How tall is a Border Terrier?

An adult Border Terrier stands about 14 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Border Terrier considered a small dog?

Yes — at 14" / 14 lb, the Border Terrier falls into the small-breed size class (shoulder height 11–15"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #170 tallest.

How does a Border Terrier compare to a person?

At 14" tall, a Border Terrier stands about 22% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Border Terrier Size Compared to a Person

A Border Terrier stands 14″ at the shoulder and weighs about 14 lb — that puts it at 22% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #170 by shoulder height and falls into the small-breed size class (Small breeds, 11–15").

Border Terrier next to a person at scale — 14-inch shoulder height, 14 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Border Terrier at 14″ / 14 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Border Terrier compares

	Border Terrier	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	14″	64″	-50″
Weight	14 lb	135 lb	-121 lb

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About the Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a small, sturdy terrier breed with a distinctive otter-shaped head and a wiry, weather-resistant coat. Originating from the border country between England and Scotland, these dogs were bred to work alongside foxhounds, flushing foxes from their dens. Despite their rugged working heritage, Border Terriers are affectionate, good-natured, and make excellent family companions.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Small size class with shoulder height closest to the Border Terrier.

Beagle — 14″ / 25 lb (same height)
Cockapoo — 14″ / 22 lb (same height)
German Spitz — 14″ / 24 lb (same height)
Italian Greyhound — 14″ / 11 lb (same height)
Jack Russell Terrier — 14″ / 15 lb (same height)
Japanese Spitz — 14″ / 18 lb (same height)
Norwegian Lundehund — 14″ / 17 lb (same height)
Parson Russell Terrier — 14″ / 15 lb (same height)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Border Terrier?: An adult Border Terrier stands about 14 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Border Terrier considered a small dog?: Yes — at 14" / 14 lb, the Border Terrier falls into the small-breed size class (shoulder height 11–15"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #170 tallest.
How does a Border Terrier compare to a person?: At 14" tall, a Border Terrier stands about 22% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Border Terrier

Border Terrier dog names & full breed page · All small-size breeds · Visual atlas (Small section) · Size comparison home