Description: The name of the Border Terrier
is in thanks to the fact that they are from the border between Scotland and
England where they originally served farmers as working terriers and guard dogs.
Border Terriers are able to look after themselves, usually with an amiable outlook
on life. Border Terriers are intelligent, obedient, inquisitive and friendly.
They can be independent and are generally good with other pets. They are very
good with kids and love to play. The Border Terrier will live for longer than
usual and remains a good watch dog. They need walks and affection, although
not in high demand. Their "otterfaces" are sure to draw a smile, as is their
short stature. These dogs are low-maintenance, wiry in coat and carry themselves
happily. A no-nonsense little dog, they are game for anything. Unlike other
terriers they are not argumentative. Border Terriers are a dog-lover's
dog. They are the quintessential family pet.
Other Names: Coquetdale Terrier, Reedwater
Terrier
Type: Terrier
Height:
10 inches.
Weight: Females: 11.5 -
14 lbs.; Males: 13 - 15.5 lbs.
Colors: Red, wheaten,
grizzle and tan, or blue and tan. There is sometimes a small white spot on their
chest.
Coat: Harsh and dense with
close undercoat. Border Terriers have wiry, rough coats. Unlike the Wire Fox
and Lakeland Terriers, Border Terrier coats do not need to be stripped.
Temperament: Border
Terriers are plucky, alert, and inquisitive. They remain friendly to almost
anyone, and are generally very good with other dogs and pets. They can be independent
and entertain themselves, but like any other dog, should not be left alone for
a very long time. They like to dig and some like to bark. He has working abilities
and can be trained to work. Border Terriers are active outside but are generally
good-natured and loving at home.
With Children: Yes, loves children and will
play tirelessly with them. Border Terriers are ideal for a family.
With Pets: Yes, gets along well with other
pets. Border Terriers are very friendly towards many animals. They may see small
animals as prey.
Special Skills: Hunting dog and family pet.
Able to hunt small rodents and medium sized prey, such as foxes.
Watch-dog: High. Their high-energy
personalities make them prone to notice things that are different or unusual.
Border Terriers are alert but obedient.
Guard-dog: Low. Border Terriers are
friendly to almost anyone and anything.
Care and Training:
Border Terriers' wiry coats need minimal grooming. Clip out knots and brush
occasionally with a bristle brush. Trim coat on the head, legs, neck and top
of tail. Bathe only when necessary. The Border Terrier needs a good amount of
exercise and the opportunity to run as they were bred to hunt and have a large
amount of vitality and stamina. They should train from an early age as they
have a tendency to become destructive and chew things. Border Terriers are generally
very obedient.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - High. Problem
Solving - High. Border Terriers are very intelligent.
Activity: High. Border Terriers
have energy and like to play.
Living Environment: Border Terriers will
do well in the country or in an apartment if they are well trained and exercised
daily. Border Terriers can walk for a long time before getting tired. The best
owner for the Border Terrier should be active and prefer a high-energy, playful
dog.
Health Issues: Luxating patellas, hip dysplasia. Other health concerns include cataracts, epilepsy, heart defects, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and shunts.
Life Span: 12 + years
Litter Size: 3 - 6 puppies
Country of Origin:
Great Britain
History: Once known as the Reedwater
Terrier, the Border Terrier was originally developed to hunt alongside Foxhounds
in the countryside of northeast England. They were bred around the border of
England and Scotland, where sheepherding is common. Treasured for their ability
to kill foxes and other animals who crept into the farmyard for livestock, the
Border Terrier was more specifically bred to have long enough legs to follow
a horse, but still be small enough to go to ground and hunt animals such as
foxes. It was known as the Coquetdale Terrier until around 1880 when it was
renamed for the region in which it presided. Border Terriers are not widely
spread, but continue to make strides into other countries. It was only until
the early 1900s when they began to spread beyond their home country. The Border
Terrier's history is probably much the same as that of the other northern bred
terriers in England and Scotland, although not in written history. His ancestry
may include the Bedlington Terrier, in which some pups still come out with a
soft topknot on the head. Border Terriers may also be related to the Lakeland
Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.