Border Terriers

[jellybaby]

KJJ has got me thinking about pups now!
OH and I are desperate to have dogs when we have finally settled down in the same place as each other- so probably in a couple of years when he gets his next posting as that’s the thought at the moment - these weekend commutes are killing me (and him!)
So, we were talking a while ago, and I said I would really like Border Terrier as we have always had scruffy dogs (terriers) at home along with collies etc too. I mentioned Border Terrers to someone at work who said that they have the most terrible reputation, aggressive, snappy etc.
So, had anyone got one, what are they like, are they “nice” dogs, or have they got personality issues!
Woof would never really have to stay on its own as OH is allowed to take said woof to work with him.

JB xx

 

[weevil]

I grew up with border terriers and know a few other people who have had them and have never known them to be snappy or aggressive. Ours were fantastic dogs, great with kids and strangers and I wouldn't hesitate to get another one. They are one of the nicest breeds I know. The only problem we ever had with our dog was that he was not hugely friendly towards other dogs, but would only ever growl or bark at them.

 

[KJJ]

[ QUOTE ]
KJJ has got me thinking about pups now!

[/ QUOTE ]Hehe it's a MUST HAVE JB a MUST!!

 

[riotgirl]

I think they are lke most terrier breeds - it is how you bring them up. People told me never to get a Jack Russell becasue they can be snappy and dangerous, and they probably can if you asren't firm with them as pups. My girl is probably the softest dog I've ever had, you just need to lay down some ground rules first!
We are actually thinking of another dog, and a Border is on the list of possibles!

 

[buckybee]

They are great with people and kids etc. and are very loyal and sweet. I think they can be quite bad with other dogs. we've got a bitch (Willow) and shes ok as long as she doesn't see another border - she doesn't like them! She also feels it her duty in life to kill and eat any chickens/mice/rats/rabbits/hares/foxes/cats that she sees! Good for her!

Generally I would say they are similar to all terriers but a bit more friendly and more intelligent. I'd recommend!!

 

[SSM]

Terriers are just the best, whatever package they come in!!!

Loyal, cheeky and loving (whispers: not always obedient, but hey ho)

 

[sunflower]

Ours were never snappy or aggressive - and we used to dress one of them up in dolls clothes when we were little

From a dog website
[ QUOTE ]
The Border Terrier is an affectionate, fun-loving dog. They are brave, adaptable and good with people, especially with children. They are reliably easygoing but have independent natures and like to make their own decisions. They love to chase rabbits, squirrels etc. but will live in harmony with other household pets. They are equally at home in town or country.

[/ QUOTE ]

Couldn't agree more with this - great little dogs (I'm a bit of a fan)

 

[bell134]

Our border is now 5 and she is the sweetest natured dog you could wish for. I know of at least 6 other borders in the area and they are all nice natured, all very different characters but loving to people and get on well with other dogs. Go for it!

 

[sevenoceans]

I know few Border terriers when i was at Boarding school... we had few and we as kids loved them... i used to take them for walks around fields, very loyal, sweet natured, i don't see any problem with them and i am thinking of getting a dog myself, border terrier, jack russell or collie is on top of my list maybe a basset (childhood pet)

 

[buckybee]

We've got a jack russell and she's a sweetie - doesn't seem to be a lot going on in her cute little head though - is it just her or are they all like that?

 

[madgirl]

i have two and they are the most loveable dos ever!

 

[prose]

I always thought that Borders were considered much sweeter than most other terrier breeds. Like others have said, though, it is how you bring them up.

Two Manchester Terriers are regulars at the dog park I frequent and they are super sweet with other dogs, really playful and not at all alpha.

The most boisterous players are probably the Jacks and the breed of dog I own (Boston Terrier).

 

[Maesfen]

We've been breeding them since '81 though last litter of them was 8 years ago and I've never known a nasty one yet, honestly. They are the most loyal, game little dogs you can imagine with enormous personalities. We sold many people a second one to join the first cos they loved them so much and Borders do like company of their own kind too.
While I appreciate all dogs are individuals and it depends on their upbringing and handling, as a breed they are one of the tops; great with kids, go anywhere dogs. Quite a few years ago, Blue Peter did a survey on breeds most suited to people and so on; the Borders came out top as the best breed for children, so they can't be all bad!
Your friend must have met a very unhappy Border as a bad temperment is NOT what they are known for!
You must realise though, that they are a terrier breed and as such will have terrier tendancies when given the chance, namely to hunt, to dig, to generally be nosey, but most of all to be taking part in what you are doing - they love to be with you.

