The Border Terrier originates from England and Scotland. Border Terriers were bred to help farmers keep foxes and other predators off of their lands. While the Border Terrier is a relatively small dog, their speed and stamina are great. Border Terriers can be both indoor or outdoor dogs. These dogs are known for their agility, tracking, tricks and ability to be a “watchdog” by barking. Border Terriers come in tan, blue and tan, red, and grizzle and tan.
- As with any new dog, you should take your pet to the veterinarian to be vaccinated. Booster shots should be followed up, as well as flea and tick control. When you are visiting your vet, you should discuss conditions or diseases which Border Terriers can develop. These include autoimmune problems, hypothyroidism, heart murmurs, Legg-Perthes, patellar luxation, Spike’s Disease and seizures.
- Border Terriers get bored with repetition. You should start training your pup early and keep in mind that they are easily distracted. Food treats work well with this breed. Border Terriers are quick learners, and with some patience and a sense of humor, training can be completed.
- When they are pups, Border Terriers should be socialized into a family that has children. While Border Terriers make good playmates and can fit into most any lifestyle, if they are not introduced to children while they are pups, they could easily become intimidated. Likewise, Border Terriers can be fearful of loud noises and may bark. You should try to acclimate your dog to noise early on in his life.
- If you plan to have your Border Terrier as an outside dog, you should provide a fenced area for him. Keep in mind that Border Terriers like to dig, so be sure to reinforce your fence with concrete or a hedge.
- Border Terriers will generally interact well with other canines. However, you should not trust this breed with a pet rabbit, hamster, bird or other small creatures. Border Terriers will get along well with a family cat that is in the home. However, stray cats or your neighbors’ cats may soon learn that your dog is not their friend. Border Terriers are notorious for chasing small creatures and any moving objects. This is another reason you should keep your Border fenced in a yard.
- When it comes to grooming, less is more. The more “natural” your Border Terrier appears the better. This breed is not one to be fussed with like a poodle–with ribbons, bows and painted nails. Only give your Border a bath when needed. This breed very rarely sheds. However, you should brush their coat weekly. Every six months your Border Terrier should be taken to the groomers.
- Border Terriers love to eat. You should avoid feeding them people food. If you have a soft spot for your dog, you can feed him or her low-calorie vegetables on occasion.
- Border Terriers were bred to be hunters and they need regular exercise. While Borders may be happy to lead an inactive lifestyle indoors, if they are not allowed to exert their stamina through running and playing, you will have an unhappy dog. Border Terriers can also be stubborn. If you keep them indoors for weeks on end and then allow them to go outside, they may run away from you and refuse to obey your command to return.