Border Terrier Dog Breed

Border Terriers were bred to be fox hunters: fast, wily and able to scrap in tight places. They were also bred to be companion dogs when not working. As long as they have daily and strenuous exercise, there should be few Border Terrier problems at home. They work well enough for first-time dog owners, and they can take a lot of accidental abuse from very small children who are exploring the boundaries of their new world. They are not good for people who are away from home, however, as they require a lot of people company.

Here are some Border Terrier facts that you should know:

PROS

• Hypoallergenic
• Great watchdogs
• Few health problems
• Low grooming needs
• High tolerance to pain
• Excellent vermin hunters
• Perfect rural companion dog
• Less excitable than other Terrier breeds
• Gets along well with dogs and very young children

CONS

• Will dig a lot
• Tendency to roam
• Somewhat stubborn
• Superior escape artist
• Can hide in unlikely places
• Sees everything as something to chew
• Will chase cats and other small animals
• May be expensive regarding yard fencing

The border terrier was originally bred in Northern England to aid farmers with their constant battles against the fox. The breed's narrow and flexible body was perfect for squeezing into holes and fox dens to flush out the foxes for the farmers. To this day border terriers have a very demanding digging instinct and will quickly dig themselves into trouble if left unattended and bored in a yard.

The border terrier is a high energy dog. This was necessary as the breed was bred to keep up with the farmers on horseback during fox hunts. Because of this the breed will need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day (which is quite high for a small dog). Lack of exercise can cause the border terrier to become hyperactive and lead to the development of destructive habits.

Border terriers are an intelligent breed and are eager to please their masters. They pick up new tricks quickly and will quickly recognize subtle clues in their masters behavior, which makes it easy for border terriers to know when they're about to be fed or go outside. They make good family dogs and can easily match the energy levels of children. Border terriers do best with other dogs as they will often chase cats and other household pets due to their fox hunting instincts.

Border Terrier history is just a few centuries old. These dogs emerged at the end of 18th century. Farmers in the northeast regions of England wanted a dog that could control the fox population. The Border Terrier had the stamina, long legs, small head, and narrow body to keep up with the horses and flush the foxes from small hiding places.

Originally called the Coquetdale Terrier and the Redesdale Terrier depending on where the dog was from, the name "Border Terrier" did not come about until the end of the 18th century. They are related to the Bedlington Terriers and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The Border Terriers worked alongside the Border Foxhounds, and they were a greatly prized pair that was said to be better than any other set of dogs when hunting foxes.

For the next century or so, these dogs remained essentially the same. They were first shown at dog shows toward the end of the 19th century, when they were noted at the Bellingham show. Unfortunately, few records seem to exist and what is available may not be available widely.

By the early 20th century, records and recognition began to emerge. The British Kennel Club registered its first border Terrier in 1913, but it was under a relatively non-descriptive category title "Any Breed or Variety of British, Colonial, or Foreign Dog -- Not Classified." In 1914, an attempt to get a separate breed registry was made but rejected. In 1920, formal recognition was finally attained. That year, the Border Terrier Club was founded.

In Harwick, the Club was formed with a bit of controversy. There were those who believed that forming a club would allow the breed to be ruined for the sake of show conformation. Nonetheless, the two sides managed to draw up a standard. When the Club was accepted into The Kennel Club in September of that year, there were 121 members listed.

The Border Terrier is a small dog, but they are extremely hardy and sturdy canines with no frills and which aren't meant to be cute in the lapdog way.

The otter-shaped head is perfect for getting into small holes and between bricks where foxes hide and run. The eyes are medium in size, which gives the face a no-nonsense look. The Border Terrier head is crowned with triangular ears that have a considerable thickness and usually fold over toward the front. They have a large nose but a relatively small muzzle and the teeth are the scissor-bite type. The neck size is significant and is backed by a muscular set of shoulders and an able back. The legs are long, with lean forelegs and robust hindquarters. The tail is short yet thick.

This Terrier's double coat is earthy-colored with a wiry outer coat and a soft, thick undercoat. Coat types can range in fur length, and they are discussed in the Variations section.

While there is a great variety in the types of Border Terriers, it is primarily in the length of coat. Even those "varieties" are not so much variations as various lengths of hair on the dogs. There are obviously long-haired Border Terriers, and those that are short-haired, and many lengths between All Border Terriers are born with smooth coats and they stay that way until a year or so. There are smooth-haired ones too, and that happens when the fur fails to fully develop. Some breeders will hand-strip their Terriers so that the smooth undercoat is viewable at dog shows, but the rough outer coat will grow back in time. Once mature, most Border Terriers are wiry haired, and this is the preferred texture due to the work these dogs are bred to do.

As for toy, teacup or miniature Border Terriers, there are none. Cross-breeding can make hybrid Terriers smaller, but they are no longer purebred Border Terriers.

The Border Terrier temperament is less jumpy and jittery than the typical Terrier. One of their traits is curiosity, however, and they do like to bark at most anything that moves. If they become anxious, they might bark more than usual, chew things up or start digging like crazy. The focus that makes them so admirable can also be annoying, for once they get their mind set on something they want, it's difficult to get them away from that goal.

With prop training, what would otherwise be frustrating border terrier characteristics can be very useful. these dogs are keen to play with kids, hang out with the family and be excellent vermin exterminators. They tend to be easier to train than most Terriers, and they will delight in learning by way of hunting for toys. Although they are extremely hardy breeds that can easily weather the harsh climes of northern England, they don't respond well to harsh training.

As a breed, Border Terriers tend to be more healthy in general than most dog breeds. Many clubs recommend only two essential health tests. (Most dog breeds are recommended to have no fewer than four certified health tests.) Those tests are for the eyes (CERF) and the hips (OFA).

Still, there are some problems that can affect your Border Terrier. Some of those health issues are genetic, and others may develop due to diet, lack of exercise or even in the natural course of life (or hunting).

Here are some of the concerns for which you should watch:

• Seizures
• Heart defects
• Hip Dysplasia
• Malocclusions
• Cryptorchidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Patellar Luxation

The average lifespan for Border Terrier is 12 to 15 years.

Some interesting facts about the breed:

• Earthdog champions: The Earthdog Trials are annual AKC-sanctioned competitions that test the hunting and burrowing abilities of various terrier breeds and Dachshunds, among others--and the Border Terrier has won these contests more than any other breed.
• Border Terriers gain weight easily: Dogs of this breed tend to overeat, and can become obese rather quickly. Owners will need to monitor their BT's food intake, and make sure the dog gets daily exercise.
• "Ugly Border Terrier" Christmas apparel: Some clothing lines offer comically hideous holiday-themed sweaters and T-shirts with an "Ugly Border Terrier" logo, complete with thee breed's image on the front.
• Border Terriers as film stars: These dogs have had featured roles in numerous films, including There's Something About Mary, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Felicity, and High Sierra.