Border Terrier puppies are a bundle of energy and joy, but they require careful attention and care from an early age.
They typically weigh between 10-15 pounds at birth and grow to about 13-15 inches tall as adults.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy families or those who aren't fond of excessive dog hair.
Border Terrier puppies are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings.
History and Facts
Border terriers were recognized by the American Kennel Club as recently as 1930.
They possess an ancient and hardy lineage that dates back to their original breeding along the Scottish-English border.
These dogs were bred for the purpose of chasing foxes from underground lairs, as well as small and occasionally fierce animals like rats and badgers.
Border terriers are typically intelligent, self-directed, and tenacious, showing a surprising ability to leap high in the air and run very fast considering their small size and short legs.
They were originally bred and used for hunting vermin by farmers and shepherds of the area around 1880.
The breed was developed specifically to contain the local fox population and has since become popular family pets.
Physical Characteristics
Border terrier puppies are born with fairly soft coats, but as they mature, a distinct double layering becomes apparent.
Their adult coats feature a soft downy undercoat covered by a wiry outer coat that's resistant to dirt and water, but requires frequent grooming.
The outer coat should be periodically hand stripped with a stripping comb to remove the hair and reveal the soft under layer. This is especially important for terrier breeds like border terriers, as it can prevent their coats from becoming stringy and scruffy.
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Appearance
Border terriers are smaller dogs when fully grown, weighing about 15 pounds and typically standing about 15 inches at the shoulder.
Their tails are short and thick, and their stance is alert and focused.
They have a slight snub to the nose, a short, powerful muzzle, an otter-shaped head, and triangular ears that fall beside the face.
Their coats come in several colors, including wheaten and black-and-tan.
Border terrier puppies are born with fairly soft coats that reveal a distinct double layering as the puppies mature.
Adult border terriers carry a soft downy undercoat covered by a wiry outer coat.
Vital Stats
When considering a new furry friend, understanding their physical characteristics is essential.
These dogs typically have a small to medium size.
Their coat requires regular maintenance, with a double coat that needs weekly grooming and occasional hand stripping.
To keep them happy and healthy, adult dogs require at least one hour of exercise per day.
On average, this breed can live for 12 years or more.
They belong to the Terrier breed group.
This breed is known for being smart, loving, and a bit cheeky.
Behavior and Temperament
Border terrier puppies are known for their alert gaze and high energy levels, which can make them skilled escape artists if not properly secured.
Their powerful drive to hunt and dig means they'll need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them occupied, so be prepared for regular play sessions and training exercises.
These dogs are naturally bred to run with foxhounds, giving them a fearless attitude that's perfect for active households.
Border terriers tend to get on well with people and animals alike, but their high prey drive means they may not be the best fit for households with small pets like cats.
Here are some key characteristics of border terrier puppies:
- Plucky independence: They can be a little stubborn at times.
- High prey drive: Prone to chase small animals, so extra care is needed when introducing them to other pets.
- Loud bark: Be prepared for some vocal behavior from your border terrier puppy!
Overall, with the right training and exercise, a border terrier puppy can make a wonderful companion for an active family.
What Are They Known For?
Border Terriers are known for their alert gaze and powerful drive to hunt and dig.
They're also naturally bred to run peacefully with foxhounds, which means they have a strong prey drive and can be skilled escape artists if not properly secured.
Their good-natured personality makes them affectionate dogs that love spending time with their owners, but they're not demanding pets.
With high energy levels and determination, Border Terriers need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them occupied, which is why dog-friendly toys and puzzle games are a must-have.
They have a tendency to chew anything and everything, so be prepared to provide plenty of chew toys and supervise playtime.
Their digging skills are impressive, but it's essential to secure your garden and dedicate a specific area for safe digging.
Temperament & Personality
Border Terriers are known for their plucky independence and self-assurance, which can make them a little stubborn at times.
They tend to be less prone to separation anxiety than other breeds, but this also means they may require more attention and stimulation when left alone.
Their high prey drive makes them prone to chase small animals like cats or other pets, so introducing them to other animals requires extra care.
Border Terriers are naturally bred to run with foxhounds, which has given them a powerful drive to hunt and dig.
They have high energy levels and can be very vocal, with a loud bark that they use to alert you of anything unusual.
If you're considering getting a Border Terrier, make sure you have a secure garden where they can play and exercise freely.
Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind when living with a Border Terrier:
- High energy levels
- Prone to chase small animals
- Loud bark
- Skilled escape artists
- Tendency to chew anything and everything
With proper training, exercise, and attention, Border Terriers can make wonderful family pets for active households.
Care and Maintenance
Border Terrier puppies require regular grooming due to their thick double coat that sheds all year round.
Their coats come in four beautiful colour varieties: dark, light, blue, and tan.
To keep your Border Terrier's coat looking its best, weekly grooming is a must. This includes hand-stripping, which should be done by professional groomers as it's not recommended to clip their coats.
Here are some key things to remember about caring for your Border Terrier's coat:
- Colour varieties: dark, light, blue, or tan
- Sheds all year round
- Hypoallergenic, making them suitable for owners with allergies
By following these simple tips and regular grooming sessions, you'll be able to keep your Border Terrier's coat healthy and looking great.
