Defining Traits of the Border Terrier Dog Breed

The border terrier dog breed originates from the Borders region south of Scotland. Small English terriers were selected in the 1800s to hunt foxes and mice, during their history they were known as redwater terriers and coquetdale terriers but nowadays they are referred to as border terriers. They share their lineage with the Bedlington terrier and the Dandie Dinmont terrier.

Until the early 1900s this breed had practically disappeared, reappeared in a dog show and was only officially recognised in 1920, the same year the border terrier club was founded.

It was originally used to hunt foxes, which were a pest for farmers in the area. Due to their small size, these dogs were able to get into the foxes' dens, driving them away. At the same time, however, they were also large enough to chase the hunters' horses and fight the foxes if necessary.

When fox hunting became a sporting activity, border terriers became an integral part of this practice.

The border terrier is not a widespread breed in Europe, the most numerous being in England, in other European countries it is making its way, but it is still an uncommon dog.

Character of the border terrier dog breed

The border terrier is a lively, joyful and sociable dog, but also courageous and strong. It has a great personality. It is, however, a hunting dog and this propensity makes living with cats and small animals rather difficult, he sees them as prey. In such cases, early socialisation helps a lot.

Exceptional as a companion. He becomes unquestionably attached to a particular person. Very intelligent. One manages to make him understand everything without the need to insist. It is therefore very suitable for an inexperienced owner as it is easy to educate.

It is an excellent hunting dog, but also an excellent companion dog. It loves being indoors, playing with children, but needs exercise every day. So even if it fits in a flat, it should be taken outside at least 2-3 times a day.

A border terrier is capable of making himself loud and clear to strangers. It guards the house and garden with courage and attention. At home, being very intelligent and obedient, it does not make a mess and understands the rules on the fly. It is not suitable for sedentary people or those who have little time to devote to it, and it also suffers greatly from loneliness.

Appearance of the border terrier dog breed

The border terrier is a small to medium-sized dog. It measures 22 to 25 centimetres at the withers and weighs between 6 and 7 kilograms. It is a very hardy breed, with a strong, hardy body and limbs that are not too heavy. The legs of this dog are long in relation to its stature and it is one of the characteristics thanks to which this dog is able to chase a horse. The gait is agile and snappy.

The tail is moderately short; fairly thick at the root, tapering off. Set high, carried gaily, but not curved over the back.

The head has the typical appearance of that of the otter with a short, robust muzzle and good scissor teeth. The truffle is generally black or liver-coloured or flesh-coloured. The eyes are dark with a lively and alert expression. Ears are small, V-shaped, of moderate thickness and drooping forward, adhering to the cheeks.

The coat is hard, compact and with dense undercoat. The permitted colours for this breed are red, wheat, grey and tan, blue and tan.

Health and care of the border terrier dog breed

From a health point of view, this robust dog breed has no known problems. With its slender build and plenty of exercise, the border terrier can reach 15 years of age. It fears the cold, which is why, during the cold season, it is advisable to protect it as much as possible, even keeping it indoors.

As far as coat care is concerned, if sheared and groomed regularly, it will hardly be prone to shedding.

Feeding the border terrier is generally not a problem. The important thing is to use good quality food and in the right dosages.