Are Border Terriers Hyper? What New Owners Need to Know

The Border Terrier is a fantastic dog to have as a companion. However, before committing to a Border Terrier adoption, it’s advisable to educate yourself on the breed. There is much more to a Border Terrier than their charming little otter faces! For the sake of your family and your lifestyle, you should choose a dog based on their temperament and other attributes rather than looks.

Are Border Terriers Hyper?

Border Terriers can be excitable given the right environment, age, the strain of the breed, and lifestyle. Generally, this breed is not hyper, but they are energetic and do best in a home where they can be an active dog. Lack of physical and mental stimulation, breed features, and conditioned behaviour are all factors that might lead to hyperactivity as a result of pent-up energy.

How to Determine a Dog’s Energy Level

Although all breeds are different in their innate energy levels, there’s some ways to determine and classify a dog’s energy level in general.

This is usually done by looking at the daily activity needs of various breeds. These exercise requirements can be found on the American Kennel Club’s website.

Low Energy

Low energy dogs are the one that is laying around most of the day. They could be classified as couch potatoes. As Borders age, they might be categorised as low energy dogs.

Even though they spend most of the day napping, these dogs are perfectly satisfied to go for shorter walks every day.

Basset Hounds, Pekingese, and French Bulldogs are considered low-energy dog breeds by the American Kennel Club.

Medium Energy

A dog with medium energy is usually calm, but has the occasional burst of excitement. In moderation, they are adept at typical dog activities such as playing and running.

According to their exercise needs, the American Kennel Club places Pugs and Chihuahuas in the medium energy category.

High Energy

Always raring to go and even after plenty of exercise they don’t seem to flag – these are the truly high energy specimens of the canine world.

Those dogs who have a lot of stamina and would easily play any time of the day, appreciate being stimulated either physically or mentally.

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Weimaraners are examples of high energy dogs.

Hyperactivity in Dogs As a Behavioural Issue

Hyperactivity, also known as hyperkinesis, is a rare disorder that may occur in dogs. It’s akin to ADHD in humans and can show up in dogs as the following:

Reactivity
Constant agitation
Being impulsive
Elevated resting respiratory and heart rate
Failure to respond to amphetamines
Unable to adapt to cues such as home activity and sounds
Consistent emotional tension and difficulty to rest
Excessive attention-seeking

In the absence of these symptoms, it’s probably safe to assume that what might appear as hyperactivity in your Border Terrier, is simply his way of burning energy.

Are Border Terriers High Energy dogs?

As a rule Border Terriers are not high-energy dogs, and the AKC classes them as medium energy dogs.

They enjoy snuggling, giving, and receiving affection, but they may also burst into action and sprint around the home at any given moment. Their drive to please and sociable personality may be interpreted as over excitement.

When a Border Terrier is excited, it is usual for them to jump and seek affection or attention.

It’s also important to remember that Border Terriers, like people, have distinct personalities and energy demands.

Factors That May Affect Your Border Terrier’s Energy Level

The definition of hyper is an elevated state of activity, whilst energetic implies expressing or possessing a certain level of energy. Having a better understanding of what Border Terrier dogs are like helps us gain an insight into why the breed is so lively or hyperactive at times.

Inherent Curiosity: Border Terrier puppies will not have the strength to move around for several weeks after birth. When they begin hearing, develop muscles and bone mass, they start to become inquisitive. Puppyhood makes them explorers, which can stimulate their desire to try new things, push boundaries and interact.
Spurts of Energy: Once Border Terriers start growing, they will experience bursts of energy that they use to play and run. The breed’s determined streak might be displayed in the junior and adulthood stages, and they may not immediately follow your instructions to sit and stay calm. Avoid placing unsafe or dangling things that could obstruct your dog’s access.
Greater Intelligence: In addition, Border Terriers are smart, lively little dogs who may express hyperactive levels of energy by demonstrating their mastery of tricks. They also know how to attract your attention in a way you won’t be able to refuse.

