| AKC Group: | Terrier |
| A.K.A.: | None |
| Functions: | Companion, Competition, Hunting |
| Year of Origin: | 1700s |
| Country of Origin: | Great Britain |
| Life Span (yr): | 14 - 15 |
| Colors: | Grizzle and tan, Red, Wheaten, Blue and Tan |
| Height (Inch): | 11 - 16 |
| Weight (lb): | 12 - 18 |
| Size: | Small |
| Hair Length: | Medium |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: |  |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: | |
| Grooming: |  |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
The Border Terrier has hazel eyes that clearly show his intelligence. His ears are small and shaped like Vs. They are located toward the side of his head and hang near his cheeks. They are usually very dark in color. His neck is muscular and quite long. It makes him look very well-proportioned. His tail is rather short and heavy at the base. It does taper to a rounded point and he carries it merrily when he is alerted to something. The coat of the Border Terrier is thick with a wiry outer coat. It is designed to keep him warm.
Temperament:
The Border Terrier is good natured, loving, and dutiful. He works hard and is happy to protect his flock. Some have described him as scruffy and brazen. He must be socialized as a puppy. Regardless, he should not be around small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits or even some cats. His hunting instincts may take over and lead to the demise of the poor little creature. He can be kind and friendly to children and he always wants his family to be pleased with him and his actions. The Border Terrier is quite lively, but with the proper training can be calm when necessary.
Health:
Pain is not a factor for the Border Terrier – for better or worse. For some reason he is has a very high tolerance for pain – so it is difficult to determine if he has an injury – he will just work right through it. The Border Terrier is prone to Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome or Spike’s Disease. Although similar to epilepsy, it is actually a different condition. Research is being done to gather more information on Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome and its cause and effect of the Border Terrier – it is unknown whether it is cause by a metabolic, muscular, or neurological disorder at this time.
Maintenance:
The hardy, wiry coat of the Border Terrier should be brushed every week and should be groomed by a professional at least two times each year. A natural appearance is the goal of grooming the Border Terrier - which can be very easy to obtain. Rarely, he should be bathed – to prevent his fur and skin from drying out. The Border Terrier loves to hunt and has tremendous stamina. Consequently, he needs an abundance of exercise. Without it, he will go stir-crazy and become destructive or overly rambunctious. A long walk, a swim, or a jog will suit his needs wonderfully.