Border Terrier Breed Description

An Owner's Border Terrier Description
This is Scrappy my Border Terrier. He displays many of the terrier personality traits and a few of his own. Like most terriers, Scrappy is inquisitive, intelligent, alert and aggressive when it comes to small outdoor animals. Much of his aggressiveness comes from the fact that his breed originally was bred to hunt and rid the farm of vermin.

Scrappy doesn't hunt and he doesn't live out in the country. But his inquisitive nature keeps him always checking things out. It's almost as though Scrappy is looking for something to rid the house of. He can be quite entertaining. He loves to be the center of attention and will act clownish at times just to get a laugh.

Scrappy's good sense about people actually makes him a pretty nice watchdog, although we don't think of him as such. He'll let us know if there is someone he just doesn't care for.

Scrappy, as is most Terriers, has moderate to high energy level and although he needs to have a daily exercise routine, he doesn't need to be overworked. He enjoys the park and can play ball for hours. Perhaps, just has important as his physical needs, is his need for mental stimulation which is why games are so good for him.

I've noticed that after a good hike or walk, Scrappy likes to chill. This down time gives me a chance to catch up on things that I need to get done without watching after him. But once the nap is over, he expects me to be ready for more activities, or at least, I need to be ready to watch his antics.

 

Introduction

The exact origins of this breed is unknown These Terriers are uncomplicated and genuine Terriers, little altered from their original form. These dogs are built to be small enough to follow a fox down the narrowest hole, but with enough leg to keep up with riders on horseback. They have never achieved the show room popularity of other Terriers, therefore they have remained true to their original form and function. Their durable coat protects them from adverse weather conditions. Colors are wheaten, tan, red, grizzle and blue & tan. These dogs make superb family dogs and good watchdogs. They get along with other dogs. They weigh 11 to 15 lbs. and stand 10-11" at the shoulders.

History

The specific ancestry of the Border Terrier is unknown, but the more modern ancestors of these dogs include the Reed Terrier and the Coquetdale Terrier of the 1800s. Recognized by the AKC in 1930, the breed' s presence in hte Northumberland board lands may pre-date that recognition by nearly a thousand years.

General Description

Most often described as 'otter headed', these alert dogs are agile and hardy, ready for whatever tasks the day presents. With the traditional eagerness and tenacity of all terriers, these dogs have been working in the borderlands for generations.

Border Terriers can be red, grizzle and tan, wheaten or blue and tan. All may have a dark muzzle. Overall the look is that of a strong, muscular animal with significant agility. Strong neck and legs and a narrow back enable them to run or go to ground with ease. All have dark hazel eyes that exhibit a lively intelligence. Small v-shaped ears are set on the side of the head.

Temperament

These are unadulterated terriers with very little variance from their ancestors. Concentrated in the border regions between Great Britain and Scotland as their name implies, they have worked side by side with men for centuries. While they can run with the horses thanks to their long legs, they are narrow enough to head down a rat hole to exterminate vermin.

Good natured like all terriers, they are smart and quick to train. Owners must guard against boredom and keep the Border Terrier interested, challenged and involved to channel their boundless energy and curiosity.

Health and Care

The coat of the Border Terrier requires little care other than regular brushing and stripping by hand twice a year. Like most wiry - coated breeds, this is the best method for removing loose fur without damaging the coat.

Colors

Upon closer examination, one will find the breed's tousled coat of tan, red, grizzle or even blue and tan is actually a double coat of coarse, wiry hair.

Living Area

Border Terriers are a small enough breed to successfully live in an apartment sized home or small house. When out in a yard, it is first important to keep Border Terriers in a reinforced or secured area where they cannot dig or squeeze their way out through small openings. Given the option, they are likely to spend half their time indoors and the other half outdoors.

Recognized By

CKC, UKC, ACR

Pets4You offers listings of Border Terrier breeders with puppies for sale.