Read About Border Terriers

Border Terriers make great family pets, but require a lot of attention. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Border Terriers - Facts

1. AKC Group:

   Border Terriers are in the Terrier group.

2. Size & Weight:

   They are 11 to 16 inches tall and 11 to 16 pounds.

3. Coat:

   The Border Terriers have a wiry, coarse double coat.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   The head resembles that of an otter. The ears are small and fold forward into a V-shape. The muzzle is short with dark hair.

5. Body:

   The body is fairly narrow with deep ribs.

6. Colors:

   They can be grizzle and tan, blue and tan, red, or wheaten. The muzzle should be dark on any of the above colors.

7. Life Expectancy:

   The average life span is 15 years.

8. Popularity:

   They are gaining popularity in the United States.

9. Habitat:

   They will do well in an apartment if you exercise it daily. They also do not need a big backyard.

Border Terriers - Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   They originated on the border between Scotland and England.

2. Lineage:

   This breed mayhave common ancestors with the Dandie Dinmont and the Bedlington.

3. Date Admitted to AKC:

   This breed was admitted in 1930.

4. Historical Information:

   This breed is one of the oldest terriers in Great Britain.

Border Terriers - Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   The Border Terrier is very easily trained.

2. Temperament:

   They are lively, alert, and mild-mannered.

3. Child Friendly:

   They do great with children of any age.

4. Behavior:

   They are diggers and need to be watched at all times when outside alone. They also do not do well at home all day by themselves.

5. Habits:

   They are barkers, but not in a protective sense. They love strangers. The puppies are very active, but as they get older they will mellow quite a bit.

Border Terriers - Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   This breed is known fort not showing illness and seems to be insensitive to pain. So please watch your Border Terrier carefully. This breed is known to have Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS).

2. Feeding:

   They require only a cup of dry food a day, very economical eaters.

3. Exercise Needs:

   They require a great deal of exercise daily.

4. Grooming Needs:

   They need weekly brushings and should be groomed twice a year. You should bathe your Border Terrier only when necessary.

5. Special Household Needs:

   If you are putting your dog outside in a fenced yard you probably should have reinforcement fencing around the bottom of your fence because they will dig.

6. Travel Needs:

   When traveling with your dog make sure you have a dog crate or a dog car seat.

7. Getting Along With Other Pets:

   They get along with other dogs. They need to be raised with a cat in order to be trusted with it. Never leave this breed home alone with a cat its not been raised with.

Border Terriers - How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Look for an alert, active puppy with a good, healthy coat.

2. What you will Need for a New Puppy:

   You need food and water dishes, a pet bed, grooming supplies, food, dog chews and treats, a leash and collar, and a dog crate.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Make sure to keep small and poisonous items out of reach.

4. How to Make your New Puppy Feel at Home:

   It is important to interact and engage with your puppy daily.