Welcome to Our Border Terrier Website.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BORDER TERRIER

The Border Terrier has dark eyes, a short muzzle, black nose, small ears, rather large teeth for their size, and a distinctive otter like head. They are very alert, active and agile, and capable of squeezing through narrow apertures. They are sturdy, natural looking dogs of medium bone, rather narrow in the shoulder, body and quarter. He sports a somewhat broken though close-fitting and intensely wiry jacket.

THE BORDER TERRIERS TEMPERAMENT

The Border Terriers temperament ideally exemplifies that of a terrier. He is good tempered, affectionate, obedient, and easily trained. In the field, he is as hard as nails, "game as they come" and driving in attack. Due to their winning personality and friendliness they excel as a companion dog for the whole family.

ORIGIN OF THE BORDER TERRIER

The Border Terrier is originally from the Cheviot Hills near border area between England and Scotland. They were originally bred by farmers to drive foxes out of their dens and kill them. They were required to keep up with horses so they have long legs for small dog and strong stamina. They have also been used to hunt badgers, marten and otters. They were originally recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club in England around 1920 and by the American Kennel Club around 1930.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BORDER TERRIERS

Are Border Terriers a good off lease dog?

A Border Terrier, as is true of any terrier, is an instinctive vermin hunter and, as such, cannot be trusted off leash or in an unfenced-in area at any time. A rabbit or squirrel is enough to send him chasing, which may lead to being lost or hit by a car.

Do Border Terriers Shed?

Shedding is minimal with proper grooming.

What type of grooming is required?

Borders are not a high maintenance breed, but they do need grooming. The Border is usually hand stripped twice a year, and should be brushed weekly. Hand stripping involves pulling out the dead outer coat by hand, or with the help of a stripping tool. You may choose the natural look and do nothing to the coat except brush it. A few pet owners opt to have their pets clipped. Clipping is not a recommended method of grooming since it does not remove the dead hair, but merely shortens it, softening the texture, fading the color, and encouraging noticeable shedding.

Are Border Terriers Allergenic?

Because of its double coat, the Border Terrier may lose dander, which is the cause of allergies from dogs.

Are Border Terriers good with children?

The Border Terrier is a very sociable breed, and can make an excellent companion for a child. However, their high energy level and rather rough play require supervision, especially when puppies are playing with children under 7. This is not only for the child's safety, but the puppy's since some young children may unintentionally harm a puppy.

How long do Border Terriers typically live?

12-15 years old is the average.

Are Border Terriers easy to train?

The Border Terrier is a willing breed who wishes to please. This makes it easy to train basic house manners such as housebreaking, walking on a leash, leaving garbage alone, leaving clothes and kids' toys alone, not jumping on people or furniture, sitting and staying and coming when called, (barring the presence of a squirrel or rabbit). Harsh training methods can destroy their will to please and make future training much more difficult. Border Terriers respond best to positive motivational methods using praise, treats and toys.

Is the Border Terrier a healthy bread?

Border Terriers are generally healthy with fewer genetic health problems than most breeds. A good diet, proper weight, plenty of exercise, regular grooming and routine veterinary care should keep them in good health.

Are Border Terriers an active dog?

Border Terriers are active dogs with a high energy level. Plenty of play and exercise is a necessity.

Are Border Terriers good with other pets?

Border Terriers generally get along with other dogs. If you are making a Border your second dog, it is best to get the opposite sex to the dog you currently own. This will help avoid possible fighting which occurs more frequently between dogs of the same sex. In the case of cats, if introduced at a young age, they can live together harmoniously, but never trust them with outside cats or neighborhood cats that wander into your yard. A Border Terrier will view gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, birds and other small, caged pets, as vermin to be hunted. Therefore, they really cannot be trusted around such creatures.

Do Border Terriers bark a lot?

Border Terriers are not a yappy dog. They will keep an eye on things, and let you know if someone is at the door or walking by. But they will bark if bored, left alone too much, or improperly exercised. Many can be taught not to bark.

Are Border Terriers easy to house break?

The Border Terrier is a very willing breed who wishes to please, making basic housebreaking easy to train. As with any puppy, frequent trips outdoors are in order, and puppies should always be crated or confined in a safe area when unattended. Consistency and a routine are extremely important in housebreaking. Your puppy should be taken out frequently especially after eating, drinking, playing and sleeping.

Is it a good idea to crate train?

Yes, Not only is a crate a useful housebreaking tool, but it gives your Border (both young and old) a place to call home and get away from it all. Young puppies often need a break from zealous young owners, and as long as you don't use the crate for punishment, crating your dog for brief periods gives you a break as well. An open crate in the house gives the dog a safe den.

Does a male or female make a better pet?

Any Border Terrier bought as a companion puppy should be spayed or neutered when old enough. Males are just as sweet-natured as females and females just as determined as males. If you have one dog already, it is usually advisable to get the opposite sex as a companion.

What is the biggest negative to Border Terriers?

A Border Terrier is not for people who want a dog 'some of the time'. Borders who are not part of the family are not happy. Left unattended in the yard, they will bark and/or dig out usually getting hit by a car. Border Terriers were bred to hunt vermin, therefore, do not go well with small, furry animals such as gerbils and guinea pigs.