Bred in Cheviot Hills, between the borders of Scotland and England, the Border Terrier is one of the oldest Terrier breeds in the UK.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Near borders of Scotland and England
Used for: Hunting and companion
Average Life Span: About 15 years or more
Color: Red, Blue and Tan, Grizzle and Tan with a small amount of White on chest
Coat: Short, dense, wiry and double coat
Average Height: 13-16 inches
Average Weight: 13-16 pounds
Group: Terrier
History and Domestication
This is possibly one of the oldest breeds of Terriers in Great Britain. The dogs were bred between the borders of Scotland and England and were used as hunting dogs.
The farmers faced problems as foxes would kill their stock, so these dogs would help them in hunting and chasing foxes.
These dogs were small enough to follow these foxes into the ground and big enough to keep up with horses. Often, these Border Terriers were not fed by their owners in order to increase their drive to hunt and feed. Today, these dogs are mostly used as companion dogs but they still serve as farm dogs.
Standard Physical Characteristics
This is a small and sturdy dog and its body and shoulders are narrow. Border Terriers have a short and dark muzzle with a moderately broad stop. The nose is black and eyes are set relatively wide. The small ears are dark in color and V-shaped. They are set on side of the head and droop forward. The hazel eyes are medium in size. The front legs are set straight and are not too heavy. The tail is medium sized and thicker at the base. The short, wiry and dense double coat comes in blue and tan, red, grizzle and tan and wheat.
Care, Grooming and Health
The Border Terrier sheds very little so it’s is good for people with allergies. Its wiry and durable coat needs weekly brushing and grooming twice a year. Bathe only when required.
These dogs were bred to hunt so they have great stamina and vitality. They need plenty of daily exercise which is inclusive of long walks on daily basis.
This breed is prone to CESC or ‘Spike’s Disease’ which has recently been recognized as a canine health problem. It can also be confused with canine epilepsy at times.
Living Conditions
This breed is only moderately active indoors so if sufficiently exercised, it is good for life in an apartment. They need an average to small yard.
Temperament
The Border Terriers are bold and alert little hunters. This is a very agile breed and is willing to squeeze through any narrow space to capture a quarry. They are very lively dogs and enjoy playing with children. As they are affectionate and mild mannered and eager to please they’re masters, it makes it easier to train them. These dogs like to dig so it is better to put some sort of reinforcements along their fences. These are good watchdogs and may bark at times but do not turn aggressive.
