Border Terriers .... at work.

Border Terriers have a long history as working hunting dogs and being an "unspoiled" breed, they still retain most of the same hunting instincts as their ancestors. While they have become adaptable to present day obedience and agility trials, these dogs truly are at home competing at Earthdog Trials. Border Terriers have been accorded more Earthdog Titles by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and American Kennel Club (AKC) than any other type of dog breed. These trials are an excellent way to satisfy the needs of the dog and accomplish exercise for the urban Border Terrier as well as the country Border Terrier. This type of activity is ideal for the Border and alot of moderately passive fun for the owners as well.

Eath Dog Competitions

Earthdog den trials involve man-made underground tunnels that the dogs must negotiate, while scenting rats (the "quarry)". The dog must follow the scent to the quarry and then "work" the quarry. Depending on the sanctioning organization, ?working? means barking, scratching, staring, pawing, digging; any active behavior. The caged quarry is protected at all times by by both the metal cage wires and some wooden bars across the end of the tunnel. The hunting encounter is controlled, and neither dog nor the quarry, usually two rats, are in any danger. The Border Terrier must maneuver through a series of underground burrows following the scent of a rat. The level of competition determines the tunnel layout and difficulty the dog must navigate. Once the dog locates the rat, it must bark, dig or scratch to show that its hunting instincts are well honed for a specific amount of time. Earthdog trials are hosted by the AKC and the CKC and other various clubs around North America and some places in Europe. While there are some small differences in the Earthdog trials sponsored by the various governing bodies, they basically all have the same goals. Competitors need to review the rules for the events they are competing in to determine what is required and what to train for.

Eath Dog Terminology

QUARRY - Any "vermin" such as rats, foxes, badgers etc.
GO TO GROUND - Tracking the quarry into their dens.
HONOUR - Wait quietly while another dog works (advanced levels).
SCENT LINE - The trail of scent that has been left by the quarry.
TUNNELS - In nature, the tunnels are underground paths dug by the quarry, in trials the tunnels are made of wood lining the top and both sides of the tunnel leaving the floor open to the earth (occasionally the tunnel will be four-sided in which case the bottom is lined with dirt and earth)
RELEASING THE DOG - Dogs are released either below the waist or at ground level, all collars and leads are removed prior to entering the test area. Once released, the handler must wait quietly and not move until told by the judge to call thier dog.
WORKING - Digging, scratching, growling, barking, biting, lunging etc at the quarry cage or any other action which, in the Judge's opinion, indicates the dog's interest in reaching the quarry.

Devlin Border Terriers

We have chosen to fence a large section of our property and make it "Border Terrier Proof" (lots of digging allowed, but no escaping possible). Within the bounds of the fence line, we have provided our Borders with a 360 degree view of our yard, lots of shade trees and a large open sun area, multiple enclosures for shelter, a wood pile the play on, many sizes of fallen logs, and other fun "toys" as well. Several times a year we have to rebuilt the woodpile as they fling the wood off in their zest to get to the bottom of the pile. Here are some photos of our dogs having fun.

[Click on thumbnail for larger photo]
  FOLLOWING THE SCENT LINE                 GOING TO GROUND                      WORKING THE QUARRY
         

Chasing Squirrels
            JUST STARTING                                  HEADING IN                      GETTING THE RIGHT ANGLE
     

            DIGGING DEEP                         LISTENING FOR DIRECTION                    WORKING AS A TEAM
             

HAVE A BORDER TERRIER YOU SIMPLY CANT KEEP OR KNOW SOMEONE IN THE SAME SITUATION? At Devlin Border Terriers we are happy to take in and keep or re-home [depending on requirements] ANY Border Terrier in need.