Ava Williams
Shoulder height: 32 – 37 cm
Weight: 5 – 7 kg
Age: 12 – 15 years
Color: red, wheaten, grizzle, brown with or without tan markings
Use: hunting dog, companion dog, the family dog
The Border Terrier is a lively, happy, and adventurous little dog who gets along well with everyone – two-legged or four-legged – provided they are busy and given enough exercise. The robust and spirited dog is therefore not a good choice for couch potatoes or easy-going people.
Origin and history
The Border Terrier comes from the border area (borders) between England and Scotland, where it was mainly used for fox and badger hunting on horseback. It had to have the stamina and speed to keep up with the horses and at the same time be small enough to drive the foxes and badgers out of their dens. Depictions of terriers resembling today’s Border Terrier existed as early as the 18th century. However, the breed as we know it today only developed later. Breeding began in the early 20th century.
Appearance
With a shoulder height of about 37 cm, the Border Terrier is a small working terrier that is still used for hunting today. He has a wiry, harsh coat that comes in red, wheaten, grizzle, and tan, with or without tan markings. The ears are hanging, rather small, and V-shaped. The coat is relatively easy to care for and hardly sheds.
Nature
The Border Terrier is an enterprising, lively, and brave little fellow with a happy, playful disposition. Since it is always used in groups when hunting, it is also socially acceptable and does not start fights of his own accord. It is considered easy to train and can also be kept as a second dog. Compared to other terrier breeds, he is less boisterous and generally more peaceful.
As a robust nature boy, the Border Terrier loves to exercise outdoors, whatever the weather. It is therefore an ideal companion for active and sporty people who also like to be outdoors or live in rural areas. With the appropriate physical exertion, the Border Terrier can also be kept well in an apartment. It feels just as comfortable in a large family as a companion for a single person.
In any case, the agile, robust dog needs sufficient exercise. It is also easy to get enthusiastic about dog sports activities – such as agility, flyball, or obedience. However, the well-balanced Border Terrier’s strong hunting instinct should not be underestimated.