Learn More About Border terriers

Discover Border terriers's history, temperament, and key traits – essential knowledge for future owners and breed enthusiasts.

Summary

The Border Terrier is a small, energetic dog listed in FCI Group 3, Section 1, under standard number 10. It belongs to the terrier family and is known for its wiry coat and the characteristic "otter head", which gives it a distinctive appearance. Its body is compact but very mobile and maneuverable. When it comes to Border Terriers, there is no distinction between performance and show lines. He is a working terrier through and through and has retained his natural instincts and characteristics.

Height28 - 36 cm (Female), 36 - 40 cm (Male)
Weight5 - 6 kg (Female), 6 - 7 kg (Male)
Life Expectancy12 - 15 years
CharacterIntelligent, loving, energetic
CoatThick, wiry hair, short length, with an undercoat
Coat ColorRed, Grizzle and Tan, Blue and Tan, Wheat
Price1200 - 2500 € €

History

The Border Terrier comes from the border region between England and Scotland, hence the name "Border". It was originally used to hunt foxes and pests. Farmers in the Cheviot Hills bred this small, tough dog that was both fast enough to keep up with foxhounds and small and agile enough to crawl into fox burrows. The Border Terrier was first shown at dog shows in the 1870s and quickly established itself as a breed in its own right. It was recognized as a separate breed by the Kennel Club in Great Britain in 1920 and by the American Kennel Club in 1930.

Original Use

The Border Terrier was originally bred for fox hunting and is known for its wiry coat and endurance.

Origin

Great Britain

Date

1800

Character

As a true terrier, the Border Terrier brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm. His intelligence, coupled with a loving and affectionate character, makes him a wonderful companion dog. If you are looking for a loyal friend who will make you laugh and keep you moving, then the Border Terrier could be the one for you! In terms of usage based on its nature, the Border Terrier is still an accomplished hunter, but it is also commonly kept as a family dog. He is known to get along well with children and thrive in a busy household. The Border Terrier has an active temperament and loves to keep busy. He needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. It is important to point out that when he is bored or under-stimulated, he may have a tendency to get into mischief. He is very people-oriented and develops a strong bond with his family. The Border Terrier is playful and enjoys spending time with his people, but he is also capable of keeping himself busy. He can learn to be alone, but he should not spend excessively long periods without company. Like many terriers, the Border Terrier also has a strong hunting instinct. He may have a tendency to prey on birds, squirrels, or other small animals. It's important to get him used to the leash early and have solid recall training if you want him to be able to walk off-leash. The Border Terrier is an alert dog. He will alert you if someone is at the door or if something unusual is happening around him. However, he does not typically bark excessively unless encouraged or bored.

Trainability
Alertness
Openness to Strangers
Hunting or Herding Drive

The Border Terrier is a master of escape and can squeeze through the tightest of openings, which is why he is sometimes referred to as the "Houdini of dogs"!

Fun Fact!

What to Expect

Boder Terriers are also very motivated to hunt. With enough activity and exercise, these lively dogs can be versatile companions.

Care

The Border Terrier is an adaptable dog and can be kept well in both the city and the country. It is important that he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He usually gets along well with children and can be a great family dog. However, it is advisable to teach children to treat the dog with respect. The Border Terrier can also get along with cats and other pets, especially if raised with them from an early age.

Family-Friendly
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Suitable as a City Dog

Owning a dog is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you need to be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails.!

Training & Education

Border Terriers are intelligent, but they also have an independent spirit that can make training challenging. It is important to start training early using positive reinforcement. They are active dogs and love to have chores. Sports like agility or obedience can be a great way to meet their energy needs and challenge them mentally. The Border Terrier tends to be very ball-obsessed, so it's important to make sure he doesn't become a ball junkie. It is also advisable to teach the dog frustration tolerance and impulse control. This can be achieved through various exercises, such as practicing rest periods and setting boundaries.

Nutrition & Grooming

The Border Terrier is an active dog and needs a balanced diet that meets its energy needs. It is advisable to choose high-quality food rich in proteins and healthy fats. Some Border Terriers can be sensitive to certain ingredients, so keep an eye out for signs of allergies or intolerances. When it comes to grooming, the Border Terrier is relatively easy to care for. It has a dense, rough upper coat construction and a soft undercoat. The coat sheds little and should be brushed occasionally to remove dead hair. The coat should be trimmed once or twice a year. The Border Terrier copes well with the climate in Germany because its fur protects it from both cold and wet conditions.

Grooming Effort
Exercise Needs
Shedding
Trainability

This information is currently being peer-reviewed. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de.!

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Border terriers Dog Breed Information – History, Temperament & Health

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