Welcome to my Border Terrier Page, eventually I hope to have a far more detailed site on dogs, particularly Border Terriers here. I am very busy though, so I have put together this page, in the hope that it will still contain usefull information for anyone interested in Border Terriers.
This page deals purely with keeping Border Terriers as pets and companions. As that is what I have experience of doing. I don't show, or work my dogs, therefore these areas are not covered on this page.
Border Terriers originally came from Northumberland, on the border of England and Scotland. They were bred as working terriers to follow the horses and hounds of the hunt for many miles across very hilly terrain, and, still be energetic enough to go to earth after a fox. Consequently they are very lively dogs, and still retain many of the attributes that made them such good working dogs. They are a very unspoilt breed, and long may that continue.
They have a wire haired coat, and will need stripping once or twice a year. They can be either hand stripped, or a stripping knife can be used. Generally speaking they should not be clipped.
Border Terriers are real characters, full of charm and humour, they really do seem almost human at times. It's very hard to resist these delightfull little dogs.
Border Terriers bring alot of fun and joy into the lifes of their owners, they are always happy waggy tailed little dogs. Even just seeing a Border walking down the street, tail gaily wagging, makes me feel happy. It's very rare for a Border to look sad, though some of them do like to sulk, if you have offended them in anyway.
They are very intelligent, independant dogs, some of them can also be extremely stubborn at times. A Border Terrier who is determined to do something will often find a way to do it, no matter how hard you try to prevent them. They are adept at waiting untill your attention is elsewhere. A Border will quickly have you wrapped round it's little paw if you let it. You will need quick reactions, a strong will, and, often, eyes in the back of your head to deal with a Border Terrier.
Border Terriers are very steady dogs, normally they are good with children, and are generally considered to be less snappy than most other terriers. They normally get on well with other dogs, unless they have had a bad expeirience when young.
Border Terriers are very tough hardy little dogs, and don't normally like to make a fuss when ill. Consequently it can be rather hard to know when they are ill, so you do need to be quite vigilant. Some of them are great actors and, very skillfull at playing the wounded soldier, only to miraculously recover once something like food catches their attention. Personally I always err on the side of caution, better to make an unnecessary trip to the vet, than discover you missed something really serious.
Border Terriers are very loyal, they love to be with, or near, their owners, and like to go everywhere they can with you, if allowed. They enjoy a walk around the shops nearly as much as a walk in the country, and definately enjoy all the admiration they get, and new friends they meet. Most of the time, if well trained, they will behave immaculately but, on occasion they can do the most embarrassing things. Who ever said dogs don't have a sense of humour definately didn't know Borders.
Despite their small size, Borders are full of courage and make very good guards. They will let you and the whole street know whenever they hear or see anything suspicous.
All in all Borders make the most wonderfull companions and best friends. For anyone thinking of getting a Border or any other dog, please remember that when you get a dog you make a commitment to care for it and love it for the rest of it's life. In the case of a Border that could be as long as 15 years, more if you are lucky. It isn't right to get a dog and then abandon it when it becomes old or inconveinient, so, before getting a dog think carefully.
Border Terriers are very lively and energetic little dogs, they love going for long walks, and need lots of exercise. Remember that Border Terriers were originally bred to follow hounds and horses for miles across very rough country, so they really can go on almost forever.
Border Terriers will happily walk over almost any kind of countryside, even enjoying themselves in wind and rain. It's a delight to see them bounding through heather or over rocks, full of the joys of life.
The only time Borders aren't keen on long walks is in very hot weather, this breed is really not that keen on hot weather. In any kind of heatwave or hot weather, far better to let them rest and stay cool in the heat of the day. A gentle stroll in a well shaded area might be okay, but really it's better to walk them early morning or in the evening. Otherwise, these dogs can really suffer in the heat, probably due to their thick double coat.
If you love long walks, and want a furry friend as a companion to accompany you, then a Border Terrier is ideal.
Many Borders also participate in things like Agility, another excellent way of dealing with all that excess energy.
They also appreciate having gardens they can run around and play in. In their view the larger the garden, the better they like it, if you have more than one dog they will play happily for hours. Though they may wreck your garden in the process. Border Terriers are no respecters of things like flowerbeds, and they do love to dig.
All photos here are of our two Borders, Trixie and Tansy, some were taken a few years ago. All photos were taken by me. To view the full size version of any photo just click on the small thumbnail image.
Since this page was first made we have lost our border terrier, Trixie. She died aged 16 in November 2001, much loved and missed, this page at least a memorial to her and the fun and pleasure she brought to our lives. Always in our hearts.
In 2003 Tansy also died after getting pyrometra, she survived the operation for an couple of days, but due to suffering cushings and other health problems was sadly too old and weak to recover. She had an lovely long live as did Trixe, and died aged 16. From now on unless I am going to breed from an dog all of my bitches will be spayed to prevent pyrometra. I like to think that Tansy has gone to be with Trixe and that they are happily together again playing like young dogs in life they were virtually inseperable and I hope they are together now. Tansy and Trixie, our two T's as we used to call them, they live on in our hearts always loved, always treasured.
In October 2002 we got an new puppy called Merry, as in Merry Christmas, and yes we did walk around saying Merry Christmas to her all the time at Christmas. ;) She was 8 weeks old when we got her, and like an turbo charged miniture fur ball, with an insatiable desire to chew everything she could. She is now about 15 months old and is an lovely adorable happy dog who loves everyone and just wants to make friends with everything. I shall be making an section of this site just about her when I get time, for photos of her and her views on life go here. Later on more photos and info about her will be added, I also intend to add more photos and info about Trixie and Tansy, and make some kind of lasting memorial to them on here.
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