Tell me about Border Terriers

Custard Cream

Custard Cream

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We've been thinking of adding a Border Terrier to our family for a little while. We have 2 Italian Spinones and have known a friends Border for a long time and really like him, so much that we would like one of our own.

The husbandry side of things is fine, we are a country home so lots of space for playing and walks. What I don't know is much about the breed standard and if it is of any relevance really. I'm not a huge fan of the KC so don't really hold much store by what they suggest is 'good' in a BT, but I did use them to find litters in our area, which we have done.

So, what should we look for in a BT? We don't do showing, so not fussed that way, but it would work a little and be expected to come out on hacks around the farm with the horses and other dogs.
 
If you search on here there was a long thread about them quite recently.
We have a show bred rescue and shes very quiet, would not have enough energy to hack with horses! My m-in-law who lives next door has two, a show bred and a worker. The worker is a little dynamo, slight and a bit 'on the leg' but goes like a rocket, is never tired and thinks rats were invented just to entertain her. The show one again is very calm and quiet.
So, I would search out a working strain, there are still some about.
 
Agree with Clodagh - go for a working line if you can. :D

We have had two BT's - Tugg, the firat was bred from show lines. Bear, our young chap, is completely different. He's from working parents, though his dad is national champion (somwhere exotic! ;)) and mum's a trials winner. Big, strong, athletic fellow in comparison to his predecessor. And I think he would also do agility if his owners weren't so geriatric!! He's blown the breed standard, for what its's worth:rolleyes:, out of the water. He's more than the suggested 7.1kgs max for an adult dog, but is most deffo not overweight, and not spannable either. He'd have no difficulty in following a horse, but I've never tested this. He's quiet in the house, but today he did have a blast at the neighbour's daughter who rode her Grandad's horse onto our yard without asking Bear first! Friendly without exception, and loves everyone, even the postman!

Couple of downsides, maybe. Recall can be almost non-existant. He's a terrier, after all, and therefore very focused. Jacket needs hand stripping twice a year (easily learnt;)), and it dosen't pay to be too house proud, as they are prolific shedders. Keep a wary eye on the waistline as well, and you won't go far wrong. ;)

Oh, and just because he's soooooo hansome, here's Bear The Border........:D

 
Of all the terrorists theBorder is about the most trainable and bidable!
I agree that you want working lines, there are many in the show and pet circuit that are either un-terrier like or way to big.

The ones I have had kept up with the horses with no problem. My last one I would go out on first lot and would be lucky if she came out of a hole when I rode by with the third lot!
 
We have two BT's - a boy aged 6 and a girl aged 5. Great family dogs, excellent with the kids (14, 11 and 14 months). They love to hunt - especially our girl, Ruby, and she will chase squirrels, rabbits, deer, etc but that's Terriers for you. Are quite happy with a 10 minute or a 10 hour walk. Sleep most of the day, not much malting but do need hand stripping (can be £35-£45 each time). Great characters, great fun, great dogs. Quite good at agility as well.
 
The Border Terrier posts have been really helpfull, we have been thinking of getting one for some time, we met a breeder last September at a country show and was really impressed with his terriers and how friendly they were. He has them for showing and working and two of them are PAT dogs. We now have our names down for a puppy and are really excited. Thank you everyone for posting.
 
My mother in law used to do border terrier rescue around here and there was always a few coming through. Mainly dogs as they can be little b*ggers when they get to 'that age' like all (most!) dogs they get over it if you hang in there.
 
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