Origin: United Kingdom (Scotland, England)
Origin of Name: The Border Terrier is British breed of small, rough-coated terrier.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
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In the hilly areas near the Scottish-English border, old-time farmers and shepherds developed quick, agile terrain to help chase and dispatch a clever, sheep-stealing hunter: the big, powerful mountain fox. It is the essential game terriers with legs large enough to walk with foxes and hunters on horseback. But they had to be small enough to dig into the fox's dugout and force it out into the open.
These dogs, the ancestors of today's border terriers, were energetic, strong and tireless, with a wavy, weatherproof coat to protect them from the rain, mist and infamous terrain of the border. Here, a breed historian describes the workability of the border: "There is no wall that he cannot hold or wire to tangle through which he cannot scramble. Should the fox run to the earth, He will provoke him every time, or he will remain on earth until the matter is resolved.
Early breed names included the Readwater Terrier, the Ulvewater Terrier, and the Coquadale Terrier, all derived from place names in the north of England where these rugged little dogs carried on their trade. However, it was in Northumberland, the northernmost county in England, where the breed earned its enduring reputation as a fox-stable when working in conjunction with foxes. (And to this day, Border is known as a terrier, who recovers with his fellow canine.)
Foxhunting along the border terrier in the North Country was distinct from the patriotism of traditional British foxes on lavish rustic terrains, with well-heeled horsemen in red coats and huge packs of foxes in high caps.
Border foxes were operating with a practical purpose: to protect herds of predators from predators. And to this day, border terriers remain a popular choice in the United Kingdom for just plain people looking for an enthusiastic, low-maintenance companion.
The Kennel Club (England) recognized the Border Terrier in 1920, and AKC followed suit 10 years later.
The border terrier has a double coat: a hard, wavy outer coat over a soft, fluffy undercoat. Like most double-coated breeds, the border sheds seasonally. Most of the time, a quick brush every week or two is enough to keep the coat in good shape. During the shedding season, owners are required to take out dead hair every day for half an hour or so, either with their hands or with a rake or stripping tool. The outer coat repels dirt, but the bath compromises this ability. Usually a dirty border terrier can be cleaned with a towel and a brush. As with all breeds, BT's nails must be trimmed regularly.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are a must for border terriers. The breed's original club notes: "A range was designed to think for itself, which could be both its most beloved and the most disappointing quality." Asked to stay, he would oblige for what he considers sufficient time, then go about his own business. Confronted, he apologizes, as he really likes to please. Punish him harshly, and you will break his soul. If you want a dog that is obedient, the border terrier will not be available. “Remember that borders cannot resist a chase and only in tightly secured areas should the leash be closed.
Limitations are active dogs and require a lot of daily exercise. A half-hour walk or play session with your boss and the ball or flying disc should be enough to keep the range healthy and happy. Because of their tendency to chase small animals, a border terrier must always walk on a leash, and have play sessions inside a fitted-yard or other safe area. Terriers are excavators, so ideally any backyard fence would be extended by at least 18 . Beatty enjoys trekking, lure efforting, agility and earthdogs as well as participating in canine sports such as flyball.
Border terriers should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
The border terrier is generally a healthy breed, and a responsible breeder will screen the breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, juvenile cataracts, seizures, heart problems, and allergies. Some borders seem less tolerant of hot weather, so outdoor exercise should be kept to a minimum when the temperature is above 85 degrees F.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: