THE BORDER TERRIER
The Border Terrier takes his name from the Border counties of England and Scotland. For Centuries, terriers fitting the description of the Border were in use by shepherds, farmers, and huntsmen who wanted a game terrier with sufficient leg to follow a horse in the rugged hill country but small enough to be able to go to ground after marauding hill foxes. Courageous enough to kill his quarry in the den or bolt him from his lair, yet able to fit in comfortably at home when work was done.
The Border Terrier has a double coat [hard, wiry outer jacket over a dense undercoat] and thick, loose pelt to ensure the Border is well protected from the inclement weather of his homeland and the punishing jaws of his quarry. The physical and mental qualities that should be "part and parcel" of the Border are the results of generations of breeding and enable the Border to do his job with the least amount of injury to himself and with the greatest amount of efficiency possible.
With his characteristic Otter head, implacable determination, boundless courage and overall good temper, the Border Terrier is a neat unspoiled breed that is equally at home in the field or the home.
BORDER TERRIER GROOMING
Border Terriers should never be shaved or clipped unless for medical reasons. The outer, coarse hair of their double coat is removed by "hand plucking".
Click HERE for a brief overview on how to correctly groom your Border Terrier.
BORDER TERRIER BREED STANDARDS
[link to CKC standards - other countries may vary]
BORDER TERRIER GENETIC HEALTH
Click HERE for a brief overview on some of the conditions that a Border Terrier may be genetically pre-disposed to having. Check with your breeder to ensure that your puppy comes from lines that are free of any of these conditions.
BORDER TERRIER TRAITS
Temperament: Alert, energetic, willing, affectionate.
Activity Level: Born and bred to hunt, this breed has lots of stamina and vitality and requires plenty of exercise.
Training: Responds well to training. Keep in mind they will chase anything that tries to elude capture.
Life Expectancy: Mid teens if kept healthy and active.
Health: The Border Terrier is "hard as nails" [CKC standards] and relatively insensitive to pain. They indicate very few signs of injury, so the owner should check their dog regularly. Good quality Borders are free from any hereditary or congenital defects.
Living Environment: The Border Terrier comes with what I like to call "an OFF/ON switch". They are energetic, vigourous and indefatigable outdoors but yet relaxed, quiet and settled indoors (provided outside exercise is given daily). As such, they will do well in almost any environement where they can get out and run daily. If left unattended outside, a Border will dig so make sure any fenced areas are properly secured.
Behaviour with Children: Good with children.
Behaviour with other pets: Gets along well with other dogs. Interacts well with cats but will chase them if they run. If keeping any kind of rodent in the house (hamster, gerbles, rats or guinea pigs etc) make absolutely sure that their cages are secure and are not accessible by your Border.
Out of all the Terrier breeds, the Border is one of the most amiable of the group.
Considering adding a Border Terrier to your family?
It is highly recommended that you read through the
Border Terrier Club of America's handy little booklet
The Border Terrier in Brief. Click on this link.
The Border Terrier is friendly and adapts readily to city life, but still requires regular exercise. They do like to hunt and can be quite independent. Both of these traits may be exhibited in a tendancy to roam if given the chance. They do best when allowed to be outside regularly in the yard and given long daily walks in a controlled environment.