Overview
The origin of Border Terrier dogs was near the border of England and Scotland in the Cheviot Hills area. They were initially bred as farm workers. Their primary duty was to drive fox out of their dens and kill them. They also hunted badger, marten and otter. These days, Border Terriers are rather rare to find in the United States but they’re considered to be excellent companions as well as great vermin hunters on farms.
Activity
The Border Terrier must have regular daily exercise and given a task to complete. They enjoy walks on the leash, a safe fenced area to run in and family play sessions. This breed can handle apartment living as long as they get enough exercise.
Care
Border Terriers need to be brushed weekly while having the coat professionally stripped twice yearly. They only need to bathed as needed using a mild shampoo to keep in natural oils. They have a high pain tolerance and rarely show any symptoms of distress or illness so it’s vital to monitor their health closely. Border Terriers tend to develop PRA, hip dysplasia, heart defects, cataracts, seizures, and allergies. Don’t over feed them as they tend to gain weight easily.
Character
Border Terriers are small lively, and compact with high energy. They have stamina, endurance and vitality. This is a robust, good natured and sturdy breed. As a herding group member, they have independent though and action.
Coat
Border Terriers have a weather resistant double coat. The top coat is coarse, straight and wiry. The under coat is short and dense. The coat colors are grizzle and tan, blue and tan, wheaten and red. They have dark muzzles. This is a light shedder breed.
Temperament
Border Terriers are very playful, friend, and quite affectionate as well as loving interaction with humans. They’re more placid than other terrier breeds and do best in homes with older children. Generally, these dogs get along with other dogs but shouldn’t be in homes with cats or other types of small household pets. This isn’t a breed that can be left alone for very long at a time. They’re bark continuously and become destructive if they get lonely or bored. That’s why a two career family shouldn’t have this breed as a pet. They’re wary around strangers but usually not aggressive. They need an experienced and active owner.
Training
Even though they’re eager to please, Border Terriers need to be socialized early in life along with obedience training. They don’t respond to heavy handed or harsh techniques. This breaks their spirit and makes training next to impossible. Training must be conducted with motivation, patience, praise, respect, consistency and rewards. This breed shows talent in agility, hunting, tracking and obedience training.