The Border Terrier: Top Dog Guidance
The Border terrier got its name from the area called Cheviot Hills, near the border between Scotland and England. This is where these dogs were made to attack and terminate predatory foxes.
They have a wiry coat and that is why they generally appear scruffy. However, this scruffiness is an attention-seeker and that is why owners do not forget to hug their little ball of energy.
Here are some of the basic facts about Borders:
Category: Terrier
Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)
Coat: wiry and short; double coated
Colors: tan, red, grizzle and tan, and/or blue and tan
Height: between 11 and 16 inches
Weight: between 11 and 16 pounds
Temperament:
Instinctively they are:
scruffy, hard and bold hunters;
active as puppies but mellow down as they mature;
not friendly with rabbits, rats, hamsters, and even birds;
economical to feed; and
their activity die down when left alone all day as they really love to please people especially their owners.
When properly trained they:
can get along with the household cats but not with cats in the neighborhood;
may even catch a burglar;
may lose timidity when accustomed to active environments.
Your dog should be house trained, preferably when still a puppy.
House training puppies
Toilet training puppies
puppy potty training
These articles are packed with advice on house training methods.
Care and Exercise:
Their coat requires weekly brushing.
They should be professionally groomed at least twice a year.
They should bathe only when necessary since they shed little to no hair. Their physique requires a regular exercise routine and this should include a daily play time while on leash.
They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts.
Origin/History:
The Borders have been used as hunters of rabbits and hares. They can even keep up with running horses with their short yet sturdy legs. They were also used by farmers to lure predatory foxes into their dens before killing them.
They were also trained to hunt otters, marten, and even fierce badgers. Like most terriers that were once molded as hunters, they also evolved as pets and became lovely, friendly, and loyal companion dogs. They also take part in dog shows and they can easily grab their audience attention with their agility, appearance, and bright disposition.
The breed was first registered by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and by the American Club a decade later.
Nowadays, Borders are highly favored as companion dogs and pets due to their adaptability, friendliness, and winning personality.
Like most breeds of terriers, you can be rest assured to have a loyal and bright companion dogs if you give your attention and affection to a Border. You can be sure that they can definitely drive away any boredom!
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