How Border Terriers Release Energy

Border Terriers express their energy in a variety of ways. We usually witness it in the guise of pursuing other creatures, running all over the place, spinning, jumping at visitors, doing the zoomies, and generally acting silly around us.

Frenetic Random Activity Periods, otherwise called zoomies, are bursts of energy that occur at random. FRAPs are a common canine behaviour that typically lasts a few minutes and could end with or without human assistance. Although zooming may seem to be a joyful burst of activity, it can suggest that your Border Terrier is stressed or anxious.

But Border Terriers can also become bored owing to a lack of physical or mental stimulus. They effectively channel that suppressed energy into behaviours such as digging, barking, nipping, biting, fleeing and even aggression. Such behaviour sometimes ends up destructive.

How Should I Calm a Hyperactive Border Terrier

Border Terriers with surplus energy may express a strong desire to use it in a variety of ways.

Your first instinct might be talking down to, or even shouting at your dog. However, screaming or speaking in a loud voice may make your Border Terrier anxious or assume you’re also thrilled.

To prevent worsening the situation, we can do the following instead.

Schedule exercise: A minimum of 60 minutes of daily exercise is recommended for adult Border Terriers to help them burn calories and use up excess energy. You can play with your dog on dog ramps or even take a dip in the water. Once your pet has had enough physical activity, he will wind down and begin to rebuild his energy.
Extended daily walks: One of the best methods to settle a Border Terrier’s tensions is to go for a 45-minute stroll. Morning and afternoon jogs might also help you bond and keep fit together.
Mental stimulus games: Border Terriers are intelligent dogs who love challenges that require them to think. Dispensers, puzzles and chewing toys are some of the greatest toys for Border Terriers. They also enjoy fetching toys, like squeak ball or latex frisbees.
Obedience training: Consider using obedience training instead of games and exercise if those fail. Basic commands, potty and leash training are all good things to do with your dog at this time.
Praise calmness: Reward calm behaviour by praising or rewarding your Border Terrier when he behaves calmly. Using this method, your pet will learn to calm down on his own.
Relaxing music: Dogs have a keen sense of hearing, and the sounds of the outside world can cause them stress and anxiety. To counteract this, play soothing tunes with 50-60 beats per minute, like reggae, soft rock and classical music to your Border Terrier. Similarly, white noise might also aid in relieving stress.
Tender massage: Softly stroke your Border Terrier while speaking quietly to teach your dog about gentle physical touches. You can also rub your dog’s brow and the bridge between his eyes gently. Endorphins, which help dogs relax, can be released by rubbing the outer tips of their ears.

Will My Border Terrier Calm Down

Border Terriers mature between the ages of one and two years, but they can maintain their high energy levels well into adulthood. The early years and environment of a Border Terrier can have a significant impact on the dog’s ability to settle down as he matures. Young Border Terriers are excitable, eager to play and go on walks. This is normal for all puppies.

Border Terriers become senior dogs around the age of 7 to 8 years old, which may result in a weaker physique and, as a result, a calmer personality. At this stage, you should notice a drop in your dog’s activity level and he will start to quieten down. As an adult, your Border Terrier will most likely adopt a more sedate lifestyle.

Are Border Terriers Hyper – Final Thoughts

Although some strains of the breed, particularly the younger ones, can be more lively, Border Terriers are not hyperactive by nature. Pent-up energy might be channelled into hyperactivity due to breed characteristics, a lack of physical and mental stimulation, and conditioned behaviour.

The Border Terrier’s eagerness to please, friendliness, and willingness to play might be misread for excessive energy. However, these are only a few of the ways the breed expends its energy. To assist control your Border Terrier’s energy, emotions, and behaviour, set aside time for walking, mental stimulation games, stroking, and soothing activities.

Thanks for reading this article. Keep up to date with Border Terrier Guide for more great posts about our canine companions.