You couldn't pick a much better breed IMO!!

 

[sunflower]

If you still bred them now I would down there like a shot with a big bag

 

[Maesfen]

I wish we did!

Holly, our old bitch (13 next week) and Ben, her son who's 10 next month are the only Borders we have left now. If all had gone to plan some years ago, we would have had Holly's daughter to carry on the line (Holly goes back to our original one) but a numbskull of a vet tried to tell me to leave her alone when whelping (cos the puppies were fine and moving about well, just getting ready to shoot, I must be patient!) when I knew she needed a ceaserian and there was no one else on duty (Sunday morning) that I could talk to, but he was a qualified vet and you believe them don't you? 24 hours later we had a bitch on the table being cut open by my normal vet, for one very big dead bitch puppy which would never have been passed in a million years cos it was laying acrossways from hip to hip, the prat from before had thought it was more cos he had got hold of both ends of it if that makes sense; we also had her spayed at the same time. If only he had operated the day before, the baby was kicking to get out, at least it would have had a chance; my blackest day of breeding, I felt so sorry for Holly, I felt so guilty too but hindsight is a wonderful thing. That vet left the practice soon after, there had been other complaints too and I don't think he practises at all now, good job too. Sorry, that was long!

I keep thinking about having another Border bitch but we have too many other dogs at present, perhaps when the Bassets have gone, they take up far too much room; much as I love them and don't want to be without them, I wouldn't replace them after this lot!
Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack your post!

 

[sunflower]

That's awful. We had 3 at one point. The parents and the only pup that wasn't stillborn out of 2 litters so parents gave up on breeding.

 

[sevenoceans]

Bassets don't take too much room!!!! they are just adorable...

 

[Emma123]

Lovely animals! Ours are jack russel x border terriers and we have the mum as well (jack russel) the mums very independent but the other two are totally lovely, good with kids and all round great dogs!

Picture of the two pups(ok they are over a year old now but still called the puppies!):
Winnie and Barney

 

[Maesfen]

The most we had at one time was 9 but then we'd have our 'puppies' back for their holidays each year and sometimes they'd overlap so we'd end up with 12 or so - and all without one cross word between them too!

It's a bummer when something goes wrong when breeding, you feel so sorry for the bitch as much as anything after all her hard work, at least I do.

 

[Maesfen]

I know but we really do only have a little house! Think it'll be us that move out to a stable next time!
Fingers crossed, Widget only has a fortnight to go, getting impatient now!

 

[sevenoceans]

Yes, Small house, thats the trouble i have at the moment they take up alot of space!! and the sofas!!! I am on the look out for smaller dog at the moment. Possble Jack Russ or Border Terr but not sure yet...

My parents Bred Bassets, last female bassets had 9 pups but 7 was still born, she had major problem with giving birth ended up with C section and serious infection later had to be put to sleep, the surviving pups was hand reared and kept, Penny who my parents hoped to breed from but she was diagonsed with fits (i can't spell the proper word!!) she had major one at 6 and died. Buster the dog... he was top dog and a huge one... loved by everyone, loved cherry coke, and demands cup of tea for breakfast! i grew up with him and been his best friend for 17 years (usual live expacty 10-12 years).... I had my own, Freud, few years ago he was such a laugh... he used to come out with us while we ride race horses... if can't kept up he'll find his way back, bless him, absloutely knackered. Got cancer at 10 and i had to let him go he had good life and wanted him go happy.

Good luck with widget.... don't forget photos.

Sorry if i hijacked your post....JB.

 

[Tempi]

i grew up with two and they were lovely - never agressive at all. However when young they can be really yappy and boistrous (altho arent most puppies?) but i think they do need firm handling and puppy training from as soon as you get them. They will pull on the lead unless trained to walk properly (theres nothing worse than seeing owners dragged along by their dogs when out walking).

 

[Tinkerbee]

Absolutely brilliant dogs! Grandparents have one and he is an absolute character! Friends have some as well and love them!