The Border Terrier is a small, energetic breed that makes a wonderful companion for active families. They typically weigh between 10-15 pounds and stand about 10-15 inches tall.
Their short, dense coats require regular grooming to prevent matting, but they shed relatively little. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies.
Border Terriers are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities, but they can be wary of strangers and may take time to warm up to new people.
Physical Characteristics
Border terriers are small dogs with a big personality, and their physical characteristics are just one of the many things that make them so lovable. They typically weigh between 11 to 15 pounds and stand between 12 to 15 inches tall.
Their coat is one of their most distinctive features - it's double-layered, with a wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat. This makes them relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, as they don't shed much and only need to be brushed weekly.
Their eyes are a deep hazel color and are full of mischief and intelligence. They have a distinctive "otter head" shape, with a short, well-filled muzzle and a black nose surrounded by whiskers.
Here are some key physical characteristics of border terriers:
- Weight: 11-15 pounds
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Chest marking: small white marking on the chest (some dogs may have one)
- Coat colors: wheaten, blue and tan, grizzle, and red
- Coat length: wiry and short
Their tails are moderately short and set relatively low on their bodies. When they're alert, they're carried upright, but when they're relaxed, they may drop.
Temperament and Behavior
Border Terrier puppies are known for their high energy levels and love for activity. They need plenty of engagement and interaction with their humans to prevent boredom, which can lead to undesired behaviors like digging or terrorizing local wildlife.
These intelligent dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation, making them an excellent choice for families with older kids or active singles. They're also great for first-time dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train them.
Border Terriers are affectionate but not overly needy, they love to be involved with what you're doing but aren't as much of a "Velcro breed" as some other dogs. They're also outgoing and confident, enjoying meeting new people and making friends.
To keep your Border Terrier happy and well-behaved, make sure to provide them with at least one hour of physical exercise per day. This can include activities like earthdog, flyball, or simply playing games with them.
Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind when raising a Border Terrier:
- High energy levels and love for activity
- Intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn at times
- Affectionate but not overly needy
- Outgoing and confident, enjoying meeting new people
- Need plenty of mental and physical stimulation
- Can be prone to chasing small animals due to high prey drive
- Need careful introduction to other animals, especially cats
Overall, Border Terriers make wonderful companions for active families or individuals who are willing to put in the time and effort to provide them with the care and attention they need.
Care and Maintenance
Border terriers are a hardy breed that requires low to moderate care, including regular grooming, a healthy diet, daily exercise, and training.
Their coat is relatively low-maintenance, but it does require some attention. Brush your border terrier every week or so, and bathe them occasionally to keep them clean.
During shedding seasons, usually spring and fall, you'll need to brush them daily to minimize shedding. You can use a special brush for this purpose.
Border terriers love company and will want to be with their family, whether that's on a trip, a walk, or just hanging out at home. They're social dogs and thrive on interaction.
Training is simple with positive reinforcement, but it does require some effort. They're highly intelligent and can learn quickly, but they need to know what's in it for them.
Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind:
- Brush their coat once a week, and check their nails every time you give them a brush.
- During shedding seasons, hand-strip their coat daily for about 30 minutes.
- Bath them rarely, as this can strip the oils that help their coat stay weatherproof.
- Brush their teeth twice a week when they're puppies, and daily as they get older, to prevent tartar and gum disease.
Training and Nutrition
Training a Border Terrier puppy is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you consider their outgoing and playful attitude. They're keen and quick to learn new commands, but their independent streak can make training both endearing and challenging.
Consistent, positive reinforcement is key to building confidence in your Border Terrier and getting the best out of your training sessions. Socialization as a puppy is also essential, as they can be fearless and intelligent.
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A securely fenced training area is a must, as few Border Terriers can resist the thrill of the chase when wildlife saunters by. With patience and consistency, you can help your Border Terrier puppy become a well-behaved and loyal companion.
To keep your Border Terrier puppy healthy and happy, monitoring their food intake carefully is crucial. They have big appetites and can be greedy, so it's essential to choose a food that meets their energy needs without overfeeding.
A careful feeding regime and regular exercise are also necessary to prevent conditions like diabetes. When switching food as your dog ages, changes should be made gradually, with a feed that caters to Border Terriers' unique needs.
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Training
Border Terriers are intelligent and motivated to learn, making training a rewarding experience for both you and your dog. They thrive on consistent, positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or playtime, to build their confidence.
A securely fenced training area is essential, as their strong hunting instinct can lead to unwanted behavior like chasing and aggression. This is especially true for puppies, who need early socialization to avoid these issues.
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Keep in mind that Border Terriers can be sensitive, so it's best to use positive reinforcement instead of punishment or negative feedback. This will help them feel comfortable and secure in the learning process.
To make training more effective, consider the following tips:
- Keep a tasty, low-calorie treat on hand to convince a feisty Border that you're worth listening to.
- It's impossible to override their high prey drive completely, but early socialisation is essential to avoid unwanted behavior.
- Spend extra time on recall training, as their independent and driven nature means they're apt to wander off.
Remember, adult Border Terriers need at least one hour of physical exercise per day, and plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Nutrition
Border Terriers have big appetites and can be greedy, so it's essential to monitor their food intake carefully.
Their food needs to have enough energy to fuel their active lives, but without overfeeding. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity.
As this breed can be prone to developing diabetes, a careful feeding regime and regular exercise are essential. This means watching their food intake closely and making adjustments as needed.
When switching food as your dog ages, changes should be made gradually, with a feed that caters to Border Terriers' unique needs. This will help prevent digestive upset and ensure a smooth transition.
