Bessie Bell's Border Terrier Page

The following information is copied verbatim from "Your Purebred Puppy, A Buyer's Guide" by Michele Lowell -- an excellent, invaluable book with information on over 160 dog breeds.

Border Terrier

Fine for Novice Owners

Good with Children

Small in Size

Wiry Coat

EXERCISE REQUIRED

TRIMMING/CLIPPING REQUIRED

AMOUNT OF SHEDDING

ACITIVITY INDOORS

EASE OF TRAINING

SOCIABILITY WITH STRANGERS

High Med Low

8=8

Temperament

He is quieter, milder-mannered, and more obedient than most terriers, but still very hardy and plucky. Some Borders are tougher and more work-oriented than others. He's so adaptable that he's fine in any home that gives him daily companionship, long walks, and an occasional run in a safe, enclosed area. He's usually friendly with strangers, but some are timid, so he should be accustomed to people and noises at an early age. Unlike many terriers, he's usuall fine with other dogs, but must be watched around small pets like cats and rabbits, for he can be a single-minded chaser. Borders are inquisitive and explorative, and can get themselves into trouble by crawling into tight holes; although their loose skin often enables them to wriggle out by themselves, you should inspect your home for openings that a Border may not be able to resist. Eager to please and sensitive to correction, he's very responsive to obedience training. Never hit a terrier, and don't play aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war. He likes to dig; some will bark a bit.

History

This hardy hunter of fox, badger, and barnyard varmints originated in the rugged Cheviot Hills on the border between England and Scotland. Today he is a companion, but he can still dispatch vermin and makes an excellent farm dog. AKC popularity: 88th of 130 breeds.

Physical Features

He stands 12-15 inches and usually weighs 15-18 pounds.

His coat is short and harsh and should be brushed twice a week. Straggly hairs should be scissored and dead hairs stripped twice a year. He is wheaten (tan), or reddish brown, with black-tipped hairs and dark ears. Blue-and-tan is less common. A little white on his chest is allowed.

His ears hang down. His eyes are dark with a keen expression. His nose is black. His teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Faults: He should not have white hairs on his feet.

Health Problems

He is susceptible to some congenital heart problems. Like many stoic terriers, he is relatively insensitive to pain and shows few signs of illness; it is up to his owner to watch his health carefully.

Cautions when Buying

Don't choose the most scrappy or independent Border puppy, and don't choose a timid puppy.



The following information is copied verbatim from "Your Purebred Puppy, A Buyer's Guide" by Michele Lowell -- an excellent, invaluable book with information on over 160 dog breeds.

Border Terrier

Fine for Novice Owners Good with Children Small in Size Wiry Coat

EXERCISE REQUIRED TRIMMING/CLIPPING REQUIRED AMOUNT OF SHEDDING ACITIVITY INDOORS EASE OF TRAINING SOCIABILITY WITH STRANGERS		High Med Low 8=8 8=8 8=8 8=8 8=8 8=8

Temperament He is quieter, milder-mannered, and more obedient than most terriers, but still very hardy and plucky. Some Borders are tougher and more work-oriented than others. He's so adaptable that he's fine in any home that gives him daily companionship, long walks, and an occasional run in a safe, enclosed area. He's usually friendly with strangers, but some are timid, so he should be accustomed to people and noises at an early age. Unlike many terriers, he's usuall fine with other dogs, but must be watched around small pets like cats and rabbits, for he can be a single-minded chaser. Borders are inquisitive and explorative, and can get themselves into trouble by crawling into tight holes; although their loose skin often enables them to wriggle out by themselves, you should inspect your home for openings that a Border may not be able to resist. Eager to please and sensitive to correction, he's very responsive to obedience training. Never hit a terrier, and don't play aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war. He likes to dig; some will bark a bit.

History This hardy hunter of fox, badger, and barnyard varmints originated in the rugged Cheviot Hills on the border between England and Scotland. Today he is a companion, but he can still dispatch vermin and makes an excellent farm dog. AKC popularity: 88th of 130 breeds.

Physical Features

1. 2. 3. 4.	He stands 12-15 inches and usually weighs 15-18 pounds. His coat is short and harsh and should be brushed twice a week. Straggly hairs should be scissored and dead hairs stripped twice a year. He is wheaten (tan), or reddish brown, with black-tipped hairs and dark ears. Blue-and-tan is less common. A little white on his chest is allowed. His ears hang down. His eyes are dark with a keen expression. His nose is black. His teeth meet in a scissors bite. Faults: He should not have white hairs on his feet.

Health Problems He is susceptible to some congenital heart problems. Like many stoic terriers, he is relatively insensitive to pain and shows few signs of illness; it is up to his owner to watch his health carefully.

Cautions when Buying Don't choose the most scrappy or independent Border puppy, and don't choose a timid puppy.