Border Terrier: Traits, Care, and Lifestyle

General Information

Physical And Size

Characterisitics

Friendliness

Border Terrier dogs are medium-sized, originally bred to assist in a foxhunt. Therefore, they have a high instinct to hunt whenever they see any small animals crossing their path. Walk them on a leash whenever you are taking them out for a walk.

Border Terrier is highly adaptable and can live in both an apartment and a big garden house. However, while keeping them in an apartment, you should make sure that he is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation. If you are a busy person and do not have enough time to look after him then this dog is not for you.

Origin and History

The Border Terrier was originated in Northeast England, near the border of Scotland in the 18th century. When a clever and powerful hill fox began to steal sheep, farmers and shepherds of England-Scoot developed quick, agile terrier to hunt the fox. Besides fox, they also hunt rabbit, mice, and rats.

They were recognized by English Kennel Club in 1920 and by American Kennel Club in 1930.

Is The Border Terrier Child-Friendly?

The Border Terrier is friendly with children and can get along with them very well. They are great playmates and keep the children entertained. As with any dogs and children, they should be supervised and should not be left only two partied alone to play.

Behavior, Temperament and Personality

The Border Terrier is a very agile, bold, smart and affectionate dog. They love to be with their people and don’t want to be left alone for a long time. If you left them for a long time, they can become destructive and face separation anxiety. Therefore, if you want a dog who spends most of its time in a kennel, whom you cannot give enough time, then this dog is surely not for you.

Trainability

Border terrier is easy to train compared to other terrier dogs. Consistency and confident leadership are needed while training your Border Terrier. They can be stubborn sometime and will not listen to you but they will quickly respond to a treat reward. Therefore, positive reinforcement is the best methods to train your Border.

Training should be done when your Border is young to get a better version of him in his adulthood. Start with lot of socializing and some basic commands.

Facts

• The Border Terrier has long legs compared to other terrier dogs, as to make his run efficient while hunting the fox.
• The Border can even squeeze through the smallest of holes.
• Compared to other terrier dogs, Border Terrier is less-aggressive.
• Border Terrier had been featured in movies like Anchorman, There’s Something About Mary and in a soap opera called Coronation Street.

Health Issues

Border Terrier is mostly prone to genetic health problems. They are usually healthy having the life span of 12-14 years. However, they can suffer from some canine disease like:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Allergies
• Heart Diseases

Coat and Colors

The Border terrier has a weather-resistant double coat. They have thick, loose-fitting skin.

The Border Terriers are found in Four colors, they are –

• red,
• blue and tan,
• grizzle and tan,
• or wheaten.

Puppies

Cost

The average cost of Border Terrier is $1200- $1400 USD. But if you consider adopting a puppy, it will cost a lot less then buying. The cost includes only the expenses of taking care of puppy before adoption which is usually between $300- $400 USD

Size

The average height of the male Border Terrier is13-16 inches and the female is 11-14 inches. The average weight of the male Border Terrier is 13-15 lbs and the female is 11-14 lbs.

Dog Breeds Similar to Border Terrier

• Norwich Terrier
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Cairn Terrier
• Norfolk Terrier
• Jagdterrier