Health
Border Terriers are generally a healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, they can suffer from some health problems, so it's essential to be aware of the potential issues.
Hip Dysplasia is a common condition that affects Border Terriers, causing lameness and pain. It's an inherited condition, and while there aren't genetic screen tests available, affected dogs shouldn't be bred.
Luxating Patella is another condition that affects many small breed dogs, including Border Terriers. It occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing intermittent lameness.
Periodontal Disease is a significant health issue in all dog breeds, but it can be particularly problematic in small breeds like Border Terriers. Daily teeth brushing and annual dental exams can help prevent this condition.
Border Terriers can also suffer from heart conditions, which can occur early in life as congenital defects or later in life as weakening of the valves of the heart. Regular screenings and exams can help detect these conditions.
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Here are some of the most common health issues affecting Border Terriers:
- Hip Dysplasia: an inherited condition causing lameness and pain
- Luxating Patella: a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing intermittent lameness
- Periodontal Disease: a condition that affects the teeth and gums, often caused by poor dental care
- Heart Conditions: congenital defects or weakening of the heart valves
- Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM): a rare hereditary condition causing uncontrollable shaking
- Gluten Sensitivity: a condition that can cause symptoms like involuntary movement, collapse, and gastrointestinal discomfort
- Eye Problems: including progressive retinal atrophy and juvenile cataracts
- Cushing's Disease: an endocrine disease where the body produces too much cortisol
Overall, with proper care and attention, Border Terriers can live long and happy lives. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent many of these health issues.
History and Origin
The Border Terrier is a plucky little terrier that hails from the border between England and Scotland.
Their original purpose was to protect herds of sheep from the local fox population, which is a testament to their bravery and hardworking nature.
The breed has had a few different names over the years, including Ullswater Terrier, Reedwater Terrier, and Coquetdale Terrier, which all referenced landmarks around the border country.
The Border Terrier became known as the breed we know today in the 1800s, thanks to its link to the Border Hunt based in Northumberland.
The breed is still famed for its "hard as nails" attitude, outgoing personalities, and enthusiastic pursuit of its prey.
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The American Kennel Club recognized the Border Terrier in 1930, and the breed is still relatively rare in the USA.
You can find a reputable breeder by checking the American Kennel Club's list of breeders, or consider adopting an older Border Terrier from a local rescue organization or animal shelter.
The average price of a Border Terrier puppy from a registered breeder is around $2,000, which includes health and temperament checks.
Living with a Border Terrier
Living with a Border Terrier is a joy, but it does require some special considerations.
They don't need a lot of space, making them perfect for apartment living, as long as you meet their exercise requirements. A good 30-minute walk a day is usually sufficient.
Their strong prey drive means they can get distracted easily, so they're not great off-leash companions. They were originally bred to hunt small game, and that instinct is still strong.
You'll need to build a sturdy fence to keep them from escaping, as they're both high jumpers and single-minded diggers. A fence that's high and runs deep is a must to prevent them from making a break for it.
They don't do well left alone for long periods of time and prefer to be with their owners as much as possible. They're happy to cuddle up on a lap and chill, especially as they get older.
They love being active, but they also love to relax and just be with their people.
Breed Information
Border Terriers are a beloved breed, known for their charming appearance and affectionate nature. They typically weigh between 10-15 pounds and stand about 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder.
One of the most distinctive features of the Border Terrier is their short, dense coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including red, wheaten, and blue and tan.
Border Terriers are an energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, but they are also happy to adapt to apartment living if provided with regular walks and playtime.
Breed Standard Colors
Breed Standard Colors are a crucial aspect of a breed's identity. They are the traditional and well-known colors accepted within the breed standard.
The breed standard colors in this particular breed include a variety of shades and combinations. Blue & Tan is one of the accepted colors, featuring a striking blue coat with tan markings.
Dark Grizzle is also a breed standard color, characterized by a dark, mottled coat. This color is a result of the breed's genetic makeup and is a key factor in its overall appearance.
Dark Grizzle & Tan, Dark Red Grizzle, Grizzle, Grizzle & Tan, Light Grizzle, Red, Red Grizzle, and Wheaten are also accepted breed standard colors. Here is a list of the breed standard colors:
- Blue & Tan
- Dark Grizzle
- Dark Grizzle & Tan
- Dark Red Grizzle
- Grizzle
- Grizzle & Tan
- Light Grizzle
- Red
- Red Grizzle
- Wheaten
About This Breed
The Border Terrier is essentially a working terrier, as its standard describes it. This breed remains true to its roots, highly valued for its gameness in the country.
The Border Terrier's name originated around 1880 from the borders of Northumberland and Scotland. It was given this name due to its use as an earth dog with the Border Foxhounds.
This breed has also earned local names, including the Reedwater Terrier and the Coquetdale Terrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Border Terrier dog?
The cost of a Border Terrier can range from £450 to over £800 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. If you're interested in bringing one home, learn more about the breed and what to expect from the purchase process.
What age do Border Terriers calm down?
Border Terriers typically calm down around 2 years old, as they reach full maturity. This is usually when they stop being puppies and become more relaxed adults.
Do Border Terriers like to cuddle?
Yes, Border Terriers are known to form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy physical affection, making them a great match for those who love to cuddle. They thrive on human companionship and will often seek out snuggles and close contact.
Sources
- flyball (flyball.org)
- Border Terrier Club of America (btcoa.org)
- Border Terrier | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- The Border Terrier Club of America (btcoa.org)
- AKC Breed Standard (btcoa.org)
- Border Terrier - zooplus Magazine (zooplus.co.uk)
- Border Terrier: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (petplan.co.uk)
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