Breed group: Terrier
Weight: male: 13-15.5, female: 11.5-14 lbs
Height: 10-11 inches

Overview

The Border Terrier is originally from the Cheviot Hills are that is on the border of England and Scotland. These dogs were bred to be farm dogs, and their main purpose was to drive fox from their den and to kill them. The Border terrier was also used to hunt otters, badgers and martens. Currently the Border Terrier is fairly rare in the United States - but they remain a very faithful companion and continues to be used as pest hunters on farms.

Temperament

Border Terriers are extremely friendly and good-natured; the show lots of affection and flourish on human contact and attention. This breed is more easy-going than is characteristic of the other terrier breeds. They will do weel in a home with older thoughtful children. They will usually get along with other dogs but are not ideal for homes with cats or other little household animals. The Border Terrier does not like to be left alone for long periods of time and will become destructive and bark a lot if bored or feeling alone. Therefore a family where everyone works during the day will not work for this breed. They are cautious of strangers but are generally not hostile. This breed is not recommended for inexperienced or inactive dog owners.

Care

Border Terriers should be brushed weekly and stripped by a professional twice during the course of the year. These dogs should only be bathed when totally necessary, and then a mild shampoo should be used to protect the coat. This breed has a high pain tolerance, and will not show any signs of illness or distress very often. It is therefore vital to closely watch their health.

Training

Ready and eager to please its owner, the Border Terrier needs to be socialised enough to stop shyness, and also be trained in obedience.
They will not do well with cruel or unkind training methods that will shatter their courage and make training more hard. Training should be done with enough praise, inspiration, reward, respect, patience and consistency. The Border Terrier is very talented in areas such as tracking, agility, competitive obedience and hunting.

Health problems

The Border Terrier is a energetic breed that can endure pain and illness at great lengths, and not letting anyone know that there is a problem until very late in the game. Regular checkups are advised for these dogs. A metabolic disease known as canine epilepoid cramping syndrome is a suspected inherited disease that Border Terriers may suffer from. It is however often confused with epilepsy.