Border Terriers
Height: 28-31cm
Weight: 5-7kgs
Average Price: £300-£500
Living with Inkie by member Toni Mannel
Officially recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club in 1920, this breed which originated from the Border lands between England and Scotland sometime in the 19th Centure, has become one of the most popular Terrier breeds registered, and usually has one of the highest Terrier entries in Championship Dog Shows.
A Border Terrier (or BT) needs are the same as most other dogs, to feel secure, loved, fed, exercised and to know their place in the hierarchy of any family it is welcomed into.
These little dogs are often described as "a big dog in a little dog's body", and that is very true. They are very intelligent, quick to learn, but sometimes slow to obey if something else they would rather do, catches their eye. They are normally healthy, active and affectionate dogs, they respond quickly to love and attention, and as with all dogs, it is good to start training early. It has been noted that this breed does not need harsh correction, which is often counter-productive!
My own BT, Inkie, is perfectly capable of doing my bidding, but often within her own time-frame, rather than mine. I have found that having taught her "WAIT" has been worth it's weight in gold, just giving me extra seconds to get a treat out and tempt her back.
Many BT's have little road sense, and care should be taken when training them, and owner's should always be aware that they are prone to "lurch" across the road, despite a car coming towards you. From experience I would not recommend road walking on an extending lead, although these leads can be great training aids for BT's who need "reminding" about recall when being exercised on open ground…!
These terriers are generally hardy little dogs, they don't flinch or whimper when they go for their inoculations, and often don't show pain, until it becomes severe.
Healthwise - some BT's have been diagnosed with Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (or CECS), which has sometimes been confused with a canine epilepsy. More information can be found at http://www.borderterrier-cecs.com/ . Responsible breeders are working to banish this distressing condition out of the breed by careful checking of pedigrees prior to mating. It has been thought that CECS is diet related and providing a wheat and gluten free diet has been known to prevent the "episodes" as they are known.
The only other problem I personally have heard more than one BT suffering from is cruciate ligament problems, but out of probably 45 BT's I know, only three have ever had this problem, which in all three cases has been successfully remedied by cruciate ligament operations, with dogs all regaining full mobility (one stepped down a rabbit hole, one was playing football, and one was running at full pelt down a flight of stairs indoors).
BT's love routine, they don't like it being broken, but perversely are adaptable little dogs. Pet hates of a BT are boredom, pet loves appear to be sleeping and treats! Inkie likes to play with a tennis ball, and after repeated throwing and retrieving games, it finally has to be hidden away, so we can get some peace.
Originally, BT's were used as working dogs, before being adapted as family pets, they retain some "habits" or "traits" from their working ancestry, which may not always endear them to you.
Bred to work fox and other vermin, and with the stamina to enable them to follow a horse all day, they do have plenty of energy. They have an inclination to chase small creature (rabbits, squirrels, ducks etc), and the BT isn't always able to distinguish between a wild creature and the Rabbit or Guinea Pig kept in your garden.
We have older cats who she chases, and who aren't afraid to bat her one, so she does treat them with respect, and we also have ferrets, and although Inkie is very interested in them, a few tweaks of her face fur by them have deterred her from venturing too close , but we wouldn't trust her not to kill them, should she manage to get into their run.
Border Terriers are often very good escape artists, and have been known to disappear over fences and gates, as well as tunnel underneath. They are very adept at slipping out of very small holes and gaps, so care should be taken to check surrounding fences. We have wire chain link mesh as well as wooden panelled fence panels surrounding our garden, although Inkie isn't a tunnelled, nor a jumper, I wouldn't like to take the chance.
Breed Characteristics
A classic Border Terrier should have a head reminiscent of an otter, they should have a short, strong muzzle, a moderately broad skull, with dark chocolate brown eyes, normally with a mischievous twinkle.
The Border should have a double coat, a harsh outer coat and soft undercoat for warmth. Both essential in a working terrier. Their coat should be stripped by hand, roughly twice a year (although Inkie has an 8 month coat). Video's are available showing how this is done, although personally I take Inkie to a professional groomer for her stripping.
If using a grooming parlour, it is advisable to enquire if they know how to hand-strip a Border Terrier, as their coat should not be clipped, as it ruins it (BT's are generally only clipped when they are older or unwell, and stripping would be distressing for them).
BT's are normally very good with children, however all children should be taught to treat any dog with respect. Any BT who lives with small children should be given the opportunity to have somewhere they can retreat to (a cage, kennel or basket) when they want to spend time on their own, similarly, puppies are often secured in crates or pens, where they can have some quiet times, and feel secure, or when their owners are out. As with all animals, fresh water and somewhere they can toilet should be provided, with regular meals.
Dietary requirements - lots of BT owners feed their dogs raw, many others use a mixture of wet food and biscuit, whatever best suits their dog and their lifestyle.
The lifespan of a Border Terrier can be up to (and sometimes over) 15 years.
They are a great little dog, loving, affectionate and such fun. I wouldn't be without mine.
Written by Toni Mannel