Border Terrier Picture Gallery

Border Terrier Breeders

Border Terrier Clubs/Associations

The Full Border Terrier Description

This alert and plucky dog was developed especially to catch the foxes that caused so much damage to farmers' chickens and livestock. He was bred to have longer legs than most terriers. This dog is also adaptable to city life, provided he gets plenty of exercise. He's most interested in being with his owner, and is a good-natured and loving companion.

Did you know?

The formation of the Border Terrier Club was 1920 with the English Kennel Club.

The Border Terrier has a weather resistant coat with a hard, wiry outercoat and soft undercoat repels most dirt.

The Border Terrier loves children and is friendly, affectionate, alert, sensible and a sensitive member of the family.

So you want to own a Border Terrier?

The coat requires regular brushing to keep the Border Terrier's appearance neat and tidy.

In the field he is "hard as nails;" as a family companion he is good-tempered, affectionate, obedient, and easily trained.

The Border Terrier is not aggressive and gets along with other dogs, household pets and horses. It cannot take physical punishment without it ruining the bond of trust.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Essentially a working terrier.

Characteristics

Capable of following a horse, combining activity with gameness.

Temperament

Active and game as previously stated.

Head and Skull

Head like that of an otter moderately broad in skull, with short strong muzzle. Black nose preferable, liver- or flesh-coloured one not a serious fault.

Eyes

Dark with a keen expression.

Ears

Small, V-shaped; of moderate thickness, and dropping forward close to the cheek.

Mouth

Scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Level bite acceptable. Undershot or overshot a major fault and highly undesirable.

Neck

Of moderate length.

Forequarters

Forelegs straight, not too heavy in bone.

Body

Deep, narrow, fairly long. Ribs carried well back, but not oversprung, as a terrier should be capable of being spanned by both hands behind the shoulder.
Loins strong.

Hindquarters

Racy.

Feet

Small with thick pads.

Tail

Moderately short; fairly thick at base, then tapering. Set high, carried gaily, but not curled over back.

Gait/Movement

Has the soundness to follow a horse.

Coat

Harsh and dense; with close undercoat. Skin must be thick.

Colour

Red, wheaten, grizzle and tan, or blue and tan.

Size

Weight: dogs: 6-7 kgs (13-151/2 lbs); bitches: 5-6.5 kgs (111/2 -14 lbs).