Border Terriers

Appearance:

Body: Hound-like with a strong neck and long shoulders

Coat: Wiry outer coat with a soft undercoat

Color: Grizzle and tan, blue and tan, red grizzle, and sometimes wheaten

Ears: Small and v-shaped, falling forward and sitting close to the cheeks

Eyes: Dark hazel and keenly alert

Feet: Thickly padded

Head: Otter-like in shape with a moderately broad skull. They have a strong head with short, powerful jowls

Legs: Forelegs are straight and moderately boned. Hind legs are sturdy with round thighs and well bent stiffles

Neck: Medium length and well muscled

Size:
Weight: 11.5 - 15 pounds (5 - 7kg)
Height: 10 - 11 inches (25 - 28cm)

Tail: Moderately short, thick at the base and tapered

Behavior

Recommended for experienced handlers
Good with children if older and respectful of them
Adapts easily to city life
Tireless diggers

At home, the Border Terrier is a good-natured, and mild-mannered dog who, in contrast, is very serious, courageous, and hard working in the field. This is an athletic dog that loves rough play, high-energy exercise and challenging games.

Border Terriers are best kept on a leash or in a secure area else their determination to explore will take over. Of all the breeds, except perhaps the Jack Russell Terrier, the Border Terrier is considered to be the most determined to follow their explorative nature.

Dogs of this breed are known to be fighters if they take a dislike to other dogs and animals which is another reason to keep them under the control of a lead or enclosure. Once they get a taste of the run, they will be very difficult to keep from escaping for another adventure.

Though they are not good with other pets like cats, rabbits, and smaller breeds of dogs, they do like to be with other similarly bred dogs such as Border Collies and Spaniels. Some are good with the family cat but, for the cat's sake, don't take any chances until you are certain of it.

Due to their origins requiring them to have a very independent nature, you will find that they may not always respond instantly to obedience commands. You will clearly get the signal that they are pre-occupied at the moment and will obey your command in a few minutes.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Terrier Group

The Border Terrier was originally bred to hunt and kill fox who were killing the farmers poultry and livestock. They are tireless when hunting their prey and, once caught, they will muster up enough additional energy to attack, or even, go to ground (if the fox goes undergound) to finish the kill.

They are capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions allowing them to work in the damp and cold regions of England and Scotland. Along with fox, they have also hunted badger, marten, and otter.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Lots of daily exercise is best for this energetic dog

Grooming: Weekly brushing is adequate. One to two times a year they should be "stripped" (plucking out of dead coat) by a professional or someone experienced with this procedure

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 Years

A healthy breed with a high tolerance for pain

Possible Problems:
Allergies
Eye problems - Glaucoma and/or luxation of the crystalline lens
Heart defects
Hip problems
Low Thyroid
Luxating Patella
Seizures

Be sure to chop their meat into small pieces to prevent them from choking if they swallow too quickly

Country of Origin

United Kingdom - 1700s