A Tidy, Tweedy looking dog. By Geraldine Tapping
Border terriers were first mentioned way back in the 18th Century up on the Borders of Scotland and Northumberland and were used as working Terriers hunting foxes that worried the farmers livestock.
All those years ago breeding was based on working ability and not appearance.
They were bred to have a good bone but not too heavy, strong jaws, a chest with sufficient capacity but narrow enough to get back out of the earth if need be.
Their longish legs probably helped the Border to follow the horse.
Border Terriers were not always known as Border Terriers. If we go back far enough we find they were once called Coquetdale Terriers.
Many Borders are still worked today.
In my experience a Border Terrier is a very clever, obedient, determined and loyal little dog. If trained correctly there is no end to what he can be taught. He has more patience than other breeds I have known. I have found their natural nature is to be ever so slightly reserved but always affectionate.
Borders have boundless energy and thrive on outdoor life. They do enjoy a warm bed by the fire but ours just spring to life when we are out and about.
Many Borders are now involved in agility and for me this is where my passion lies, as the dogs seem to love it so much and it’s great exercise for owners and dog.
Coat
The Borders Coat does require hand stripping and before you turn and run, I feel it is a skill that most of us can learn fairly quickly. Once learnt the stripping process does not take too long and the dogs benefit from a nice new coat. If you are thinking of showing borders then you will need to get the whole thing ‘just right’, but for pet Borders mistakes are not the end of the world. All just good old common sense. If you really couldn’t bring yourself to strip you dog yourself then the grooming parlours charge around £20 - £30 for a hand strip but you must insist on hand stripping only and never use clippers on a border as Clippers would ruin their coats.
Puppy versus Adult
No one can deny that raising your own puppy is a rewarding experience. Pups raised correctly, grow up to become well-adjusted little dogs. Raising a pup is time consuming and requires someone at home at all times. Patience and a sense of humour are required and I would also recommend a good dog book (there are many on the market) Please don’t underestimate the man hours needed.
If you are not at home at all times and have been thinking about having a dog then why not try the Border Terrier welfare as there are many Adult Borders, who through no fault of their own, require a new home.
Please email or call for further details
0208 8732592
geraldine.tapping@ntlworld.com