small Breed Dogs
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Border Terrier
Average Weight: 11.5 to 15.5 pounds (5.21 - 7.03 kg) 
Average Height: 11 - 16 inches (27.94 - 40.64 cm)
Pronounced: Bor-Dor   TEH-ree-er
Group:  Terrier
Life Span: 14 Years
Average Litter: 5
Origin: The border land between England &Scotland

Description

 The Border Terrier is a very active dog with a medium bone structure who is strongly put together, displaying endurance and agility.  He is rather narrow in the should, body and quarters.  The otter-like head is distinctive and his keen eyes are dark hazel.  The skull is flat and V-shaped ears drop forward. The border Terrier has a weather resistant coat  that repels dirt quite well, as it the outercoat is wiry and hard and the undercoat is soft and thick.

Colors

 There are several uniquely sounding names to describe the colors of the Border Terrier. This includes:  blue, wheaten, grizzle and there is also tan, red and black.  There may be black points.  Below is a color explanation:

Blue - A faded, diluted black. This may appear to be black when indoors, out in the sun you will see a slight tinting of blue
Wheaten - A light tan, very creamy
Grizzle - The grizzle color refers to the outercoat guard hairs, not the undercoat.  This is a combination of three shades: One guard hair being light gray, another darker shade of gray and another blue, causing a grizzle look of all those shades on the guard hairs of the coat.

Personality

Border Terrier dogs are generally good tempered, affectionate and enthusiastic to be trained. Always on alert to protect its human family members, he is active, agile, determined and rather fearless.  When introduced and socialized at a young age, they usually get along very well with other dog and even felines.  However, this breed does not do well with small creatures such as hamsters, guinea pigs or rabbits as instinct will tell the dog to "chase".

Origin & History

Originating from the border land between England and Scotland, hence the name, this breed was developed by farmers to hunt fox, otter and vermin (rats and mice).  This breed excelled at this work, with legs short enough to enter a fox's den under ground.  During the 1700's, this dog was expected to find their own food, so this created a dog who was very proficient at hunting.  The English Kennel Club recognized the Border Terrier in 1920 and the AKC in 1930.

Health

This is generally a very healthy breed, however there are some genetic issues that can occur.  This includes:
  • Hip dysplasia - a malformation of the hip and joint socket, causing dislocation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Juvenile cataracts, both eye issues
  • Seizures
  • Heart defects
  • Allergies
  • This breed can also be sensitive to anesthesia
Exercise

As you can imagine from its ancestory, this dog is very active and love to run and exercise.  At least a 30 minute brisk walk should be given each day.  Also enjoying games, the Border Terrier usually loves Frisbee, agility and tracking.

Grooming

Not consider a "high maintenance" breed, regular grooming should be done.  This will include a good brushing every few days, a bath every 2 - 3 weeks, nails trimmed every 6 weeks and daily dental brushings.  Stripping ( the process of thinning out the coat and removing dead hairs without actually trimming the coat) should be done 2 times per year.

Shedding

The coat of the Border Terrier does not shed.

Care & Training

With the instinct to chase, many puppies must be properly trained to heel and listen to commands, especially "stop" "stay" and "lay down".  Rather independent, there are some dogs who will display behavior such as Separation Anxiety, shyness or other issues in which this breed usually does very well once socialized and trained specifically for the issue.  

If you are thinking about getting a puppy, you may wish to read some important information about purchasing a puppy. Just click here.

If you already own a Border Terrier, you may wish to click here for more detailed are information.


                 
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