Border Terrier Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Height: 10-11 in
Weight: 11-15 lbs
Life Span: 12-15 yrs
Coloring: Red, grizzle, tan, blue and tan, wheaten
Area of Origin: Scottish/English border
Similar Breeds: Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Patterdale Terrier, Bedlington Terrier

History and Origin:

Possibly one of the oldest British terrier breeds with records from the eighteenth century, the Border Terrier was bred to protect farmers’ livestock from foxes. Its small stature allowed it to chase foxes out of dens, yet its long legs made it easy to keep up with horses on the hunt. It became a common practice to starve the little dog in the hope that its prey-drive would force it to hunt rodents, badgers, and even otters to survive. While the breed is old, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the first Border Terrier was registered outside of Great Britain. Even today, it isn’t a particularly popular breed, which has allowed it to remain pure and true to the farm dog it was cherished to be three hundred years ago.

Personality and Temperament:

Fearless, affectionate, and energetic, the Border Terrier is a delightful companion whose antics are sure to please. It is a voracious digger, and a master escape-artist; a fenced- in yard with an extension underground may be necessary to keep it out of harm’s way. Attentive, and sensitive, the Border Terrier makes a good watchdog if de-sensitized to loud noises and other distractions to eliminate timidity. This dog is a hunting terrier with an independent mind; while it can learn to get along with cats if raised with them, small animals such as hamsters or rabbits are far too closely related to the terrier’s natural prey, and should not be left alone with it. The Border Terrier is prone to separation anxiety, and calm, confident leadership is ideal for it to flourish as a family companion. The Border Terrier can develop Small Dog Syndrome and attempt to dominate its handlers if not raised properly, and thus is not ideal for a “first-time” dog owner. However, many Border Terrier owners agree that the breed can work well for any owner who is a confident leader.

Exercise & Training:

The Border Terrier is an intelligent breed that is fairly easy to train. As a terrier, it can be willful at times, requiring a consistent, firm hand to keep it from displaying dominant qualities. Enrolling the Border Terrier in obedience classes from puppy-hood is an excellent way of ensuring it develops into a well-adjusted adult, while bonding with it in the process. Plenty of exercise is needed for the Border Terrier to show its mellow side, yet it can adjust to apartment life if its physical and mental needs are met. The Border Terrier does tend to alert bark, however, and not every dog will flourish in a smaller home.

Grooming:

With a wiry outer coat and a soft under coat, the Border Terrier requires only moderate brushing. The coat is usually hand-stripped twice a year for dead hair removal, and most Border Terriers are professionally groomed two or three times a year. Generally considered to be hypo-allergenic as it sheds very little, only bathe when absolutely necessary so as to not dry out skin or the coat’s natural oils.

Similar Breeds:

As a British terrier, the Border Terrier shares characteristics with most breeds that fall under this category. It has confirmed shared ancestry with three other terriers from the same northern region, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Patterdale Terrier, and the Bedlington Terrier, all of which share exceptional vermin-hunting abilities.

Interesting Facts about the Border Terrier:

1. As a tunneler that chases its prey underground, the Border Terrier’s bark is very loud; it can be heard even ten feet below surface!

2. The Border Terrier has remained largely unchanged for over three hundred years; a painting in 1754 by Arthur Wentworth depicts two Border Terriers identical to those today.

3. Border Terriers are champions at Earthdog trials; they have won more American Kennel Club titles than any other terrier.