Border Terrier

This is a work dog exclusively, very brave and strong-headed. Following a certain popular fad for the breed, the Border Terrier Clubs have fought to keep this dog’s hunting traits intact- he remains, as a result, a hunter. He is, however, very affectionate towards his owners and family. His biggest vice is that he gets into frequent fights with dogs of the same sex. He is not suitable for small children as he does not tolerate being treated like a ‘teddy bear’, and can react in unpredictable ways.
Key facts about the Border Terrier
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Origins and history
Originally hailing from the south of Scotland, from the Borders region which is his namesake, he is reportedly the result of a cross between an ancient version of the Bedlington, the Lakeland Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The breed was only officially recognised by the English Kennel Club in 1920, but is actually much older than that: it springs from a group of Terriers dubbed ‘working Terriers’. The Border Terrier took part in agricultural trade shows at the beginning of the 19th century, in the Borders county between Scotland and England.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 3 - Terriers
Section
Section 1 : Large and medium sized Terriers
Physical characteristics of the Border Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 13 and 14 in
Male : Between 14 and 16 in
Weight
Female : Between 11 and 13 lb
Male : Between 11 and 15 lb
Coat colour
The coat can be red, wheaten, grey and tan or blue and tan.
Type of coat
The coat is medium-long.
The coat is dense and coarse to the touch, the undercoat is close.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark, with a very lively expression.
Description
The Border Terrier is a very ‘original’ dog, on account of the shape of his head: strong and short, resembling that of an otter. The body, on the other hand, is rather slender and light. The skull is moderately large, the muzzle short and robust. The eyes are small and lively, exuding a very intense expression. The ears are small, v-shaped, and folded over, close to the cheeks. The limbs are straight, and have a rather dainty bone structure. The tail is moderately short, set high and sported cheerfully, but it should never curve upwards over the back.
Good to know
The border terrier is one of the most popular dog breed in the UK. They were once called Coquetdale or Redescale Terriers and we mainly used to hunt foxes.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Border Terrier
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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Border Terrier varies depending on its origins, age, and gender. You have to count an average of £720 for dogs registered at the Kennel Club.
With regards to the monthly budget required to meet the needs of a dog of this size, you have to estimate an average of £20 per month.
Grooming
The maintenance of this little hunting dog is not at all complicated, a few brushes a week will be enough to maintain the beauty and protective properties of his coat.
However, it will be necessary to take the dog to a professional for hair removal a few times a year. This is because the Border Terrier hardly experiences any hair loss or moulting seasons, he therefore needs to be ‘aided’ in the elimination of dead hairs.
Other than that, his ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly.
Shedding
The Border Terrier is lucky enough to experience very little hair loss, even during moulting seasons, which go practically unnoticed with him.
Nutrition of the Border Terrier
A rather rustic dog, he is of the type that really prefers homemade or B.A.R.F food over kibbles. However, commercial food can satisfy his needs, as long as it is premium-quality.
Be cautious with homemade food as, being a very energetic dog, he needs a balanced diet that is well adapted to his daily expenditure. Veterinary supervision is recommended to ensure that he is neither malnourished nor overfed.
One portion a day is enough for a dog of this size, served preferably in the evenings, while making sure that he is not too active either before or directly after every meal, in order to avoid gastric torsion.
Health of the Border Terrier
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy is estimated at 13 years.
Strong / robust
Rustic and quite robust despite his delicate appearance, this dog also enjoys a long life, generally over 15 years.
Withstand heat
Very enduring and passionate when at work, this hunting dog can overcome the heat but it is nevertheless unreasonable to have him be very active during intense heat.
Withstand cold
His double coat allows him to tolerate challenging weather without a problem, be it the cold of rain, since he is equipped with a dense coat and a close undercoat.
Tendency to put on weight
The large stores of energy this dog possesses leave no room for excess weight.
Common illnesses
The Border Terrier is lucky enough to enjoy an impeccable health, his iron constitution and quality breeding have therefore shielded him from all hereditary disease.