Border Terrier- The Affectionate and Happy Dog

Most of the people, especially kids, love a good pet companion. As the saying goes, dogs are a great pet companion. Well, it is true.Although sometimes dogs can be stubborn and unruly,they can surely cheer you up with their affectionate and adorable nature.

When it comes to affection, Border Terriers can surely fit the given criteria. So, if you’re looking for a dog to adopt or to buy, Border Terrier should be one of your lists. Here are the things you need to know about the Border Terrier!

Origin of the Border Terrier

Initially, the Border Terrier was referred to as the Redesdale Terrier or Coquetdale Terrier. Its name came from the area where it evolved, but in the late 1800s, it was then called Border Terrier because of the Border Hunt in the Northumberland. These kinds of dogs share their ancestry with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Bedlington Terrier. Also, its breed was recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club in 1920. Since then, the Border Terrier Club was born.

These dogs were not only good for being a companion, but they are also useful in capturing and killing rodents. Sometimes, Border Terriers were used for hunting badgers as well as otters. The first-ever recorded Kennel Border Terrier was the Moss Trooper, registered in 1912. However, it was recognized in the year 1920. Up to this day, the Border Terriers remain popular with the plain folks in the United Kingdom who are looking for an affectionate yet low-maintenance companion.

Characteristics of the Border Terrier

Height: 11 – 16 inches

Weight: 11.5-14 pounds (female Border Terrier), 13.5-15.5 pounds (male Border Terrier)

Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Group: Terrier Group

Border Terriers are notable for their otter-shaped heads, short muzzle, V-shaped ears, and common coat of tan, red, or wheaten. Border Terriers also have few and short whiskers, while their tails are short and somewhat thick. These affectionately happy dogs have a narrow body of about 11 to 16 inches. Male Border Terriers were usually 13 to 16 inches, weighing 13.5 to 15.5 pounds. Moreover, Female Border Terriers stand 11 to 14 inches with a weight of 11.5 to 14 pounds.

The Border Terriers have a double coat. Their undercoats are short, soft, and dense. However, their outer coats are usually without curls, harsh, and dirt resistant. These coats usually require dog grooming at least twice a year to remove dead hair.

Although, sometimes, Border Terriers are stubborn, these dogs are not aggressive. Interestingly, Border Terriers are also used for therapy, especially on elderlies and children. As well as that, they can also adapt to different environments and situations. They get along easily with cats and are independent and loyal. Nevertheless, they can be territorial and protective of their homes. All in all, Border Terriers are fun to be with and are brilliant petsto own.

Caring for Border Terriers

These types of dogs are hardly-breed, and there are some certain genetic health problems associated with them. These various genetic problems include hip dysplasia, seizures, heart defects, progressive retinal atrophy, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD), and Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome (CECS). With this, owners must make sure that their Borders are well-maintained and taken care of. Also, make sure to regularly visit your Border’s veterinarian for health check-ups and vaccination schedules.

Moreover, these spirited and affectionate dogs are energetic and require plenty of activities, daily exercises, as well as attention. Also, their coats require regular brushing and occasional trimming to keep it in shape. In addition to the things mentioned above, pet owners should also keep their Border’s health by giving them high-quality dry dog food per day over two meals. Border Terriers are prone to weight issues, so owners must measure their feed in order to determine whether your pet is in good shape. Aside from quality food, it would be best if you also took note to give your pet fresh water available at all times.

Interestingly, Terriers are intelligent dogs. With that, you can teach them proper training and help them learn new things that are essential for your pet’s well-being. However, Borders were also known to be independent dogs, which means that they sometimes chose to ignore commands.