T is for Terrier (Border) - A-Z Special of St. George's Day

We're powering through the alphabet, aren't we?! Well, as I, stupidly, forgot to feature the Border Terrier on day B, I am now going to sneakily do just that on day T. T is for Terrier, no stopping me! I hope you like the facts I am going to share with you today, and not to mention the photos. It is also St. George's Day - let us English folk and pet-folk celebrate our country!

Happy St. George's Day!

Is it just me, or does just about every day hold a reason to celebrate something lately?! That's a good thing, I mean!

OK. So lets get started on the true meaning of T. 

The Border TERRIER.

The Border Terrier is a small, rough coated breed from the Terrier group. Originally bred as fox and vermin hunters, most surprisingly due to appearance, this breed shares ancestry with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Also more similarly, Patterdale Terriers, and again a little surprisingly, Bedlington Terriers.

Although the breed is much older in itself, it was first official recognised by the Kennel Club (KC) in in Great Britain in 1920, and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930. The Border was bred to have long enough legs to keep up with horses and other foxhounds, which travelled with them, however at present, there are two classified leg lengths for the breed, each dog begin an individual, and taking the legs in genes. 

Here is what they call a 'leggy' Border Terrier (Earl). This type has long legs:

And here is a photo, posed by a model, of a short-legged Border T.

Dog posed by a model

They are also meant to have small enough bodies to to crawl into burrows of foxes and chase them out, un-harming the dog. The Foxhounds are not small enough to be able to do this job, so here comes in our Border Terrier!

In 2006, the Border Terrier ranked 81st in number of registrations by the AKC, while it ranked 10th in the United Kingdom. In 2008, the Border Terrier ranked 8th for the above reasons by the UK Kennel Club.

As for looks, the Border Terrier is and always has been identified by their otter-like face. They have a very strong snout.

Common coat colours in this breed, are:

Red Grizzle (this is Earl's colour):

Grizzle-and-tan:

Dog posed by a model

Blue-and-tan:

Dog posed by a model

Red alone:

Dog posed by a model

Wheaten:

Dog posed by a model

The Border Terrier can be quite stubborn and strong willed, so will need firm and assertive training as a younger dog throughout adulthood and through their senior days too.

Good, well handled training will help the Border fit in as a well behaved, obedient pet.

In most cases, the Border is a friendly, successful breed with huge training potential, known to excel at agility and with a surprisingly high jump and fast motion. They are good with children, and are rarely aggressive if they are socialised well from the earliest age possible and do not encounter any setbacks.

When it comes to health, the Border is usually a very hardy breed, however like most purebreds, are susceptible to a few certain things, including:

~ Hip dysplasia

~ Juvenile Cataracts

~ Seizures

Don't worry though, because overall, and in the majority of cases, Border Ts live long, healthy and happy lives.

As assumed by hopefully most, the Border Terrier originated from the Scottish borders, hence the name. They are a terrier from the borders, and have since become favoured family pets and working dogs alike.

Just like any breed, this dog can blossom with a good, able owner.

*Before buying any dog, please make sure you are suitable for the breed and individual canine.

Why may the Border be a bad choice for you?

You may be won over by this article, but like all breeds, they hold their challenges. They can be stubborn and strong willed at times. They also need plenty of exercise to be happy.

Their grooming needs however is moderate, and they only really need grooming about once or twice a week to keep a well maintained, matt-free coat.

When your Border's coat grows long, hand stripping is a must. Any other type of grooming spoils the natural coat. 

Too much bathing can strip dog's coats of their natural oils, so avoid this.

The Border Terrier's coat is classed as wire.

If your the right owner, you will ADORE your forever companion of a Border Terrier, just like I do!