If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, a Border Terrier puppy might be just the right fit. They're known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great companions for people of all ages.
Border Terrier puppies typically cost between $800 and $1,200, depending on factors such as bloodline, breeder reputation, and location.
Their short, dense coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but they're generally low maintenance when it comes to exercise needs.
Physical Characteristics
The Border Terrier's physical characteristics are truly unique and endearing. Their otter-like head is a distinctive feature, with a broad skull and short, dark-colored muzzle.
Their coat is wiry and waterproof, designed to protect them from the elements. It comes in a variety of colors, including red, wheaten, blue and tan, and grizzle (a mix of black with gray and tan) and tan.
A Border Terrier's small ears are V-shaped, with a rounded curve and set on the side of their heads, dropping forwards towards their cheeks. Their eyes are medium-sized and rounded in shape, a dark hazel color full of mischief and intelligence.
Here are the Border Terrier's average weights and heights:
Their tails are moderately short and set relatively low on their bodies, carried upright when alert and dropping when relaxed.
Breed Appearance
The Border Terrier is a breed that's full of character, with a head shape that's often compared to an otter. They have a broad skull and a short, dark-colored muzzle.
Their eyes are small and keen, with a bit of a mischievous expression. They're a dark hazel color and full of intelligence.
A Border Terrier's ears are small and V-shaped, with a rounded curve and set on the side of their heads. They drop forwards towards their cheeks.
Their wiry and waterproof coat is designed to protect them from the elements. It's a double coat, with a short and dense undercoat and a wiry topcoat.
The Border Terrier's coat colors can be red, blue and tan, grizzle and tan, or wheaten. Some have a small patch of white on the chest.
Here are the key characteristics of a Border Terrier's physical appearance:
Their tail is moderately short and set relatively low on their bodies. When alert, it's carried upright; when relaxed, their tail may drop.
For more insights, see: Old English Sheepdog Tail
Size
The Border Terrier is built to be big enough to keep up with hunters on horseback and small enough to squeeze into tight spaces. Males weigh 13 to 15.5 pounds. They stand 10 to 11 inches tall. Females weigh 11.5 to 14 pounds.
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Temperament and Behavior
Border Terriers are busy dogs that thrive on activity and engagement with their humans. They love to be on the go and have a strong work ethic.
Their affectionate and happy-go-lucky personality is infectious, but they do value their independence. This means they need plenty of interaction and exercise to prevent boredom.
If a Border Terrier gets bored, they'll use their intelligent brains to find ways to entertain themselves, often in undesired behaviors like digging or terrorizing wildlife.
These outgoing and confident dogs enjoy meeting new people and can make great companions for families with older kids. They're robust and fairly energetic, making them a great match for families who love the outdoors.
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Border Terriers can live with other dogs, especially if they're playful, but they may not do well with cats unless introduced carefully. They're also a great choice for families who want a dog that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Their high prey drive means they may chase smaller animals, so proper socialization at a young age is crucial. They can be stubborn at times, but respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy activities that challenge their minds and bodies.
Overall, Border Terriers are a great choice for families who want a loyal and loving companion that's always up for an adventure.
Care and Maintenance
Border Terriers are a hardy breed that requires low to moderate amount of care.
They need regular grooming, a healthy diet, daily exercise, and training. In return, they make affectionate companions.
A Border Terrier's ideal living situation is indoors with their people, not tied out in the backyard. They do enjoy having access to a yard, but the fence must be high and secure.
These dogs need at least a half hour of exercise daily, such as a walk on leash, off-leash play in a fenced area, or a good game of fetch. Without enough exercise, they're prone to weight gain and boredom.
Boredom can lead to destructive behavior and lots of barking. Crate training helps with housetraining and prevents chewing while you're away.
A regular schedule and plenty of opportunities to go to the bathroom outside make housetraining easy for Border Terriers.
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Breed Information
The Border Terrier breed has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. Originally referred to as the Coquetdale Terrier or Redesdale Terrier, the breed was developed by farmers and shepherds from the border of England and Scotland to help reduce the fox population.
Their origins are rooted in the Border Hunt in Northumberland, where they were known as Border Terriers. This name was given to them due to their association with the hunt.
Health
The health of your dog is crucial, and it's essential to be aware of the breed-specific health concerns.
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Regular exercise is vital for your dog's overall health, and the breed requires at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
The Poodle is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to eye problems, with an estimated 10% of the breed affected by progressive retinal atrophy.
As with any breed, it's essential to keep an eye out for signs of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, and seek veterinary care immediately if you notice anything unusual.
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Breed
The Border Terrier is a breed with a rich history. Originally known as the Coquetdale Terrier or Redesdale Terrier, it was developed by farmers and shepherds from the border of England and Scotland to help reduce the fox population.
The breed was developed to have legs that were long enough to keep up with the chase, but short enough to crawl inside the fox's den. This unique characteristic made them ideal for their original purpose.
The Border Terrier is believed to be related to Bedlington Terriers and Dandie Dinmont Terriers, which were from the same area. They became a popular breed in the 19th century when foxhunting became a sport.
The breed's popularity grew when it was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club as a distinct breed. They were registered with the American Kennel Club in 1930.
If you're looking for a reputable breeder, consider reaching out to the Border Terrier Club of America, Inc. They are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions.
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History of the
The Border Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the Scottish-English border region.
Originally, the breed was referred to as the Coquetdale Terrier or Redesdale Terrier, referencing the areas where it originated. Farmers and shepherds developed the breed to help reduce the fox population, capable predators who were hunting farm animals.
The breed was developed to have long legs to keep up with the chase but short enough to crawl inside the fox's den. This unique characteristic made them invaluable in foxhunting.
The Border Terrier became a popular breed when it was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club as a distinct breed. This recognition led to its registration with the American Kennel Club in 1930.
The breed's popularity can be attributed to its intelligence, determination, and hard work ethic. They were known for their "hard as nails" attitude, outgoing personalities, and enthusiastic pursuit of their prey.
Today, the Border Terrier is a popular pet and show dog, with a moderate popularity in the United States and a high popularity in the U.K.
Diet and Nutrition
Border Terrier puppies need high-quality commercial dog food, and their diet should be tailored to their age, whether it's puppy, adult, or senior.
Feed your Border Terrier puppy two measured meals per day, as overeating can lead to weight gain.
Table scraps are a bad idea for Border Terriers, as they're often high in fat and some human foods are toxic to dogs.
Choose a formula that suits your puppy's specific life stage, and consider a limited ingredient diet if they have allergies or gluten sensitivities, but always check with your vet first.
You'll need to keep an eye on your puppy's portions, as they can gain weight easily due to their small size.
A highly active Border Terrier puppy will need more food than a less active one, so factor in their activity level when determining their daily intake.
Measure their food and feed them twice a day to keep them in good shape, and consider low-calorie treats to avoid overfeeding.
To check if your puppy is overweight, look for a visible waist and feel their ribs without having to press hard.
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