Border Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: About 25 cm (10 inches)

Weight: 5 - 7 kg (11.5 - 15.5 lb)

Life Span: 16 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Small

Temperament: Friendly & game

Country of Origin: England/Scotland

AKC Group: Terrier

Temperament:

The Border Terrier is intelligent, energetic, strong-willed and active. Border Terriers tend to be quieter and less aggressive than other terriers, but are equally determined. They are more suited for a country environment and do require consistent discipline. Border Terriers get on well with other dogs and children. They should not be kept with small pets such as hamsters or rabbits, but they should get along with a cat if raised with it from puppyhood. Border Terriers have a strong respect for their owners and enjoy being with people.

Grooming:

The coat of a Border Terrier is easy to maintain with occasional brushing to keep it in good condition.

Exercise:

Border Terriers need regular exercise, such as long walks or competing in dog sports such as fly-ball or agility trials. They are adaptable dogs and will accept the level of exercise they are given, however it can destroy their zest for life if the physical activity is too limited.

History:

Border Terriers take their name from the border separating England and Scotland. It was within the Cheviot Hill area where this type of breed was established. The local farmers wanted a dog whose legs were long enough to follow a horse all day but short enough to trail a fox into it's burrow and having a coat dense enough to handle cold wet weather. It is believed that the progenitors of this breed were Dandie Dinmonts, Lakeland and Bedlington Terriers. This mixture would certainly account for the variety of colors found in the Border Terrier.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Cheeky, otter-like, hardy and fit.

Color: Red, wheaten, grizzle/tan and blue/tan.

Coat: Wiry, rough and dense with a thick, close undercoat. The skin is thick.

Tail: Moderately short, tapering, set high, carried gaily, but never curled over the back.

Ears: Small, V-shaped, falling forward close to the cheek.

Body: Narrow, deep and fairly long. Ribs well back, strong loin and straight underline.

Additional Comments:

The Border Terrier is a natural working dog, but easily adapts to family life as a household pet. Making this breed popular as both a worker and a family companion.

Border Terriers enjoy digging and will probably not be an ideal breed for a conscientious gardner.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of Dooziedog.com, for more pictures visit http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/border_terrier/