Border Terrier Guide
Terrier Dog Breeds
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The border terrier is of medium bone, slightly taller than long. Its long legs impart the speed, agility and endurance necessary to follow a horse over all sorts of terrain, whereas its fairly narrow body allows it to squeeze through narrow passages in pursuit of a fox. Its gait displays good length of stride. Its coat consists of a short, dense undercoat covered by a very wiry, straight, somewhat broken outer coat, which should conform to the body. Its hide is very thick and loose fitting, affording protection from the bites of its quarry. The border is known for its distinctive otter head, and its alert expression matches its alert demeanor.
One of the few terriers bred to run with the pack, the border is one of the most amiable and tractable of the group. It is inquisitive, busy, friendly and biddable. It does like to hunt and can be independent, ingredients that make for a dog that may tend to roam if given the chance. It is generally good with other dogs and cats, but not with rodents. It is very good with children and makes a good companion for people of all ages. It digs, and some bark. Some are talented escape artists.AKC RANKING 84
FAMILY terrier
AREA OF ORIGIN border of Scotland and England
DATE OF ORIGIN 1700s
ORIGINAL FUNCTION fox bolting, ratting
TODAY'S FUNCTION earthdog trials
AVERAGE SIZE OF MALE Height: 10-11 Weight: 13-15.5
AVERAGE SIZE OF FEMALE Height: 10-11 Weight: 11.5-14
OTHER NAME none
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Energy level Medium energy
Exercise needs Medium
Playfullness Moderately playful
Affection level Moderately affectionate
Friendliness toward other dogs Friendly
Friendliness toward other pets Shy
Friendliness toward strangers Friendly
Ease of training Hard to train
Watchdog ability High
Protection ability Not very protective
Grooming needs Moderate maintenance
Cold tolerance Medium tolerance
Heat tolerance Medium tolerance
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The border likes activity and needs either a good walk on leash, a vigorous game session or an off-lead expedition in a safe area every day. It can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it does much better when allowed to divide its time between house and yard. Its harsh coat needs brushing weekly, plus stripping of dead hairs about four times yearly to maintain its clean outline.• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: none
• Occasionally seen: CHD, heart defects
• Suggested tests: hip, cardiac
• Life span: 12 – 15 years
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Perhaps the oldest of Britain's terriers, the border terrier originated around the Cheviot Hills forming the border country between Scotland and England. The dog originated to chase and dispatch the fox that were considered a nuisance to farmers. The smallest of the long-legged terriers, the border terrier had to be fast enough to keep up with a horse yet small enough to go in after the fox once it had gone to ground. The first evidence of these dogs dates from the 18th century. Its progenitors are unknown, although it is probably related to the Dandie Dinmont. The breed was once known as the Coquetdale terrier (among other names), but the name border terrier, taken from the Border Hunt, was adopted in 1870. By this time, the breed had risen from its utilitarian roots to take a valued place alongside the foxhounds in the gentry's elegant fox hunts. The Border Hunt had a long association with these game yet amiable terriers whose job it was to dispatch the fox. The first border terrier was shown in the 1870s. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1930. Less flashy than many other terriers, the border continued to be better appreciated by patrons of the hunt than of the show ring. In recent years, it has experienced a rise in popularity and is fast becoming a fairly popular pet and successful show dog.
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