Border Terriers come in grizzle and tan, blue and tan, red or wheaten coloured coats, but they also can sometimes have a white chest. They typically have a dark muzzle (the area around the nose) and also have shorter than average whiskers.
Grizzle and Tan Border Terrier
Origin of the Border Terrier
The Border Terrier gets its name from originally being bred near the border between England and Scotland many years ago. It is not known when the Border Terrier was first bred, but it is believed to be one of Britain’s oldest terrier breeds.
Border Terriers were first used by farmers for fox hunting, as they were prone to attacking and killing stock. The dogs were small enough to enter fox dens and force the foxes out, so the farmer could then kill them. Many farmers wouldn’t feed their dogs in order to trigger their predatory instinct – they must kill to survive.
Along with foxes, Border Terriers were also used to hunt badgers, marten, mice, otters and rats. However, nowadays Border Terriers made great companion dogs, although they are still used by farmers as a pest control against mice and rats.
As well as hunting, Border Terriers are good at agility, obedience, performing tricks, tracking and as a watchdog.
Sizes of Typical Male and Female Border Terriers
Border Terriers are a small/medium sized breed. Males are typically around 33-41cm (13-16 inches) tall, whilst females are shorter at 28-36cm (44-14 inches). Males weigh approximately 6-7 kg (13-16 pounds), whilst females weigh between 5-6 kg (11-14 pounds).
Border Terrier Temperament
Border Terriers are alert, agile and affectionate dogs that get on well with children and cats if they are raised with them. Border Terriers can be quite stubborn, but do train well if their owner is assertive. If an owner does not assert their pack leader status over the dog, Border Terriers can develop Small Dog Syndrome, where they will challenge the leader of the pack for their place.
Although Border Terriers are good with cats that they are brought up with, they will chase cats that they do not know. They also should not be trusted with small animals, such as birds, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits, due to their natural predatory instinct.
Border Terrier Coats
Border Terriers have a double coat, which is soft and dense underneath and rough and wiry on the top. The coat needs brushing as least twice a week, and also should be professionally groomed at least twice a year.
Although they need moderately grooming, the breed sheds almost no hair and is good for people allergic to dogs.
Exercise Your Border Terrier
As the dog was bred to hunt, they do require a long walk everyday. Border Terriers should be allowed to run freely off the lead in a secure enclosed area, but if something catches their eye, their instinct to chase will take over.
What Health Problems can Border Terriers Suffer From?
Border Terriers are generally healthy, but they can be prone to genetic disorders, including:
- Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS)
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart defects
- Perthes disease
- Retinal atrophy
- Seizures
The Life expectancy of a Border Terrier
Border Terriers are one of the longest living breeds, and can live for over 15 years on average.
The cost of a Border Terrier
Border Terrier puppies cost between £300 and £500.
Border Terrier Puppies
Grizzle and Tan Border Terrier Puppy
Border Terriers have litters of between two and eight puppies, but the average is four to five puppies.
Border Terrier puppies should be made familiar to loud noises, such as vacuums, washing machines, cars and fireworks just to name a few, whilst they are still young. This will avoid the dog becoming timid in adult life.
Like most puppies, Border Terriers have plenty of energy when they are young, but with regular exercise they will calm down and become excellent companions in adult life.
Dog Groups Related to Border Terriers
Terrier, Working
Similar dog breeds to the Border Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Cairn Terrier
