Border Terrier

Border Terrier

This is a small dog, primarily a working dog, and now a valued companion dog. The Border Terrier has unlimited endurance and patience as a hunter. He is renowned as a fox-hunting dog and will also chase badger, marten and otter.

History:

The Border Terrier, as the name suggests, originated in the hills between Scotland and England. As with all Terrier breeds, there is a mixed heritage in Lakeland, Bedlington, Dandie Dinmont and Redesdale (a white Terrier now extinct) which is responsible for the white markings sometimes found in pups. The name of the Border Terrier was fixed in 1880, first registered by the British Kennel Club in 1913, and recognized as a breed in 1920. The Border Terrier is not very well-known outside of Britain, but is popular in Sweden.

Physical characteristics:

Height: not specified, but around 12 in (32 cm). Weight: 13 - 15.5 lb (6 - 9 kg) for the dog and 11.5 - 14 lb (5.2 - 6.4 kg) for the bitch. The head shape resembles an otter's - broad skull, short, strong muzzle; black nose and a scissor bite. The eyes are dark hazel, not prominent, and have a keen expression. The ears are small, v-shaped, of medium thickness, and fall forward close to the cheek. The body is fairly long and the ribs are well back, the tail is short, but thick at the base. The topcoat of the Border Terrier is wiry and dense and has a thick undercoat. The skin is also thick. The coat colors are red, wheaten, grizzle and tan, or blue and tan.

Behavior:

The Border Terrier may be small in stature, but it has a huge spirit. The Border Terrier exhibits classic Terrier behavior: it is rugged and fearless. This is one very determined dog. It was bred to keep on with the chase and to bravely pursue its quarry through difficult terrain. The Border Terrier makes an excellent watch-dog, as it has a keen sense of its owner's territory. This dog is most happy to alert you to the presence of potential intruders. However, it must be properly trained to behave exactly as you want. In most cases the Border Terrier gets along well with other dogs. If two females are kept together, one should be allowed to be the boss in order to avoid quarrels.

The Border Terrier can make a good companion dog as long as it is given a lot of tasks to carry out. These dogs thrive on their owner's attention.