutes to over an hour and can be distressing to witness, though affected dogs often recover fully between events.
The exact cause of CECS remains under investigation, but there is strong evidence linking the condition to gluten sensitivity in Border Terriers. Many owners and breeders have reported a significant reduction in episode frequency and severity following the introduction of a strict grain-free, gluten-free diet. This dietary management approach is now widely advocated within the Border Terrier community. Dogs suspected of CECS should be assessed by a veterinary neurologist to rule out true epilepsy, and dietary modification should be discussed with the attending vet.
There is currently no DNA test available for CECS, and the genetic basis remains incompletely understood. Breeders should maintain detailed health records and be transparent about any history of CECS in their lines.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a developmental malformation of the hip joint that causes abnormal wear and can lead to arthritis and pain. Although Border Terriers are a small, compact breed, hip dysplasia does occur and should be screened in breeding dogs. The BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme involves radiographic evaluation of the hips, with each hip assigned a score from 0 to 53 — the lower the score, the better the conformation. Responsible breeders submit their breeding dogs for hip scoring and use dogs with scores below the breed mean score.
Cardiac Conditions: Pulmonic Stenosis
Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital narrowing of the pulmonary valve that restricts blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. In mild cases, dogs may live normal lives with no treatment. In severe cases, the condition can cause exercise intolerance, fainting, and heart failure. Cardiac examination by a specialist cardiologist is recommended for Border Terrier breeding stock. The BVA/KC Heart Scheme includes assessment by a BVA-approved cardiologist, and breed clubs encourage pre-breeding cardiac screening.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is an inherited eye disease in which the photoreceptor cells of the retina degenerate progressively, leading to night blindness and eventually total vision loss. Border Terriers can be affected by PRA, and annual eye examinations under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme are recommended for breeding dogs. DNA testing for PRA allows breeders to identify carriers and clear dogs, preventing affected puppies from being born.
Laboklin in Germany and Antagene in France both offer PRA DNA testing for Border Terriers. These EU-based laboratories provide postal testing kits and issue certificates recognised by breed clubs across Europe. Buyers should request PRA DNA test certificates for both sire and dam when purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder.
Malocclusion
Dental malocclusion — incorrect alignment of the teeth — occurs in some Border Terriers and can range from minor misalignment to significant bite problems that cause pain or interfere with eating. While not life-threatening, severe malocclusion may require veterinary dental intervention. Responsible breeders monitor dental development in their puppies and are transparent about jaw and bite conformation in their breeding stock.
BVA and Kennel Club Health Schemes
- BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme — radiographic hip scoring for breeding dogs
- BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme — annual eye examination by a specialist panellist
- BVA/KC Heart Scheme — cardiac examination by an approved cardiologist to screen for congenital heart defects including pulmonic stenosis
EU breeders affiliated with national kennel clubs should follow equivalent health testing protocols mandated by their respective breed clubs. In several EU countries, health test results must be registered with the national studbook before a litter can be registered.
DNA Tests for Border Terriers
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — DNA test available via Laboklin and Antagene; identifies clear, carrier, and affected status
As research into CECS genetics progresses, additional DNA tests may become available. Breeders should stay in contact with their national breed club for updates on newly developed tests.
ESCCAP Parasite Prevention
ESCCAP guidance for EU companion dogs recommends a structured, risk-based parasite prevention programme. Border Terriers are typically active outdoor dogs that may be walked in fields, woodland, and moorland — environments where tick and lungworm exposure is higher. Key ESCCAP recommendations include:
- Year-round tick prevention, with daily tick checks after outdoor exercise in high-risk areas
- Regular intestinal worm treatment for roundworm and tapeworm — monthly or quarterly depending on lifestyle and local prevalence
- Lungworm prevention for dogs that may ingest slugs or snails
- Heartworm prevention for dogs travelling to or residing in southern Europe
- Flea and louse control as part of an integrated year-round prevention plan
Coat Care and Grooming
The Border Terrier has a distinctive double coat: a dense, soft undercoat and a harsh, wiry outer coat. The breed is traditionally hand-stripped — a process in which dead outer coat is plucked rather than clipped — to maintain correct coat texture and colour. Clipping softens the coat over time and may reduce its weather-resistant properties. Border Terriers should be stripped approximately twice per year by an experienced groomer or knowledgeable owner. Between stripping sessions, brush the coat weekly and check for debris and tangles, particularly around the legs and underbelly.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Border Terriers are energetic and tenacious working dogs that require at least one to two hours of vigorous daily exercise. They excel in agility, canicross, and scent work. A securely fenced garden is essential — Border Terriers are adept diggers and will exploit any gap in fencing given the opportunity. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle feeders, and interactive play is equally important to prevent boredom-related behaviours.
With proper health screening, a gluten-free diet where CECS is a concern, and an active lifestyle, the Border Terrier is a wonderfully resilient and devoted companion well suited to EU life.