Grooming
Grooming is a must for Border Terriers, with their thick double coats shedding all year round and requiring weekly attention.
Their coats are hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for owners with allergies.
To keep your Border Terrier's coat looking its best, you'll need to hand-strip it, rather than clipping. This process is best left to professional groomers who know what they're doing.
Here are the four colour varieties of Border Terrier coats: dark, light, blue, and tan.
Their double coat sheds all year round, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.
For another approach, see: When Is Best Time to Breed Dog
Nutrition
Border Terriers have big appetites for their size, so monitoring food intake is a must.
To fuel their active lives without overfeeding, you'll want to choose a high-energy dog food that meets their needs.
As this breed can be prone to developing diabetes, regular exercise and a careful feeding regime are essential.
Don't switch your Border Terrier's food too quickly – make gradual changes as they age, with a feed that caters to their unique needs.
Big Garden Necessary?
You don't need a huge garden for Border Terriers, but a secure one is essential. They need to stretch their legs regularly outside.
Their love for digging means they can easily escape if your fence isn't high enough. So, make sure it's fully secure and they can't slip under it.
Border Terriers are notorious chewers, so be prepared to replace anything that's not a dog-friendly toy.
Ownership and Preparation
Border Terrier puppies are a handful, but with the right preparation and ownership, they can bring immense joy to your life. They need at least one hour of exercise daily, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
To ensure you're ready for this energetic breed, consider the following factors: temperament, breeding lines, and exercise needs. Assessing the temperament of the parents and what breeding lines they are from can give you an idea of your puppy's potential personality and behavior.
A secure space to exercise in is crucial, as Border Terriers are notorious escape artists. They also require lots of training to channel their energy into positive behaviors. Health problems like epilepsy and otitis tend to be more common in this breed, so make sure to choose a pet insurance policy that covers veterinary treatment.
Here are some key things to remember when bringing home your new furry friend:
- Exercise needs: at least one hour of exercise daily
- Temperament and breeding lines: assess the parents' temperament and what breeding lines they are from
- Escape artists: need a secure space to exercise in
- Health problems: epilepsy and otitis tend to be more common, so choose a pet insurance policy that covers veterinary treatment
Before Buying or Rehoming a Pet
Before buying or rehoming a pet, consider their needs and personality traits.
Border Terriers are cheeky, independent, and extremely active little dogs that require at least one hour of exercise daily.
Their high prey drive means they'll instinctively chase cats and other small animals unless introduced carefully from a young age. This can be challenging for households with existing pets or wildlife nearby.
Assess the temperament of the parents by visiting them with their puppies, as dictated by Lucy's Law. This will give you an idea of the puppy's potential personality and behavior.
Different breeding lines can influence a Border Terrier's temperament, with those from showing stock often being calmer and easier to manage than those descended from working dogs.
To ensure your pet gets the care they need, choose a pet insurance policy that covers veterinary treatment for common health problems like epilepsy and otitis.
Best Owners
Border Terriers require active owners who can provide enough time for exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive on physical activity and need regular walks and playtime.
Their energetic nature means they're not suited for sedentary lifestyles or owners with limited mobility.
A suitable owner for a Border Terrier is someone who values an active lifestyle and can engage in activities that challenge their dog's mind and body. This could be anything from hiking to agility training, as long as it keeps them engaged.
Their small size makes them adaptable to city living, but they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Health and Wellbeing
Border Terrier puppies are adorable, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Luxating patellas, where the kneecaps slip temporarily out of place, is one potential problem.
Skin problems and ear problems are also common in Border Terriers. Regular grooming and check-ups with your vet can help prevent or catch these issues early on.
Cushings disease and SLEM (Spongiform LeucoEncephaloMyelopathy) or shaking puppy syndrome are two other conditions that can affect Border Terrier puppies. These conditions can be serious, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has had the parents of your puppy health-screened.
Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS) causes tremors, muscle spasms, seizures, and can affect either the whole or part of the body. This condition is particularly concerning for many owners.
Some Border Terrier puppies may be born with a Canine Gallbladder Mucocoele, where the gall bladder has difficulty emptying and may require surgical removal.
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If you're thinking of bringing home a Border Terrier puppy, make sure to ask your breeder about the health history of the parents and grandparents.
Here are some potential health issues to look out for in your Border Terrier puppy:
- Luxating patellas
- Skin problems
- Ear problems
- Cushings disease
- SLEM (Spongiform LeucoEncephaloMyelopathy) or shaking puppy syndrome
- Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS)
- Canine Gallbladder Mucocoele
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Border Terriers cost?
Border Terriers typically cost between $1500 to $2000 from a reputable breeder. This investment ensures you're getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy from an ethical breeder.
How big will a Border Terrier get?
Border Terriers typically grow to be 12-15 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 11-16 pounds. They have a compact body length of around 17-20 inches.
Sources
- Border Terrier Puppies (petplace.com)
- Border Terrier: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (petplan.co.uk)
- What it's like to own a Border Terrier; five years on. - epoch.pet (epoch.pet)
- PSDA (pdsa.org.uk)
- Please tell me about your Border Terriers (mumsnet.com)
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