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Border Terrier

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The Border Terrier Pet Guide

● Key Characteristics Of Border Terrier
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Border Terrier Puppy?
● Most Asked Border Terrier Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

More Information

Temperament

Border Terriers are medium-size, sturdy dogs. The fact that they’re neither too big nor too small makes them ideal household pets. These dogs get along with other pets, children and adults alike.

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The Ultimate Guide to Border Terriers

● Key Characteristics Of Border Terriers
● How Can I Take Good Care Of A Border Terrier Puppy?
● Most Asked Border Terrier Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds

Border Terriers are medium-size, sturdy dogs. The fact that they’re neither too big nor too small makes them ideal household pets. These dogs get along with other pets, children and adults alike.

 

Border Terrier Origins

Border Terriers originate from the hilly Cheviot Hills located on the border of England and Scotland. This area, which incorporates the now Northumberland, is referred to as the Border Country.

These dogs were developed to help end the long battle between farmers and the powerful hill fox. 

For this task, the farmers and shepherds needed a dog breed that could run fast enough. These dogs also had to be small enough so they could squeeze through the narrow hiding holes. This way, they could flush out the foxes. Border Terriers were the one breed that checked all these boxes and more. 

Back then, they were known by other names. These included the Ullswater Terrier, Coquetdale Terrier and the Reedwater Terrier. All these names can be traced back to different regions in the north of England.

 

Key Characteristics of Border Terriers

Are Border Terriers Family-Friendly?They are generally friendly to people of all ages. This makes them a great choice for a family companion.
Daily Exercise Needs?Daily exercise needs?
They need 1 - 2 hours of exercise daily.
Common Health Issues & ConsiderationsBorder Terriers are prone to:

● Syringomyelia- a condition where their skulls turn out to be too small for their brains.
● Hip dysplasia.
● Perthes disease.
● A variety of heart defects.
● Juvenile cataracts.
Lifespan12 - 15 years
Nature / Temperament
They are even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate dogs.
SizeWeight:
Male: 6 - 7 kg
Female: 5 - 6 kg

Height:
Male: 33 - 41 cm
Female: 28 - 36 cm
Suitable EnvironmentAdapt well to both city and country living.
GroomingBrush their coats once a week.

Other considerations:

●  Borders are pack-oriented dogs. As such, they should be allowed to live indoors, close to their human companions.
● They are very loyal. Once you’re able to create a connection with your Border, that bond will last for eternity. They will be obedient and well-behaved most of the time.
● These dogs gain weight pretty easily. Feed them the right amount of food and exercise them on a daily basis to prevent excessive weight gain.
● They have a high tolerance for pain. If your pup is sick, you will only realise it if they change their behaviour. Be alert and take note of when your dog becomes withdrawn or too quiet.

 

How can I take good care of my Border Terrier or Border Terrier Puppy?

Nutrition

Border Terriers need about 1 to 1.5 cups of superior quality dog food divided into two meals. You can adjust this amount depending on their activity level. 

But, it’s not advisable to free-feed your pups. Some owners usually leave the food out for the dog to eat whenever they feel hungry. This increases their risk of getting obesity. Instead, you should measure the amount of food and only feed them twice a day.

Grooming

The scruffy, thick and wiry coats of Border Terriers call for weekly grooming. If they’re not well-cared for, their coats will mat and tangle.

It’s a good idea to invest in a slicker brush for removing those stubborn tangles. You can also use a detangling product. Remember to brush their tails as well. And while this sounds like a ton of work, it minimises the amount of loose hair they shed.

Recommended grooming tips:

● Clean your dog’s teeth every day. You can use a pet toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for dogs.
● If your Border Terrier’s coat gets wet, towel dry it.
● Only bathe your dog when it’s very necessary.
● Clip their nails every 2 or 3 weeks.
● Strip their coat once or twice per year.

Exercise

Border Terriers need a good amount of exercise, both physical and mental. The easiest way to achieve both in one go is to take them for a walk. Walks allow them to use up their energy. They also stimulate their minds through sights, sounds and smells they encounter.

Training

Compared to other terrier breeds, Border Terriers are one of the easiest to train. Though this does not mean that they aren’t stubborn at times. 

On the plus side, these dogs know how to focus on the tasks at hand. It’s important that harsh discipline is avoided when training these pups. If this approach is employed, they’re likely to be unresponsive, or worse, aggressive.

This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.

Most Asked Border Terrier Questions

Can Border Terriers be trained to stay in unfenced yards?

Like any other terrier breed, these dogs are true vermin hunters. So, it’s better to keep them in a fenced yard. When you take them out for a walk, be sure to keep them on a leash as well.

Do they shed a lot?

Border Terriers have double coats, which are made up of soft undercoats and rough top coats. Thus, they do shed fur although not much.

If you find fur around your home, brush them more often. Vacuuming on a regular basis and washing their bedding every once in a while can also help to keep this to a minimum.

Are they good with children?

They generally get on well with toddlers. Border Terriers are one of the few breeds that can match the young ones’ energy levels all day long. Still, they do need constant supervision to keep both the kids and pups safe.

How much are Border Terriers?

Border Terrier puppies for sale cost between $900 – $1300 approximately.

Similar Breeds

● Bedlington Terrier

● Boston Terrier

● Border Collie

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