Of the thirty-three terrier breeds once used for hunting, ratting, and watching the land, the Border Terrier is one of the most tireless, most relentless of the group. These traits, most deserving of praise, likely came about at the start, when this breed was first developed.
Some time in the middle of the 19th century, the farmers and shepherds of the Northumberland Valley of Coquetdale»on the border of Scotland and England-- needed a working breed that would protect the livestock from hill foxes. More specifically, the needed a game terrier small and quick enough to trail foxes and at the same time enduring enough to follow alongside the ranchers» horses. Like the Border Foxhound it came to work with on the hunts, the Border Terrier was selectively, successfully bred.
The Border Terrier is still a success: it is especially obedient (and therefore easily trained) and is at its best in the fields and pastures where it has a tendency, a drive, and a seemingly tireless attitude. To be emphasized is how, although it is innately a pack-running animal (and therefore one of the least likely to engage in conflict or competition), if called to it will meet with confrontation with vigilance, refusing to back down or back off regardless of the size of its opponent. Back at the homestead, the breed is just as comfortable, adapting the contrasting indoor environment, resting his agile and active little body with a mild-mannered, loving temperament.
Yet since it is so notably active and alert, if the Border Terrier is not chasing fox or helping round up cattle, it must have daily exercise to maintain the mental acuity and alertness and the physical prowess of this smallish 13-16 inch,11-15 pound powerhouse.
As if its contributions to the household weren»t remarkable enough, the Border Terrier»with its short wire haired coat»needs very little grooming, save the occasional (every eight weeks or so) plucking of a knot or wire-brushing of its hair. But just because it is low-maintenance, is indelicate, and is so amenable, you should still pay attention to it»because the hunter that it is needs to dig, run, chase, and chew, and should not e left bored. And you can still give love and affection to this loving and affectionate breed. Except with food, which it will attempt to convince you it needs 24-7!
