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Border Terrier
This is a small dog, primarily
a working dog, and now a valued companion dog. The Border
Terrier has unlimited endurance and patience as a hunter. He
is renowned as a fox-hunting dog and will also chase badger,
marten and otter.
History:
The Border Terrier, as the
name suggests, originated in the hills between Scotland and
England. As with all Terrier breeds, there is a mixed heritage
in Lakeland, Bedlington, Dandie Dinmont and Redesdale (a white
Terrier now extinct) which is responsible for the white
markings sometimes found in pups. The name of the Border
Terrier was fixed in 1880, first registered by the British
Kennel Club in 1913, and recognized as a breed in 1920. The
Border Terrier is not very well-known outside of Britain, but
is popular in Sweden.
Physical
characteristics:
Height: not specified, but
around 12 in (32 cm). Weight: 13 - 15.5 lb (6 - 9 kg) for the
dog and 11.5 - 14 lb (5.2 - 6.4 kg) for the bitch. The head
shape resembles an otter's - broad skull, short, strong
muzzle; black nose and a scissor bite. The eyes are dark
hazel, not prominent, and have a keen expression. The ears are
small, v-shaped, of medium thickness, and fall forward close
to the cheek. The body is fairly long and the ribs are well
back, the tail is short, but thick at the base. The topcoat of
the Border Terrier is wiry and dense and has a thick
undercoat. The skin is also thick. The coat colors are red,
wheaten, grizzle and tan, or blue and tan.
Behavior:
The Border Terrier may be
small in stature, but it has a huge spirit. The Border Terrier
exhibits classic Terrier behavior: it is rugged and fearless.
This is one very determined dog. It was bred to keep on with
the chase and to bravely pursue its quarry through difficult
terrain. The Border Terrier makes an excellent watch-dog, as
it has a keen sense of its owner's territory. This dog is most
happy to alert you to the presence of potential intruders.
However, it must be properly trained to behave exactly as you
want. In most cases the Border Terrier gets along well with
other dogs. If two females are kept together, one should be
allowed to be the boss in order to avoid quarrels.
The
Border Terrier can make a good companion dog as long as it is
given a lot of tasks to carry out. These dogs thrive on their
owner's attention.
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