Border Terrier: The Number 1 Friendliest Terrier
The Border Terrier is probably one of the friendliest members of the Terrier Group. These dogs are the perfect pet for a family that appreciates a well-mannered house dog who loves to roam the great outdoors. They love to stay busy and are highly intelligent, making them easy to train.
Border Terriers are great around children and are happy to join in playtime. With loads of affection for their owners, these dogs make great companions. And for any rodent problems you may have, there is no better solution than having a Border Terrier.
Some of these dogs bark and others like to dig, but all of their personalities will fit just about any household. Borders get along with other dogs, but they may consider cats or squirrels as prey and give chase. Border terriers are small dogs. They only weigh 11–16 pounds. Male dogs are a bit heavier than females. Their average lifespan is 14 years.
A Brief History Of The Border Terrier
The BT is said to have originated from an area bordering England and Scotland on the Cheviot Hills. They have been around since the 1700s. The original function of these dogs was to chase away foxes and other animals that preyed upon sheep and other livestock.
This terrier is the most diminutive long-legged terrier and is quick on its feet. They needed to have enough natural speed to keep up with a horse running at full speed yet be small enough to fit through a fox hole.
They had several names, including Reedwater Terrier, Ullswater Terrier, and Coquetdale Terriers.
Those names came from towns in the North of England where these dogs started. Their closest relative is Dandie Dinmont. In 1870, the breed’s name was officially changed to the Border Terrier, and they began participating in the gentry’s foxhunts. Their job on fox hunts was to dispatch foxes, and they were pretty successful. In the late 1870s, the breed was shown for the first time.
Borders did not receive formal Kennel Club recognition until 1920; in 1930, it was recognized by the AKC. The first United Kingdom Kennel Club Border Terrier ever registered was in 1913. The dog’s name was The Moss Trooper.
Caring for the Border Terrier
Despite being able to handle moderately mild and hot weather, you should not keep this breed outside. Ideally, they should spend the day playing in the yard and stay inside at night with the rest of the family.
As with all dogs, you should trim their nails regularly. They need weekly brushing to keep their rough coat free of dead hairs. During the shedding season, they will need more frequent brushing.
The Border Terrier Club of America (BTCA), founded in 1949, is the official Border Terrier club for the AKC. The main objective of the Border Terrier Club of America is to provide the official breed standards of the Border Terrier and to promote adherence to those standards.
The BTCA publishes a club flyer that will give you valuable information on what to expect from your new Border Terrier. They are also a source for finding breeders or rescuing dogs.
Health Concerns
There are no major health concerns to worry about with the breed. The only minor health issue is patellar luxation. Rarely observed are heart defects and CHD. Veterinarians suggest that Border Terriers get tested for hip and cardiac problems.
A United Kingdom Kennel Club survey found that the Borders median lifespan was 14 years, and the maximum was 22 years and one month. Living to 22 years of age is incredible for a dog.
