This dog is a “long-legged terrier” originally used for ratting and hunting foxes. A short wiry haired coat of fur is usually coloured in red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten.
They grow to about 10 or 11 inches (25 to 28cms) in height and weigh in at about 11 to 15lbs (5 to 7kgs).
Origin: ~ England/Scotland
Bred for: ~ Hunting with horse backed riders.
Coat: ~ Wiry, short to mid length.
Colour: ~ Variable but mostly red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten.
Height: ~ 10 or 11 inches or 25 to 28cms.
Weight: ~ 11 to 15lbs or 5 to 7kgs.
AKC Group – Terrier Group.
History of The Border Terrier
Originating from an area known as the Border country situated between Scotland and England it is easy to see where the name came from.
This dog is the smallest of the long-legged terriers. The Border Terrier had to be fast enough to be able to keep pace with a hunters horse and yet it still had to be small enough to go into the brush and into the underground dens after the fox had gone to ground.
Amongst other names this breed was known as the Coquetdale Terrier, but the name Border Terrier was adopted widely in 1870 because it was well used and known as the dog to use on a “Border Hunt”.
At this time it was also used alongside the Foxhounds which are more commonly used around England.
The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1930.
Temperament and Upkeep of the Border Terrier
Border Terriers are naturally inquisitive, friendly, reasonably easy to train but can still occasionally be independent, doing what they think should be done.
These are lively dogs that need a good amount of exercise. Plenty of walks or games such as ball throwing for fetch work really well, keeping the dog fit both physically and mentally.
Weekly brushing is enough to keep their short wiry coat in a good condition with a good stripping every 3 or 4 months.
These dogs have a very good health record, leg and hips can be the most common problem for them usually in the form of patellar luxation, but it is reasonably rare.
