History
The Border Terrier first appeared in the 18th century and has changed little since. They were used as working terriers in the Scottish Borders hunting foxes which preyed on livestock. Their ancestry is not really known. Their appearance was never of great concern to their owners but their ability to go to ground after a fox was, so they were bred to have strong jaws, to be well boned but not heavy and to have a chest with sufficient capacity but narrow enough to allow them to get back out of any earth they entered. Their extra length of leg enabled them to follow a horse so that they were there when they were needed. During their history they were known as the Reedwater Terriers and the Coquetdale Terriers but nowadays are referred to as Border Terriers. They are still working terriers in the countryside but in urban areas are mainly family companions.
Temperament
Border Terriers are friendly and playful, and can make good family pets as they are sometimes good with children. They are best kept by people who have had dogs before and know how to maintain human social dominance over them. They are highly energetic dogs, and so unless a lot of time can be devoted to them, they are generally best kept with other dogs of similar temperament. Ideal companions would be other Border Terriers, Collies, and most Spaniels.
Border Terriers are relatively easily trained, although they can develop a cat-like independence and, when kept as part of a group of dogs, can have confusion recognising that each dog has a different name (they occasionally respond to them all). Some members of the breed make a highly effective alternative to a doorbell, due to their sharp hearing and the distinctive frenzied barking that results when they hear someone approaching the door. They are best kept in pairs or small groups, or with dogs of other breeds. Their dominant personalities can be used to the advantage of the owner if larger dogs are also kept as, like all terriers, they will generally occupy a high position in the 'pack', subordinate to the owner. This is especially true if a Border Terrier is an adult and the larger dog a puppy when introduced. However, if a large dog comes into the family, although it is already an adult one, the Border Terrier starts to "test" his new companion and, if there's no objection from the side of the larger dog, maintains his leadership.
Border Terriers are generally unsuitable for homes where there are rabbits, cats (except Maine Coons), smaller breeds of dogs, or other similar pets, as they will attack and kill all animals smaller than themselves; they were bred for this purpose. Exceptions to this are where the Terrier was introduced to the other animal as a puppy. Despite this instinct, they are generally amicable with other dogs, and often develop strong friendships with dogs they meet frequently. Nevertheless, in case they don't like another dog, they don't hesitate to start a fight and, as it is the case with most terriers, it's not easy to stop them. One has to train the Border Terrier carefully from the beginning so that he learns a correct social behaviour with other dogs .
Any toy given to a Border Terrier needs to be virtually indestructible. Solid, tough rubber toys such as rubber rings are suitable; however, certain individuals might have a fascination for other objects found in their environment, some of which the owner might not have wanted to be dog toys.
Health
Life span: 12 - 15 years
Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: none
Occasionally seen: CHD, heart defects
Suggested tests: hip, cardiac
Maintenance
The harsh coat of the border terrier is relatively easy to maintain. It should be brushed on a weekly basis, and professional grooming is recommended between two and four times a year. The border terrier is a good breed for those who suffer from allergies because it sheds little to no hair. This dog should be bathed only when necessary, and knots in the fur should be clipped out as necessary. This breed is very active, and it should get a good amount of exercise every day. Walks on a leash, games in the yard, or exploration in safe areas are good ways to get the recommended exercise. While at least a small yard is ideal, this breed can live in an apartment as long as enough mental and physical stimulation is provided.