Border Terrier

Brushing Routine

Brush weekly with a slicker brush and follow with a fine comb through the dense, wiry double coat. Hand-stripping twice a year (spring and fall) is essential to maintain the correct hard outer coat texture. Between stripping sessions, use a stripping knife weekly on areas that grow fastest like the neck and shoulders.

Bathing Tips

Bathe only every 6-8 weeks since the Border Terrier's harsh coat naturally repels dirt. Use a mild, pH-balanced shampoo -- avoid softening conditioners that compromise the wire texture. Their coat should feel rough and slightly oily after bathing, not soft and fluffy.

Common Issues

• Coat softening and color change if clipped instead of stripped
• Undercoat impaction if not properly stripped
• Skin allergies common in the breed
• Ear infections from narrow ear canals
• Dental issues requiring regular attention

Extend Your Grooming Results

Roll the coat weekly with a stripping knife to keep dead hair pulled and the coat looking tidy between professional strips. Avoid all clipping -- once clipped, the wire coat may never return to proper texture. Wipe the beard after meals to prevent staining and odor.

Seasonal Care

Border Terriers blow their undercoat in spring and fall, which is the ideal time for full hand-stripping. In Houston summers, keep the coat stripped short but never shave it -- the wire coat provides sun protection. In winter, the dense undercoat provides excellent insulation.

Maintenance Schedule

Weekly slicker brush and comb session, daily beard wipes, weekly ear cleaning, nail trims every 3 weeks, full hand-strip every 4-6 months, professional grooming every 8-10 weeks.