Dog Breeds > Border Terrier

The Border Terrier

Some of the Border Terrier's talents include hunting, watchdog, competitive obedience, tracking, agility, and performing tricks. This lively dog is a very ideal pet for you and your family especially if you are the outgoing type.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Border Terrier was first bred in the Cheviot Hills near the border of England and Scotland. Speculations assert that this breed is possibly one of the oldest types of terriers in Great Britain. Farmers Used the Border Terrier to hunt and kill the foxes that are killing their stocks. In order to make it more ferocious, farmers believe that the dogs should not be fed. Aside from fox, the Border Terrier hunted otters, badgers, mice and rats.

Physical Appearance

The Border Terrier is a small and sturdy dog. Its normal height and weight is about 13 – 16 inches and 13 – 16 pounds respectively. The head is proportional to its body. Its shoulders and body are both narrow. The space between its eyes is apparently wide. The muzzle is short and that ends with a slightly broad stop. The small nose is black. The ears are small and V-shaped that is set on both sides of the head and dropping forward very close to its cheeks. The eyes are medium sized and dark hazel in color.

The front legs Border Terrier are straight. It has a medium sized tail that is thick at the base and tapers to a fine point. This dog has a short, dense and wiry, double coat. Coat color comes in red, blue and tan, grizzle and tan or wheaten. Sometimes, there is a small amount of white found on the chest. A dark muzzle is preferred in the show ring according to the AKC standards.

Grooming

The tough and wiry coat of the Border Terrier needs to be brushed weekly. It also needs to be professionally groomed at least twice a year. The Border Terrier sheds very little to no hair. This breed is good for allergy sufferers. Bathe only if necessary.

Mood

The Border Terrier is an alert, brave little hunter. It is very agile they are willing to squeeze through a narrow space in order to capture its quarry. This dog is affectionate, kind. It likes to please their masters – a trait that makes it very easy to train. Border Terrier puppies should be made accustomed to loud noises while they are still young to prevent it from developing shyness.

Border Terriers like to dig. An additional reinforcement along the bottom of fences would greatly help. This dog lives generally well with other household pets such as cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and birds however, these animals should be kept away from it. Many Border Terriers are spoiled by their masters – a feat that should not be tolerated to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, and separation anxiety.

With Children

The Border Terrier is an active and lively dog that enjoys playing with children. Although this breed does not attack strangers or children, parents should supervise their children while playing with this dog for safety measures.

Training & Exercise

The Border Terriers were excellent hunters and possesses a great stamina. This breed needs plenty of exercise which includes a long daily walk in an open space. Training this dog is very easy as long as you employ calm and gentle training methods. Food-reward would help you get its focus.

Health & Life Expectancy

The Border Terrier lives for about 12 – 15 years old. This breed is susceptible to Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS) which is also known as "Spike's Disease". CECS is a recently discovered canine health problem and hereditary disease in Border Terriers. Sometimes it is confused with canine epilepsy. This disease is also considered to be a neurological, metabolic or muscle disorder.

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