Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a small, wiry working terrier from the hills of the Anglo-Scottish border, bred to run with hounds and go to ground after foxes.

History

It was developed by border farmers and hunts to be small enough to follow a fox into its earth yet leggy and tough enough to keep up with mounted hounds all day. Its distinctive "otter-shaped" head and dense, weatherproof coat come from that working life.

Temperament

The breed is known for being even-tempered, hardy and affectionate — one of the more amenable terriers, good-natured with children and companionable at home while still game and full of drive outdoors. It gets on with people readily.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and mental work, secure fencing against a strong prey drive and love of digging, and responds well to reward-based training. The wiry coat needs occasional hand-stripping.

Health

The breed is generally healthy and long-lived; noted tendencies include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and a rare inherited cramping disorder. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.