Border Terrier Dog

The Border Terrier is a small, sturdy, medium bone dog. The muzzle is not long, and usually dark. They have wide spaced eyes that are usually dark in colour. The ears are V-shaped and set on the side of the head, dropping towards the cheeks. Their teeth are strong and meet in a scissor bite. The cheeks are normally dark in colour. Their nose is black. This breed's front legs are strong, but do not look hefty. They have a medium sized tail that is wide to look at and tapers to the end. This dog has dense wiry, double coat. The colours, we see are grizzle and tan, red, blue and tan and wheaten. White on the chest is permitted in small amounts.

History: This dog comes from England and Scotland, in the Cheviot Hills. This is one of the oldest Harriers in Great Britain. The Border Terrier has worked, alongside farmers are many years, driving the foxes out of dens and killing them. This is necessary because of the fox killing farmers livestock. This dog is small enough with a big enough determination to follow the fox into the ground dens, and also keep up with the horses that the hunters use. These dogs had to hunt to survive and were often not fed, in the thought that keeping them hungry made them hunt better. They also hunted rats and mice, and have been used to hunting badgers. Today, the Border Terrier is mostly a companion dog; he can still serve on a farm helping control rats or mice. This dog was recognized by the British kennel club in 1920. This dog is good at agility, performing tricks, hunting and being a watchdog.

Temperament: It is to be remembered. This is a hunting dog. It is alert, courageous and a hunter. Small places do not faze this dog, with the dogs squeezing into any small space, we would not think possible for a dog to fit in. This dog is sociable with children and will play, if given the opportunity, for hours. They are keen to please and easily taught. They make great watchdogs, and will bark with great joy. Socialising this dog well is recommended, as they can become timid as they get older. This is a dog that loves to dig. They can be good with other pets, if socialised well with them. Due to the strong instinct to hunt other non-canine pets are at risk, and so should not be left with this dog. This bred, needs good leaderships, from a firm and consistent pack leader.

The health issues: This breed can suffer CECS, all so known Spike's disease. This has been recently recognized as a health problem in Border Terriers. This disease can get confused with epilepsy, also being considered to be a metabolic or neurological disorder.

Grooming: Grooming is quite easy with this breed requiring only weekly brushing. This breed also requires professional grooming twice a year. The Border Terrier sheds little. Bath rarely, and only when really essential.

Living conditions: This breed will do fine in an apartment, providing their energy levels have been met, with lots of exercise. A small garden is perfectly adequate; making sure it is secure and safe, for your pets.