| Breed
Group:
Terrier |
| Weight:
male: 13-15.5, female: 11.5-14 lbs |
| Height:
10-11 inches |
| Color(s):
red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten |
| Coat:
The
Border Terrier has a weather resistant double coat. The outer coat is
wiry, straight, coarse, and lies close to the body. The under coat is
dense and short. The color of the coat comes in blue and tan, grizzle
and tan, red, and wheaten. The muzzle is dark. This breed sheds little
to no hair. |
| Overview:
Originating
near the border of Scotland and England in the Cheviot Hills area, the
Border Terrier was bred to be a farm worker. Their primary function was
to drive fox from their den and kill them. They were also used to hunt
otter, badger, and marten. Today the Border Terrier is relatively rare
in the United States but is a highly regarded companion and continues
to be utilized as a vermin hunter on farms. |
| Character:
This
breed is small, compact, lively, and extremely energetic. The Border
Terrier possesses vitality, stamina, and endurance. They are hardy,
robust, and good-natured. As a member of the herding group they are
capable of independent thought and action. |
| Temperament:
Friendly
and playful, the Border Terrier is very affectionate and thrives on
human interaction and attention. This breed is more placid than is
typical of the other terrier breeds. They do best in a home with older
considerate children. They will generally get along with other dogs but
are not recommended for homes with cats or other small household pets.
The Border Terrier does not do well if left alone for extended periods
of time and will become destructive and bark excessively if bored or
lonely. For this reason a two-career family is not an ideal situation
for them. They are wary of strangers but are generally not aggressive.
This breed is not recommended for the novice, apathetic or sedentary
dog owner. |
| Care:
The
Border Terrier must be brushed weekly and have the coat professionally
stripped twice a year. Bathing should only be done when absolutely
necessary using a mild shampoo to preserve the integrity of the coat.
This breed has a high tolerance for pain and will rarely show any sign
of illness or distress. Therefore, it is imperative to closely monitor
their health. Border Terriers are prone to hip dysplasia, PRA,
cataracts, seizures, heart defects, allergies, and a low tolerance for
anesthesia. It is important to not over-feed this breed as they have a
tendency to gain weight easily. |
| Training:
Eager
and willing to please, the Border Terrier requires early socialization
to prevent timidity as well as early obedience. They will not respond
to harsh or heavy-handed methods that break their spirit and make
training more difficult. Training must be done with praise, motivation,
reward, respect, patience, and consistency. The Border Terrier displays
talent in such areas as tracking, agility, competitive obedience, and
hunting. |
| Activity:
The
Border Terrier needs regular, daily exercise and enjoys being given a
job to do. They benefit from securely leashed walks, family play
sessions, and a safely fenced area to romp and run freely. This breed
will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they receive sufficient
physical exercise and mental stimulation. |
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